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MEMOIR

OF THE LATE

WILLIAM WRIGHT, M. D.

FELLOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIETIES OF LONDON' AND EDINBURGH, ETC.

EXTRACTS FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE, AND A

SELECTION OF HIS PAPERS ON MEDICAL

AND BOTANICAL SUBJECTS.

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH; AND
T. CADELL, STRAND, LONDON.

MDCCCXXVIIL

P. NEILL, PRINTER.

CONTENTS.

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT, INCLUDING EXTRACTS
FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE,

t'agi.

SELECTION OF PAPERS BY DR WRIGHT ON
MEDICAL AND BOTANICAL SUBJECTS.

1. An account of the Medicinal Plants growing in

Jamaica, _____ 183

2. Extracts from Dr Wright's Herbaria, - - 246

3. A Botanical and Medical Account of the Quassia

Simaruba, or Tree which produces the Cortex
Simaruba, _-_-- 308

4. On the Potato, - - - - - 316

5. On the Antiseptic Virtues of Vegetable Acid and

Marine Salt combined, in various disorders ac-
companied with putridity, - 322

6. History of an Obstruction of the Rectum at birth,

successfully cured by operation, - - 328

7- On the Use of Cold Bathing in the Locked Jaw, - 330

8. Account of a Child who had the Small-Pox in the

Womb, 340

9. On the External Use of Cold Water in the cure of

Fever, 342

ii CONTENTS.

Page.

10. On the External Use of Cold Water in the Small-Pox, 347

11. An account of a Dropsy cured by Blue Vitriol, - 351

12. Farther remarks on the efficacy of Blue Vitriol in the

cure of Dropsy, - 355

13. Description of the Jesuit's Bark Tree of Jamaica and

the Carribbees, - 358

14. Description and use of the Cabbage- Bark Tree of

Jamiaca, _____ 360

15. An account of a remarkable fact relative to the Small-

Pox, ------ 365

16. Practical observations on the Treatment of Acute

Diseases, particularly those of the West Indies, 368
17- Report concerning the Diseases most common among

the Troops in the West Indies, - - 383

18. A Dissertation on the Yaws, - 399

19. Remarks and Observations on Febrile and Spasmodic

Diseases, with Cases, - 414

20. Dr Wright's Directions to Officers going to the

West Indies, - - - - 422

21. Instructions prepared by Dr Wright for a Person

about to sail for the East Indies and China, - 427

22. Directions regarding Troops embarked for Foreign

Service, - - - - - 430

Index, - - 433

MEMOIR

OF

DR WILLIAM WRIGHT

X HE mind of the late Dr Wright was frequently
occupied, particularly towards the close of his career,
with the idea of collecting his scattered papers, on
Medical and Botanical suhjects, and giving them to
the world in a connected form. The present publica-
tion had its origin in a desire to carry into effect the
purpose which Dr Wright himself did not live to
accomplish. It was afterwards thought desirable that
the papers should be accompanied with some biogra-
phical account of the author ; for which it appeared
that his extensive correspondence would furnish the
necessary materials.

His earliest letters are chiefly addressed to his pa-
rents ; and, from the ardent expressions of gratitude
with which they are chiefly occupied, as well as from
the struggles which they discover to share with them
his earliest earnings, it may be inferred, that the rank
to which he raised himself in society, in letters and in
science, was entirely the result of his own genius and
industry.

2 MEMOIR OF DIt WRIGHT.

He was born in the month of March 1735, at Crieff,
a village of Perthshire, delightfully situated on the
first rise of the Grampians, and, until the abolition of
heritable jurisdictions in 1747, a place of some import-
ance in this border district, from its having been the
seat of the stewartry of Strathearn.

It does not appear to what circumstances his choice
of the medical profession is to be ascribed. The fleets
and armies of Great Britain presented at this eventful
period, a field of enterprize well suited to his disposi-
tion and temperament ; and the early predilection
which he discovered for literary pursuits, would pro-
bably determine his preference of a learned profession
to that of a mere soldier of fortune. The ill-fated de-
scent of Prince Charles Edward on the shores of
Scotland, and the occupation of the Highland passes
in the neighbourhood of Strathearn, by parties of fo-
reign troops, under the Duke of Cumberland, whose
head-quarters were for some time at Crieff, in the year
1746, occurring at a period when the mind is so open
to permanent impressions, could hardly fail to inspire
a young person, more spirited and better educated
than his companions, with a passion for participating
in the stirring scenes of the period, and a desire to see
the world beyond the boundaries of his native valley.

It is an old observation, " that when children play
at soldiers, war is at hand ;" but, whether it is to be
taken as a sign of the times, or as an indication of his
own purpose to make some noise in the world, it ap-
pears that our young friend was the drummer of his
regiment, of which his brother James, about two

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. .9

years older, was the captain-commandant. It is said,
that on one occasion, when the staff of the Royalists
was passing- the Earn, a salute was fired from some
tiny pieces of ordnance, which the lilliputian army
had erected on the parapet of the bridge, without
much regard, probably, to political preference, when
the Duke of Cumberland was heard to say to one
of his attendants, that, however hostile the adult po-
pulation had hitherto shewn themselves to the House
of Hanover, he regarded this \\tt\c feu dejoie as a
symptom of their winning the affections of the rising
generation.

Having acquired the elementary part of his educa-
tion at the grammar school of Crieff, young Wright
was apprenticed, in his seventeenth year, to Mr
George Dennistoun, a surgeon in Falkirk, with
whom he remained till the year 1756. No record has
been preserved of the nature of his studies during the
period of his apprenticeship ; but, in a letter of Mr
Dennistoun to a friend of the family, dated the
31st of July 1756, he speaks of his young friend in
terms of strong attachment ; commends the earnest-
ness and diligence with which he had prosecuted his
studies, and expresses the strongest conviction of his
making a figure in the line of his profession.

In the winter of 1756 we find him in Edinburgh,
residing in the house of an uncle, attending the medi-
cal classes, and admitted to the society of several of
the professors in the University, with one of whom,
Dr Whytt, he appears to have lived on habits of in-
timacy.

A 2

4> MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

It is incidentally mentioned, in the course of the sub-
sequent correspondence, that Mr Wright had made
a voyage to Greenland in the summer of 1757 ; and,
in the winter of that year, we find him again engaged,
with his wonted ardour, in the acquisition of the know-
ledge which was necessary for the successful practice
of his profession.

At this early period, Mr Wright, in a letter ad-
dressed to his parents, on the occasion of his proceed-
ing to London for examination at Surgeons' Hall,
discovers some indication of those habits of providence
and forethought which marked his after life. The
letter is in the nature of a testamentary disposition.
It acknowledges the food and raiment with which he
had hitherto been provided ; the liberal education
which had been afforded him, and the acquirement of
a profession which was to make him independent of
farther assistance, should health and strength be grant-
ed. He authorises his father to uplift a legacy which
had been bequeathed to him by a deceased relative,
and assigns to his parents, and, failing them, to his
brother James, his whole means and estate, with any
pay which might be due to him at the time of his
death. To his brother he writes, on an envelope, that
his hopes of obtaining an appointment were not so
sanguine as he had led his father to believe, but that
he could not think of alarming his parents by the com-
munication of his own feelings of anxiety and suspense.

Another indication of his habits of method and ar-
rangement, and of the strict integrity which uniformly
regulated his most indifferent actions, is to be found in

MEMOIR OF 1)1! WK1GHT. J)

a letter addressed to his father, on the eve of his de-
parture from Edinburgh, in which he enumerates, with
scrupulous minuteness, the various periods of his resi-
dence in his uncle's family, and combats, with great
earnestness, the impression on his father's mind that
his uncle would decline any farther remuneration. He
quotes an observation which had fallen from his aunt,
soon after his going to Edinburgh in 1756 ; " just as
if she had been getting great board wages and 'pren-
tice-fee for him," which he says he had never been able
to forget. This, indeed, is the only feeling of bitter-
ness which can be traced through all his early corres-
pondence ; " and I am resolved," he says, " if God
spare me in life and health, that they shall have it."

He embarked at Leith on board a tender, with a
convoy of merchantmen, in company with seven other
students of medicine, who were proceeding, like him,
to push their way in the world. On their arrival at the
mouth of the Thames, they were put ashore on the
coast of Essex, and appear to have felt some of those
difficulties and extortions which the youthful and inex-
perienced are so liable to encounter on their first visit
to the metropolis. Mr Wright, on parting with his
fellow adventurers, proceeded to the house of an elder
brother, the son of his father by a former marriage, and
appears to have met with a kind and cordial reception.
His passage had been tedious and comfortless ; and, al-
lowing himself to be infected with the fears of some of
his companions, as to the success of their enterprize,
he seems to have reached his destination under the in-
fluence of a feeling of dejection, which was evidently

6 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

foreign to the firm and equal temper of his mind. On
his recovery from a fever with which he had been seiz-
ed immediately on his arrival, he writes to his father
and mother ;

" Dear Parents,

" Do not cast yourselves down at my present state of
health. I hope and trust in God Almighty I shall soon be
better. My brother, his wife and child, are well. They are
very kind to me, and let me want for nothing. When I write
next, I hope it shall be with more courage.''''

A few days afterwards, the result of his examination
is communicated in the following terms :

" Dear Parents, London, February 8. 1758.

" I wrote you about a fortnight ago that I had fallen
sick. I lay for ten days in a high fever, and every one thought
I should not live. The surgeon of the Princess of Wales'
armed ship at Leith attended me ; he is come hither for a
larger ship. I am now, thank God, perfectly recovered.

" I went to Surgeons'1 Hall with other three who came up in
the same tender, to be examined. We waited all in a large
outer hall, about thirty in number ; some for mateships in the
army, some for the navy. About nine at night, I was called
in before eight severe looking judges, who sat at a long table
in large white wigs. They asked me sternly where I was born
and brought up, — how long I had been a 'prentice, — whether
I had been at college, — and how I had spent my time since.
Having answered these inquiries, ' Well' says the president,
4 What are the contents of the thorax P1 I gave him every
particular but one, and that was the bag or covering of the
heart. ' Has not the heart a cover ?' said one. I imme-
diately recollected, and told him the name I was then strict-

MEMOIR OF JDR WRIGHT. j

ly examined on burns of all degrees, and desired to retire.
In five minutes I was called in, and ordered to pay down five
shillings. By this time I guessed my fate, and was vexed.
It was done, however, and I could not help it. I was de-
sired to attend at the Navy Office at 12 next day, and
there I should have my warrant. I went at the time ap-
pointed, and was desired to return at six in the evening; but,
on coming home here, I was obliged to take to bed, where I
lay until the fever left me. On the 4th of this month I went
to the Navy Office with one of my companions, who had like-
wise been ill. We were desired to return on the 6th, at
11 o'clock, and we should then get our warrants. We went.
Mine turned out to be second-mate of the Intrepid, 60 gun
ship. I shall have fifty shillings a month. To-morrow I
set out by the coach to Portsmouth. I hear the fleet will
sail on the 13th for North America.

" Dear Parents, I have had the best fortune of any that
came up in the tender. I am inclined to think they qualify
young men as they have occasion for them ; but I have liber-
ty, in six -months, to be re-examined for a higher station.
Had it not been for my Brother's kindness, my money would
by this time have been quite exhausted. I have had above
two guineas from him already, and am to have three more
to-morrow.

" I went to Lord Breadalbane's yesternight, and de-
livered Barcaldine's letter. He was very kind, and dis-
coursed with me a long time about my Greenland adventure.
He has few acquaintances in the Navy ; but, when he knows
my Captain's name, he will try to get me recommended to
him. His Lordship gave me a few franks for letters; he hear-
tily wished me success ; and so I left him. I am very much
obliged to Barcaldine for the introduction. If ever I be so
fortunate as to be qualified lor surgeon, I should not he
afraid, if my Lord were in London, but I should soon gel
my warrant signed.

8 MEMOIR OF 1)R WRIGHT.

" I am weary of this famous city already, and thankful I
leave it so soon.1-1

This letter is quoted at length, as affording a fair
specimen of M r Wright's early correspondence, and as
placing the native simplicity of his character in a point
of view which cannot he mistaken. The frankness
and condescension of Lord Bread albane had cheered
his drooping spirits. But the experience he was daily
acquiring in the ways of the world, and the confidence
he began to repose in his own resources, enabled him,
in a short time after this period, to affix a very mode-
rate estimate to the patronage of the great.

In answer to a suggestion of his brother, that he
should wait on Barcaldine, " I could wish," he
says, " for an opportunity to thank him for his good-
ness, but I have no desire to give him any farther
trouble in recommending me. I shall endeavour to
carry it through myself. If I succeed I shall value it
the more, as being free and independent. Had you
any idea of the servility and degradation which it is
necessary to undergo, and the protestations of grati-
tude which are expected, you would be of my opinion."

The sickness, anxiety, and embarrassment which
attended Mr Wright on his first arrival in London,
appear to have destroyed that sense of novelty and en-
joyment, on which it is usual for the youthful stran-
ger to place so high a value. The attentions which
he received from his brother's family left him only
with a keener sense of desolation, while preparing to
make his final plunge into the ocean of life. " Oh ! "

MEMOIR Or DR WEIGHT.. 9

says he to his brother James, in a letter of the
8th February 1758, " Oh ! my Dear Brother, ne-
ver come to this wicked place, but settle among your
own kindred, in your own country, and so you may
live happily. Had I been made some mean mechanic,
I should not have had occasion to range the world in
quest of bread."

Mr Wright was accompanied in his journey to
Portsmouth by Mr Thomas Steel, a young surgeon,
who had been his fellow student at the University of
Edinburgh, and with whom he contracted an intimacy,
which was only terminated by death. Soon after their
arrival, Mr Wright entered himself on the books of
the Intrepid; but he and Mr Steel were obliged, for
some time, to reside on shore, until their luggage and
bedding should arrive. His first impressions, when he
took up his quarters on board, were very unfavourable.
The crew he describes as " the refuse of mankind, and
the very dregs of the human race," whose dissipation
afforded full employment to the medical officers of the
ship. The Intrepid he pronounces to be " a plaguy
old hulk," the sickliest in the Royal Navy, and in such
a state of filth as to engender contagion. The jail
fever raged on board, for which no less than seventy
of the crew were, at one time, under medical treat-
ment. Mr Wright himself was seized with it, and
twice experienced a relapse ; but being with three of
his brother officers sent on board the Ruby Hospital
Ship, in Plymouth Sound, he speedily regained his
wonted strength.

The Intrepid was at this time commissioned by

10 . MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

Captain Pratten, an officer of some standing in the
service, who, with the temporary rank of Commodore,
was frequently entrusted, by the Admiral of the Chan-
nel Fleet, with the command of a cruizing squadron of
five or six ships of the line, and one or two frigates.
The surgeon of the Intrepid was Pierce Butler,
an Irishman, who is described as " the best of his coun-
try, good-natured, and well-bred in the extreme." His
first-mate, George Eason, a native of Dysart, in
Fifeshire, had been Mr Wright's fellow student in
Edinburgh.

While engaged in the Channel Service, Mr Wright
conducted a regular and very interesting correspon-
dence with his friends in Scotland, and particularly
with his brother James ; on whom, and afterwards on
his family, he appears, through life, to have concen-
trated the best feelings of a kind and affectionate dis-
position. The detail which he gives of the mode of
living on ship-board, from the cock-pit to the table of
the Admiral, is of the most graphic description ; and
it was no doubt at this period that he began to accu-
mulate that store of professional information to which
he was prompted by habits of method and persever-
ance, and which afterwards enabled him to contribute
so largely to the removal from the British Fleet of its
greatest scourge, the scurvy.

From the commencement of his career, Dr Wright
appears to have kept a regular journal of his practice ;
and even at this early period, his natural shrewdness
and sagacity are strikingly displayed in the reproba-
tion he applies to the prevailing practice in this dis-

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. 11

temper, and in the enlightened views which he de-
velopes of a more natural and rational mode of treating
this /lias malorum. Thanks to the radical improve-
ment in cleanliness and discipline which has long been
observed on board the Fleet, and to that better system
of anti-scorbutics, which consists in habits of tempe-
rance, in a liberal supply of wholesome viands, and in
strict attention to all that is known by regimen and
prophylaxis in general, the medical officers of the pre-
sent generation have triumphantly succeeded in pre-
venting, rather than in curing, the foulest blot in the
annals of the navy.

Mr Wright had the good fortune to be present
at the great naval engagement off the Isle of Rhe, on
the 4th of April 1758, under Sir Edward Hawke.
He shared in the prize-money of the Raisonnable 64,
commanded by Prince Me in in gen, which was cap-
tured by Commodore Pratt en, on the 26th of April in
the same year ; and on the 16 th of August 1759, he wit-
nessed the great victory which Admiral Boscawen
achieved off Cape Lagos over the French Fleet under
De la Clue. His untravelled correspondents would
no doubt read, with wonder, the account he gives of the
Turks and Egyptians, the Armenians and the Jews,
with the peculiarities he observed in their habits and
costume. Of the classic shores of the Mediterranean
he speaks with enthusiasm ; and with the deepest awe
and veneration, when he alludes to those places where
the authors of the sacred volume were visited with the
language of inspiration.

On the return of the Intrepid to Portsmouth to re-

12 MEMOIR OF Dlt WRIGHT.

fit after Boscawen's victory, Mr Wright, with the
concurrence of his commanding officer, and with the
friendly assistance of Mr Butler, the surgeon, and
his first mate Mr Eason, proceeded to London, and
offered himself for re-examination, with a view to his
advancement in the service. When in London, on this
occasion, he resided with the family of Mr Butler,
of whom he uniformly speaks in terms of regard and
attachment, which are equally creditable to both.
He succeeded in his mission, was rated first mate at
Surgeons' Hall, and returned to Portsmouth with his
warrant, which proved to be for the Danae, Captain
Sir Henry Martin, a 40 gun frigate, the finest, as he
describes her, at that time in the service. The letter
announcing his promotion, is written with great feel-
ing and moderation : " But, dear Brother," he con-
cludes, " I shall soon surmount all my difficulties ; and
assure yourself, that my first wish is to make you all
comfortable."

He had already, when only second mate of the
Intrepid, at fifty shillings a month, made two remit-
tances to his father : The one consisted of savings from
his little pittance of pay, the other of the prize-money
he had received when at Gibraltar.

His first cruize in the Danae was directed to the
north of Scotland ; and, soon afterwards, we find a
letter dated from Leith Roads, on the 8th of Decem-
ber 1759, in which he anticipates the pleasure of sur-
prizing his uncle's family with a visit, under better aus-
pices than when he last parted from them. The sig-
nal victory which Havvke had lately achieved over

MEMOIR OF J)]{ WRIGHT, l.'i

the Brest fleet, appears to have induced the belief that
a general peaee was at hand ; and accordingly lie con-
sults his brother as to the course which it would be
proper for him to pursue, on the supposition of his be-
ing turned adrift from the service. The homeward
views which he had begun to entertain are, however,
soon directed to other objects. M. Thorot, and a
French squadron, having made a descent on the West-
ern Islands, the Danae was directed to join in the
pursuit. Having at length succeeded in clearing the
coast of the privateers with which it was infested, the
Danae and her consorts lay for some time at Loch
Swilly, on the Irish coast ; and Mr Wright speaks in
the warmest terms of the hospitality of the inhabitants,
and of the introductions which he obtained to the best
society of the neighbourhood, through the favour of
his superior officers. " Colonel Vaughan," he writes
to his brother, " keeps quite an open table, and conde-
scends to express his disappointment if any of the of-
ficers of the expedition are known, when ashore at Loch
Swilly, to dine elsewhere than at his hospitable board."

Towards the end of the year 1760, the Danae re-
ceived an order, while stationed at Cork, which, un-
consciously to Mr Wright, imparted a colour to his
future fate. She was appointed to form part of a con-
siderable armament, which was to assemble at the
Cove, with orders to proceed to the Antilles, for the
protection of our West India possessions, and the re-
duction of Martinique. From Cork he writes to his
brother, on the 15th of December 1760:

" We arrived in Plymouth on the 210th of October,

14 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

when the ship was put into dock. During that time
I was not idle. Among other things, I made applica-
tion, at the proper quarter, for recovery of the last ten
guineas which I had directed to be sent to my father ;
and the ship having sailed from Plymouth before the
matter was adjusted, I have appointed Mr Oliver
Toulmain to act for me in my absence. If it should
please God to call me hence, he is empowered to re-
ceive all my wages and prize money ; and, as he is a
very honest man, he will give you a faithful account.

" We only arrived here this morning, having left
Plymouth on the 4th of the month ; and we are to re-
main in this harbour till the convoy is ready for sea.
If God spare me to come home again, I have the pro-
mise of being made a surgeon directly."

Some time after the date of this letter, the armament
under the command of the gallant Rodney, proceed-
ed on its destination. The strong redoubts of Port
Royal were obstinately defended by the French gar-
rison, who thus provided a long arrear of arduous duty
for the surgical department ; but the ultimate success
of the expedition was satisfactory and complete.

It was here that Mr Wright became acquainted
with Dr Saunders, Dr George Monro, and Dr
Garthshore ; with the last of whom he contracted
an intimacy, which eventually ripened into the warm-
est and most lasting friendship. The fall of Marti-
nique was immediately followed by that of Grenada,
St Vincents, and St Lucia ; and Mr Wright having
been successively transferred from the Danae to the
hospitals on shore, at Fort Royal and St Pierre, and

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. 15

from thence to the Culloden 74, and the Levant Fri-
gate, he was constantly engaged in a great variety of
practice in both departments of his profession. In the
course of the visits which he had an opportunity of
paying to the various islands of the Archipelago, he
enjoyed the best opportunities for observing the nature
and symptoms of tropical diseases ; and those particu-
larly to which the European is peculiarly subject on
his first exposure to the influence of the climate.

He had also, while thus moved about from one
station to another, some prospects of promotion, which,
however, were not realized until the conclusion of the
Seven Years' War.

From St Christophers, he writes on the 25th of July
1761 : " I have been recommended to Commodore Sir
James Douglas, and have come on board the Cullo-
den to wait for preferment, which I hope will be soon."
In a subsequent letter from on board the Levant, at
Antigua, he says, " My friend Sir James Douglas
has been suddenly despatched to the succour of Ja-
maica ; and I should have gone with him as first mate
in the Dublin, had not this frigate been unfortunately
out of the way ; so that my hopes of promotion are for
the present at an end."

The coloured population of the islands are described
by Mr Wright as a " spindle-shanked," attenuated,
race, differing in all respects, both moral and physical,
from their British forefathers. The Negroes, on the
contrary, are said to be healthy and robust ; " but no
one," he observes with truth and feeling, " endowed
with the common attributes of humanity, can witness

16 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT,

their sufferings, and reflect on their hard fate, without
pity for misfortunes which end but with their lives/'

It appears, however, that, in after life, his senti-
ments on the subject of Negro slavery had suffered a
material change ; and it is due to his memory to state,
that, in common with the great majority of those who
have long resided in our West India settlements, Dr
Wright retained these altered opinions after his final
return to Great Britain, and indeed long after he had
ceased to have any personal interest in the affairs of
the colonies.

In the year 1792, he was called upon to give his
evidence on the subject of the abolition of the slave
trade before a Committee of the House of Commons.
Among his papers a memorandum has been found
containing an answer to the following question : " How
comes it about that slave Negroes are able to labour in
the heat of the sun, which you allege so fatal to Eu-
ropeans ?" Dr Wright's answer was as follows : —
" From many conversations I have had with sensible
Guinea Negroes, I think they change their climate and
condition for the better. They described their country
to be hot, sultry, and in many places unhealthy ; their
habitations as temporary and miserable, infested by
noxious animals, and surrounded by hostile nations, so
that their lives and properties are perpetually in dan-
ger. They are brought to a fine healthy island, where,
in a little time, they find themselves quite at home, in
safety and under protection. The Negro is supplied
with every necessary of life, both in food and clothing.
He has a good house, and proper utensils. When at

MEMOIR OF T)R WMGtHfF. \7

length he is put to work, it is proportioned to his
strength. The heat of the sun is so far from beiiig
hurtful, he takes delight in it. This, too, is precisely
the case with his descendants."

In another place, he compares the comforts and ad-
vantages enjoyed by his own immediate domestics, in
a situation where all the misery of bondage was miti-
gated and softened down, with the privations of food
and clothing, which are too often suffered by the la-
bouring poor of his native land ; and, again, by still
stronger contrast, he refers to the savage habits of the
naked African in a state of nature, many of whom
he describes as having seen, with their teeth mechani-
cally sharpened, the better to enjoy, according to their
own confession, an inhuman banquet on the bodies of
their captive foes.

It is impossible to doubt the fact, that the situation
of the individuals who had providentally been rescued
from such a state of barbarism, and placed under the
guardianship of a man, whose heart overflowed with
the milk of human kindness, was immeasurably im-
proved. But, on a subject where reason is all on one
side, it is impossible to argue. In his original reproba-
tion of the practice of slavery, as well as in subsequent-
ly yielding to the prevailing habit of the country, Dr
Wright was equally guided by the influence of good
and honourable feelings, and permitted them to sup-
ply the place of arguments, which, to a mind like his,
must, under any other circumstances, have all arrang-
ed themselves in opposition to slavery in its most mi-
tigated form.

]8 MEMOES OF DB WRIGHT.

At the conclusion of the Seven Years' War, in 1763,
Mr Wright returned to Britain in the Levant fri-
gate, which was paid off on her arrival at Sheerness,
in the September of that year. Mr Wright appears
by this time to have adopted the resolution of return-
ing to the Antilles, and applying himself to the prac-
tice of physic in the island of Jamaica : " Being
wearied," he says, " of wandering, I would fain settle
ashore, but I fear it must be abroad, as our own coun-
try is full of my profession." With this view he re-
paired to London, and applied himself, with his wont-
ed assiduity, to those studies which the proposed
change of circumstances had in some degree rendered
necessary.

Although the general pacification which resulted
from the treaty of Paris, precluded all hope of obtain-
ing any farther employment in the public service, Mi-
Wright, with that stedfastness of purpose for which
his character was distinguished, immediately on his ar-
rival in London presented himself once more at Sur-
geons' Hall for examination ; when he obtained the
barren qualification of surgeon to a man-of-war, of the
third rate, which ranges from 6'4 to 80 guns. His
motives for making this application are described in a
letter to his brother, to have been the satisfaction of
his friends in Scotland, and the self-assurance that he
merited the advancement which he had hitherto been
unable to command. He laments the necessity which
compels him, from prudential considerations, to pre-
pare once more to cross the Atlantic, without being
able to see his aged parents, and with no definite pros-

.MEMOIK OF DB WRIGHT. 19

pect of a speedy return. " Nothing," he says, ^ could
give me more pleasure than to see you, nor greater
grief than again to part." The time he would thus
have spent he devotes to his professional improve-
ment ; — the money, he remits to his father, to purchase
those additional comforts which were suitable to his
advancement in years. In a subsequent letter, he ac-
knowledges the obligation which he owes to his bro-
ther for his acquiescence in the measure, and for the
kind interest which he took in reconciling their pa-
rents to so severe a trial of their patience. " The only
consideration which alleviates my grief," he adds, " is
the tender care and concern you have ever shewn
them. May God reward you for it, and enable me to
shew you my gratitude."

It was at this period that Mr Wright obtained
the degree of Doctor of Medicine, through the instru-
mentality of a gentleman who had served with him as
a surgeon in the navy, and whose father, Dr Simson,
at that time occupied a professor's chair in the Uni-
versity of St Andrew's, in which he was afterwards
succeeded by his son, the early friend of Mr Wright.

Of the five or six years which Dr Wright had
spent in the navy, he uniformly speaks as a series of
misfortunes ; but wisely comforts himself with the re-
flection, that the slowness of his advancement had
operated as a spur to his exertions, and prompted him
to improve himself by study, while others were wast-
ing their time in idleness and dissipation. Of this he
had a striking instance when he first went on board
the Levant, where the surgeon, a man of talent and

20 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGWT.

education, and many amiable qualities, had totally in-
capacitated himself for the duties of his station by
habitual intemperance. The labour and responsi-
bility which thus devolved on Dr Wright, without
any adequate remuneration, in place of relaxing his
efforts or disturbing his equanimity, only tended, as
we have seen, to confirm those habits of activity and
application, which were the natural bent of his well
constituted mind.

The last surgeon with whom he served in the Le-
vant was Mr William Collart, a native of Dum-
fries, who is described as a very good man, and an ex-
pert surgeon. In him Dr Wright found a disposi-
tion and habits congenial with his own ; and, but for
the disturbances which soon afterwards broke out in
North America, he had it in contemplation to accede
to a proposal which was made to him by Mr Collart,
of establishing a partnership in one of the British co-
lonies on that continent. The two friends resided to-
gether during Dr Wright's stay in London, and, on
his departure for Jamaica, he received a present from
Mr Collart of a valuable medicine chest, and an
assortment of surgical instruments.

In the intimate, uninterrupted, and confidential
correspondence which Dr Weight maintained with
his brother from the earliest period, there is, strange to
say, not the slightest trace of his having ever been un-
der the influence of the tender passion. He had al-
ways, indeed, a keen relish for a good-natured joke,
and was as ready to receive, as to return, a little well-

.i EMOIK OF !>K WKHiin . 2 1

•mant raillery, on a subject to which a bachelor of
twenty-eight is peculiarly subject. His uncle, for in-
stance, who had been for sometime a widower, inquir-
ing', in a letter addressed to him while in London,
whether his views have yet been directed to the sub-
ject of matrimony, and when he may hope to congra-
tulate him on being the Benedict, " Purely, my dear
Uncle," is ])r Wrk;ht's reply, " you imagine that I
measure my corn by your bushel. Make my compli-
ments to your intended, and say how my cousin Jean
enjoys the prospect of her new Mamma !" On ano-
ther occasion, he writes to his brother, " Well, then,
since all my old sweethearts have forsaken me, what
say you to my attacking some rich widow, and mak-
ing my fortune by a coup de main ?"

Having completed his preparations in London, and
almost exhausted his little store in the cxpences of
his outfit, Dr Wright sailed from the Downs on the
15th of December 1764, on board the Bonella, com-
manded by his friend Captain Duthie, who, with the
assistance of his lady passengers, enabled the little
party to spend a three months' passage with mutual
satisfaction. The Bonella remained fourteen days at
Madeira, where Dr Wright was well received in the
best society of the place ; and, in a letter to his bro-
ther, communicates a great deal of interesting infor-
mation as to the manners of the inhabitants, and the
natural history of the island ; but the necessity for
quoting it is in a great measure superseded by the
more recent researches of other travellers.

Dr Wright was provided with letters of introduc-

22 MEMOIR OF Dli WRIGHT.

tion from Sir Henry Martin, and other friends in
London, to some of the leading inhabitants at King-
ston ; but, on his arrival there in March 1/64, he
found to his mortification, that the supply of medical
practitioners in Jamaica, was, from the same causes
which left him unprovided, quite as much above the
level of the demand, as he had found it in Great
Britain ; insomuch, that individuals whom he had
known acting as surgeons in the navy, he found serv-
ing under indentures at the rate of £ 40 a-year. This
in particular he found to be the case, in the parish of
Savanna le Mar, where he had proposed to settle, so
that, on his return to Kingston, after a tour through
the island, he was induced to accept a proposal, which
his respectable introductions had procured for him,
from the principal practitioner of the place, Dr Gray,
to engage as his assistant. The term was limited to six
months, and the emoluments were at the rate of £ 1 00
per annum, with the addition of board and lodging,
which he describes as equal to so much more, from the
extravagant habits of the place, and the period, in the
article of dress.

This, however, was only a temporary expedient. He
never abandoned his purpose of engaging independent-
ly in practice ; and while he was yet hesitating what
course to pursue, he received a very welcome letter
from his old friend Dr Steel, announcing that his
business had become greater than he could manage,
and proposing, by means of a partnership, to share his
good fortune with Dr Wright. The offer was of

MEMOIR OF DIl WliK.UT. ''■'>

course very readily embraced, and the partnershijre'om-
menced on the 1st of November 1764.

Dr Steel's residence was at Hampden Estate,
about 150 miles from Kingston, at that time situated
in the parish of St James's, but afterwards, by subdi-
vision, in the parish of Trelawny, so called in honour
of Sir William Trelawny, the Governor. Hamp-
den was the property of Mr James Stirling, and
was at that time under the management of the late
Patrick Stirling of Kippendavie. The Negroes
under the medical charge of the two partners amounted
to 1200, which, at 5s. each per annum, produced a
considerable item of ascertained revenue. To this was
added a respectable medical practice among the free
population, within a circuit of ten or twelve miles.
Dr Steel and Dr Wright resided together, in a
snug little dwelling, about a mile distant from the
mansion-house of Hampden. Around their residence
they had an in closure of twenty acres, which served as
pasture for their horses. The whole was situated in a
valley of considerable extent, surrounded by hills of
great elevation. The climate is described as perfect-
ly salubrious, and constantly refreshed by alternate
breezes from sea and shore.

The profits of the partnership appear to have been
considerable, as, in six months after its commence-
ment, they had expended upwards of £ 500 in house-
hold furniture, and in the purchase of seven horses
and four Negroes : A short time afterwards they ac-
quired 107 acres of land, part of the estate of Hamp-
den, for which they paid £321. Their object in

24 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

making this purchase arose from an apprehension that
the estate might pass into other hands ; by which
they might not only lose the medical charge of the
Negroes, but he driven from the most lucrative portion
of their practice, among the free population of the
neighbourhood, — a feeling which Mr Stirling, the
superintendant, in his anxiety to serve his two medi-
cal friends, suggested, and obtained this mode of re-
moving. These efforts were not made, however, with-
out involving them in some temporary embarrassment ;
but Dr Wright, in a letter dated in September
1766, speaks with some confidence of being able, in
another year, to extricate themselves out of all their
perplexities. " Our business," he adds, " continues to
prosper, and, as my friend Steel and I are both of
us healthy, obliging and diligent, we hope to retain, at
least, if we do not extend, the practice we have already
acquired, notwithstanding the numerous competitors
who settle in our neighbourhood. Having already
discovered something of consequence in the way of
our profession, we are not without hopes that hereafter
we may be better known in the world."

In July 1 767, it appears that their Negroes amount-
ed to fifteen in number. Some of them were em-
ployed in clearing their little plantation. The labour
of others was let out to hire ; and this last he de-
scribes as the only possible mode of making a fortune
speedily, the annual profit being equal to 50 per cent,
on the value of the slave. In the mean time, Dr
^Y^RI(;HT is never forgetful of his friends at home.
With the family of his brother in particular, there

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. 2.)

seems to have been a constant interchange of mutual
good offices. His sister-in-law had been a school-
companion of his own, hut her marriage had not taken
place until after he had left the country. In his early
letters, however, he had probably anticipated the con-
nection, as he seems desirous, on all occasions, of in-
troducing some allusion to his favourite Efty Mac-
vkan, whom he describes as equally distinguished for
good sense and beauty, and for perfect good temper,
an every-day quality perhaps more valuable than either.
While his parents yet survived, their comfort and
happiness was the pivot on which all his homeward
views were turned. For some time after his settle-
ment at Hampden, he was unable to make pecuniary
remittances, but when he sent home a consignment of
cotton, to exercise his sister's industry, or a puncheon
of rum for his brother's table, it was always accompa-
nied with some grateful acknowledgment to the daugh-
ter-in-law, for her attention to his parents, and with
the most ardent commendation of the filial piety of
his brother.

The fears of the two partners lest they should lose
the valuable business of Hampden estate, on a sale of
the property, were happily disappointed. Their sepa-
rate practice proceeded prosperously, and progressively
increased ; and, in November 1 768, their success is
described as beyond their expectation. It was in the
midst of this scene of activity that Dr Wright re-
ceived an application from the University of Edin-
burgh, which appears to have given a fresh impulse at
least, if not a new direction, to his literary and scien-

26 MEMOIR OF DP, WRIGHT.

tific pursuits. A resolution had been recently adopt-
ed by that University, for the establishment of a
Museum of Natural History ; and the invitation which
was offered to Dr Wright, through the medium of
Dr Ramsay, the Regius Professor of the science, to
become a contributor to the collection, was accepted
with as much alacrity as it was afterwards prosecuted
with perseverance and effect. His earliest contribu-
tions were chiefly confined to the departments of Or-
nithology and Entomology, in which the stores of the
Museum have since become so copious and so rich.
In the preparation of his specimens, and in those in-
stances, especially, where any preservative process was
required, Dr Wright had a singular neatness of me-
thod and manipulation, which added greatly to their
value. They were uniformly accompanied with a ca-
talogue raisonnee ; and whenever objects of novelty
or curiosity occurred, a separate historical memoir was
added : but it is matter of regret, that the facts which
were thus accumulated, and the valuable correspon-
dence which was for many years maintained between
Dr Wright, while resident in Jamaica, and Dr John
Hope and Dr Ramsay, the Professors of Botany and
Natural History in the University of Edinburgh,
should be for ever lost to science and the world.

But Dr Wright never permitted the avocations
of science to interfere with the exact performance of
his professional duties. The leading characteristic of
his medical practice appears to have had its origin in
a close and discriminating attention to the operations
of nature, in opposition to the visionary views of in-

memoir of dr wiught. 27

experienced theorists. In the months of ApifC May,
and June of 1768, the district of Trelawney and St
James's, and the neighbouring country, was severely
affected with an epidemic smallpox, which proved fa-
tal to many who were seized with it in the natural
way. It appears to have been a custom among the
Maroons of Jamaica, as well as in some of the nations
on the coast of Guinea, to cover the body with wet
clay during the eruptive stage of the disease. Com-
bining this practice with the cool mode of treatment
recommended by Sydenham, and successfully pur-
sued by Sutton and Baron Dimsdale, and with his
own observation of the relief experienced by the pa-
tient, on exposure to the open air, Dr Wright was
induced to prescribe the cold-bath in cases of vario-
lous fever, whether proceeding from inoculation, or
taken naturally. The cold water was applied by as-
persion or affusion every four or six hours. By this
treatment the febrile symptoms speedily assumed a
milder form. An agreeable glow was succeeded by a
gentle perspiration, and the eruption was generally fa-
vourable *.

The happy results of the great discovery of Dr
Jenner, in staying the progress of smallpox, and
the prospect which it affords of at last effecting the
total annihilation of this scourge to the human race,
has deprived the success of Dr Wright's experiment
of much of its interest. But it is worthy of being
recorded, as presenting the first link of that chain of

* Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, \v. 123.

28 MEM< 111 OF DR WRIGHT.

circumstances which led to the external application of
water, as a remedy in fever and other diseases.

Neither, however, did the laborious and exhausting
duties of his profession, nor his undiminished zeal
for the interests of science, engross so much of Dr
Wright's attention as to make him unmindful of
those dearer ties which connected him with home.
In a letter to his brother, dated in July 1769, Dr
Wright says, " I am fighting hard for a little inde-
pendence, and hope in a few years, with God's bless-
ing, to secure it. I have already set bounds to my
ambition : When I arrive at that, I shall quietly get
home, and spend the remainder of my days with you
in my native land. It gives me the greatest satisfac-
tion to observe, that the harmony and good under-
standing between you and our parents, too seldom
seen in families, should continue to subsist in so emi-
nent a degree. The supplies which my sister is kind-
ly preparing for me will be very acceptable. I beg
that, in the mean time, she may continue to think
well of me, and give me a place in her affection and
esteem."

In the month of March 1770 Dr Wright was
seized with one of those intermittent fevers which, in
warm climates, arc so peculiarly dangerous. He had
caught the infection from a patient ; but the tem-
perance of his habits, and the natural soundness of his
constitution, joined to the assiduity and attention of
his partner, and his own medical skill, enabled him, in
a short time, to conquer the disease. In the follow-
ing June he says, " Our practice continues as usual,

MEMOIR OF DK v.'KK.liT. (2^i

and my health is quite re-established. However Tom
and I are heartily siek of this nay of life, and long for
the time when we can leave it with a good grace,
that is, when we can do without it."

Having erected a house on their plantation, and
named it Orangehill, the two partners went to reside
there in the year 1771. By this time their slaves
amounted to thirty-three, so that it became necessary
to engage a white man to superintend them

In this year, also, he began his magnificent collection
of dried plants, arranged and described according to the
system of Linn..: is. A copy of the third edition of
the Species Plantarum, printed in 1764, is now in the
possession of Dr THO.vsoNof Glasgow, in which all
those species are marked, amounting in number to 7i>l,
which had been examined and verified by Dr Weight
during his residence in Jamaica. The popular names,
by which they were known in the island, are generally
added, and reference is made to those elaborate pro-
ductions of BnowNE and Sloane, to which the na-
tural history of Jamaica is so much indebted, in every
case where the great Swedish naturalist himself had
omitted to do so. -V point of interrogation has been
placed against a number of additional species, to indi-
cate probably that Dr Wright had not fully satis-
fied himself of their identity with the specimens which
had fallen under his observation. These particulars
are recorded as affording some indication of the pro-
gress which Dr Wright was making in this fascina-
ting study, and of the origin of that splendid herba-
rium which he had accumulated during his residence

.30 MEMOIR OF I)R WliKJHT.

in those regions, where the climate and the soil are
equally favourable to the productions of the vegetable
kingdom, and where nature appears to have exhausted
her efforts in the gay profusion of her gifts. But the
enquiring mind of Dr Wuight was not to be limit-
ed to the mere purposes of classification and arrange-
ment in his botanical pursuits. The practice of me-
dicine was not in his hands a matter of dull and or-
dinary routine. His attention was constantly applied
to its advancement as a science, and while he discover-
ed an extraordinary diligence in procuring the results
of the latest observation, from all the quarters of the
world of letters, he was indefatigable in availing him-
self of the peculiar advantages which he enjoyed in
making his researches in the school of Nature.

The valuable information which Dr Wright was
so industrious in acquiring, he was equally ready to
communicate. He was visited by every scientific tra-
veller who made the natural history of the British
West Indies the subject of his study. To such visi-
tors the ordinary offices of hospitality formed a small
part of the obligation which they had reason to ac-
knowledge. With a liberality for which collectors are
not universally remarkable, his own stores were always
open to the inspection of the curious, and his dupli-
cates were readily bestowed on such as could appre-
ciate their value. The habitats of the rarer objects
of pursuit were carefully pointed out ; and when the
time or the limits were exhausted within which his
own personal attentions could be conveniently devoted
to the accommodation of his visitors, he provided them

MEMOIll Ol' DR W-RIG-HT. .3 t

with letters of introduction to such friends as would
be able to promote their views. He had opened a
correspondence, in both hemispheres, with men of emi-
nence in his own profession, as well as in general
science, and had placed himself in communication not
only with many of the learned societies in Great Bri-
tain, but with some of those infant establishments on
the continent of North America, which are destined,
in future ages, to give a new lustre to the parent
stock by an honourable rivalry. The extent of his
living contributions to the Royal Gardens at Kew,
and of his liberal additions to the dried collection of
Sir Joseph Banks, are matters of historical interest.
His personal friends * were supplied with equal libe-
rality, and by their means, not less than by his genius
and application, his name, as a naturalist, became fa-
vourably known wherever the science of nature was
encouraged.

The simplicity as well as efficacy of the remedies

* It is in acknowledgment of obligations of this kind, as well
as in compliment to the great attainments of Dr Wright in the
same paths of science with himself, that Dr Storks of Chester-
field has dedicated to him his learned and elaborate work, en-
titled the Botanical Materia Medica, in four volumes 8vo. Dr
Stores avails himself of the public opportunity afforded by the
dedication, to call upon Dr Wright to resume his pen, and com-
municate to the world all that he bad observed in the plants and
diseases of the West Indies. This eminent botanist speaks of the
Herbarium of Dr Wright, which he had seen at Edinburgh, as
one of the most complete collections which had ever fallen under
his observation. Dr Storks is understood to be still a survivor
of Dr Wright ; and affords another instance of the efficacy of bo-
tanical pursuits in promoting longevity.

S§ MEMOIR OF DR WIUCJHT.

employed by Dr Wlll(iHT, are strikingly illustrated
by the following memorandum : " In 1772," he says,
" I was sent for to see a person ill of a fever, at a consid-
erable distance from Orangehill. His name was Wil-
liam Jewel, aged about thirty years, and by trade
a cooper. He had caught the fever by exposure to
the heat of the sun ; and it was attended with the
usual symptoms of remittents. He had been attended
by a person of no experience, who had already admi-
nistered several drastic vomits and purges.

" I found him in a hot room, with all the doors and
windows shut, stewing with warm drinks under a
load of bed-cloaths. His headach was great — his thirst
intolerable — his skin burning hot ; nor were the symp-
toms abated by the partial sweats produced by the
warm drinks, the bed-cloaths, and the surrounding
curtains. My first object was to cool the atmosphere
in which he breathed. I drew aside the curtains, and
caused the blankets to be gradually removed. The
door was opened, and the Venetian lattice of the win-
dow was let down, so as to admit a free circulation of
the external air, without permitting it to blow in the
direction of the bed The poor man was greatly re-
lieved. ' Will you,' he said, ' indulge me with a cup
of cold water?' ' Most certainly,' I replied, and hand-
ed him a half pint tumbler. He drank it hastily,
with a thousand thanks, and was much refreshed.
After ten minutes he begged for another, which was
also granted. In a short while he exclaimed, ' You
have saved my life, I am cool and comfortable ! The
skin was now restored to its natural heat, a kindly

MEMOIR OF DR WEIGHT. 33

perspiration succeeded, and my patient was inclined
to sleep. Next morning he was perfectly free of all
complaint, and recovered without the use of any other
medicine."

In the year 1774 Sir William Trelawney
was succeeded in the government of Jamaica by Sir
Basil Keith, in whom Dr Wright had the satis-
faction to find a man of congenial sentiments, who
could appreciate the value of his labours in the pur-
suit of knowledge. For his first introduction to the
new governor, Dr Wright was indebted to the late
Dr HorE of Edinburgh ; but soon after Sir Basil's
arrival in the island, on the occasion of his tour of
inspection of the territory of his government, Dr
Wright had the pleasure of making his personal ac^
quaintance. He paid his respects to the governor at
all those points of the journey which were consistent
with his professional avocations, and he speaks of the
entertainments which were prepared, on this occasion,
by the principal inhabitants, for the reception of the
cortege, as placing the luxury and splendour of the
western world in competition with the extravagance
of oriental pageantry.

In the month of September 1774, Dr Wright re-
ceived the appointment of surgeon -general of Jamaica,
an office of honour and distinction, but not connected
with any direct emolument or revenue, and important
only as it indicates the station to which Dr Wright
had been able to raise himself by his own unassisted ef-
forts, and as it marks the esteem in which he was

c

M MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

held by the respectable and gallant officer to whom
the government of the island had been entrusted.

It was in 1775 that Dr Wright made known the
Cinchona Jamaicensis, a species of the Jesuit Bark tree
which he discovered in the island, and of which a full
description was afterwards published on his return to
Great Britain. The inner bark of this species he re-
commends as equally efficacious in medicine with that
which was formerly known to apothecaries, but like
it as losing some of its valuable qualities by the ne-
cessary process of desiccation.

It was in this year also, that Dr Wright first ap-
peared before the world as an author. A medical
paper of his was read before the Philosophical Society
of Philadelphia, and published in the second volume
of their Transactions. In this paper a medicine is
recommended which is well deserving the attention of
the professors of the healing art at the present day.
It respects the treatment of diabetes, a disease which
continues to baffle the skill of the most eminent phy-
sicians. Some have attempted to cure it by restrict-
ing the patient from vegetable aliment, and confining
him to the use of animal food and a stimulating regi-
men ; some by the copious exhibition of opium ; some
by blood-letting ; and some by the use of emetics ad-
ministered in such doses as to occasion nausea. Dr
Wright's remedy consisted of lime-juice, saturated
with sea-salt ; and in addition to the more direct and
satisfactory evidence which his own experience afford-
ed, it is right to notice the theoretical advantages
which are claimed for it by one of the most eminent

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT; .85

chemists of the present day, in a manuscript memoir
of I)r Wright, which has never been published. " It
is remarkal)le," he says, " that the usual acids which
it appears to be the province of the kidneys to form,
either disappear altogether, or become exceedingly
scanty. These arc uric acid, sulphuric acid, and phos-
phoric acid. In place of these, a quantity of sugar is
found in the urine, and must be produced by the kid-
neys, the office of which appears, in this disease, to be
perverted. This disappearance of acids would lead to
the notion that, in all probability, acids might be use-
ful in this hopeless disease."

The historv of the process of reasoning which leads
to important discoveries, is always an interesting sub-
ject of inquiry. But, in the present case, it is neces-
sary to dismiss the ingenious hypothesis which has just
been quoted, without suggesting a better : For, in
writing, many years afterwards, to his friend Dr
Gartshore, in answer probably to some inquiry on
the subject, Dr Wright observes, *' that he was
not led to the use of his specific in diabetes, by the
doctrines of the modern chemistry."

About this period, also, Dr Wright found leisure
to write a number of those papers which were after-
wards given to the world, on his return to Great Bri-
tain. This can only be accounted for by the systema-
tic arrangement of his hours and duties ; by the adop-
tion of the golden rule, " A time for every thing, and
every thing in its time ; a place for every thing, and
every thing in its place ;" and by those strict habits of
temperance and moderation in all his appetites, for

C 2

36 MEMOIR OF Dli WRIGHT.

which he was distinguished. By this time, however,
he began to experience a yearning desire to return to
his native country. It was not exactly that home
sickness to which the inhabitants of mountainous re-
gions are said to be peculiarly subject, but was com-
bined with that strong affection for his parents, which,
up to this period, was the master emotion of his mind.
" Crieff," he says in a letter to his brother, " you think
one of the finest villages in Scotland. I thought so
too : but if my ideas are altered on seeing it again, I
cannot help that. I hope not, and that I may find
the society of the place, and its neighbourhood, so
agreeable as to induce me to sit down quietly amongst
you. Whether, after an absence of eighteen years,
twelve of them of excessive fatigue in this sultry cli-
mate, my inclination would lead me, or my ability or
strength admit of my practising again at home, I can-
not determine till I see you. I cannot come to you
till next summer. It is enough that my reasons are
good, and cannot be dispensed with. It has given me
much concern ; but I must not allow my health or
spirits to be affected by it, but endeavour to preserve
them to be a comfort to our parents."

In the following year, he again writes, " I am doing
every thing I can to get away from this island. Pray
remember me with affection to my father and mother,
and help them to keep heart. Remember me also to
my sister, and the little strangers. After an absence
of nineteen years, my acquaintances in Crieff must be
few ; but my memory is strong ; and if a single fea-
ture remains unchanged, I shall be able to recall it."

The adjustment of accounts with their numerous

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. 37

debtors, appears to have occupied the attention of Dr
WEIGHT, and his partner Dr Steel, during the great-
er part of the year 1776. Every thing seems to have
been conducted in the most amicable manner, as well
between the partners themselves, as in their settlements
with third parties. But at a period when the rate of ex-
change was very unfavourable, Dr Wright found so
many difficulties in realizing what was due to him,
that he at length resolved, in the month of July 1777,
to embark for England, and on the 1st of August, he
set sail from Montego Bay, on board the Thomas Hall,
Thomas Mercer, commander, bound for Liverpool,
accompanied by a fleet of seventy-six merchantmen,
and protected by a convoy of three ships of war.

About two years before Dr Wright's departure
from Jamaica, his friend and partner Dr Steel was
married to the daughter of a neighbouring planter;
but that circumstance produced no alteration in Dr
Wright's domestic arrangements. The two friends
continued to reside together under the same roof?
maintaining to the last that perfect harmony and mu-
tual good understanding which had continued undis-
turbed during a connection of fourteen years. In his
anxiety, however, to effect his purpose of breaking
away from Jamaica, Dr Wright was at last obliged
to content himself with such a supply of money as his
immediate exigencies required, and to leave the great-
er part of the fruits of his labour to the proverbial un-
certainty of West India remittances, after his arrival
in Great Britain.

On the 22d of August, the fleet experienced a vio-

38 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

lent gale, which lasted for several days ; so that twen-
ty-two sail parted company, " and no doubt some of
them," Dr Wright observes, " have fallen into the
hands of the rebels." The rest of the passage was
stormy, and would now be considered tedious, the fleet
having been at sea for sixty-five days.

It was in the course of this passage that an event
occurred, which is not only important as it affords an
illustration of Dr Wright's character for moral cou-
rage and professional skill, but as it has become so pro-
minent an object in the history of the healing art, and
has had so material an influence in improving the lot of
humanity. It would be doing injustice to the subject
to record the fact in any other than Dr Wright's own
words.

" On the 1st of August 1777, I embarked," he says..
" in a ship bound to Liverpool, and sailed the same
evening from Montego Bay. The master told me he
had hired several sailors on the same day we took our
departure, one of whom had been at sick quarters on
shore, and was now but in a convalescent state. On
the 23d of August, we were in the latitude of the
Bermudas, and had had a very heavy gale of wind for
three days, when the above mentioned man relapsed,
and had a fever, with symptoms of the greatest malig-
nity. I attended this person often, but could not pre-
vail with him to be removed from a dark and confined
situation, to a more airy and convenient part of the
ship ; and, as he refused medicines, and even food, he
died on the eighth day of his illness.

" By my attention to the sick man. I caught the con-

MEMOIR OF DB W&1GH1 ;$9

tagion, and began to be indisposed on the 5th oT Sep-
tcmber ; and the following is a narrative of my case.
extracted from notes daily marked down. I had been
many years in Jamaica ; but except being somewhat
relaxed by the climate, and fatigue of business, I ailed
nothing when I embarked. This circumstance, how-
ever, might perhaps dispose me more readily to receive
the infection.

" September 5, 6, 7. — Small rigors now and then ;
a preternatural heat of the skin ; a dull pain in the
forehead ; the pulse small and quick ; a loss of appe-
tite, but no sickness at the stomach ; the tongue white
and slimy ; little or no thirst ; the belly regular ; the
urine pale and rather scanty ; in the night restless,
with starting and delirium.

" September 8. — Every symptom aggravated, with
pains in the loins and lower limbs, and stiffness in the
thighs and hams.

" I took a gentle vomit on the second day of this
illness, and next morning a decoction of tamarinds;
at bed-time an opiate, joined with antimonial wine ;
but this did not procure sleep, or open the pores of the
skin. No inflammatory symptoms being present, a
drachm of Peruvian bark was taken every hour for six
hours successively, and now and then a glass of port-
wine, but with no apparent benefit. When upon
deck, my pains were greatly mitigated, and the colder
the air the better. This circumstance, and the failure
of every means I had tried, encouraged me to put in
practice on myself what 1 had often wished to try on
others, in fevers similar to my own

40 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

" September 9. — Having given the necessary direc-
tions, about three o'clock in the afternoon, I stripped
off all my cloaths, and threw a sea-cloak loosely about
me, till I got upon the deck, when the cloak also was
laid aside. Three buckets mil of salt water were then
thrown at once upon me. The shock was great, but I
felt immediate relief. The headache, and other pains,
instantly abated, and a line glow and diaphoresis suc-
ceeded. Towards evening, however, the same febrile
symptoms threatened a return, and I had again re-
course to the same method as before, with the same
good effect. I now took food with an appetite, and,
for the first time, had a sound night's rest.

" September 10. — No fever, but a little uneasiness
in the hams and thighs ; used the cold-bath twice.

" September 11. — Every symptom vanished ; but,
to prevent a relapse, I used the cold-bath twice.

" Mr Thomas Kirk, a young gentleman passenger
in the same ship, fell sick of a fever on the 9th of Au-
gust. His symptoms were nearly similar to mine ;
and, having taken some medicines, without experien-
cing relief, he was desirous of trying the cold-bath,
which, with my approbation, he did on the 11th and
12th of September ; and, by this method, was happily
restored to health."

In the course of the correspondence which will fee
introduced in the sequel, there may probably be occa-
sion to recur to this interesting and important narra-
tive ; but it is proper, in this place, so far to antici-
pate the chronological order of events, as to notice
that the narrative itself was communicated to the

MEMOIR OF DK WRIGHT. 41

London Medical Society in 1779, and was published
by Dr Simmons, in the London Medical Journal for
178b*.

As an illustration of the circumstances, and of the
general train of reasoning which led Dr Weight to
the adoption of this bold and successful experiment on
his own person, it may here be mentioned, that, in the
course of his practice in Jamaica, he had repeatedly
employed the cold bath in cases of tetanus, or locked
jaw, and other convulsive disorders. On this subject,
Dr James Lind, in the fourth edition of his Essay on
the Diseases of Hot Climates, page 271, published at
Edinburgh in 1778,* puts the following inquiries : —
" As the locked jaw most frequently makes its appear-
ance in warm weather, and in hot countries, would not
an immediate change of air prove the means of saving
the patient's life ? And where it is impossible to re-
move the patient into a cool air, would not some be-
nefit be derived from the immersion of the whole
body, or part of it, in cold water, adding frequently
sal ammoniac, or nitre, in such quantities, that, by
their continual solution, the water may acquire the
utmost degree of coldness ? Agreeable to this, my
friend Dr Wright has of late very successfully
employed at Jamaica, the affusion of cold water
on the naked body, in cases of locked jaw."

The ancients were undoubtedly acquainted with the
advantages of the cold bath in this disease ; but they
supposed that its beneficial effects did not extend to
such cases as originated in wounds, or local injuries ;

* The first edition appeared in 1768.

42 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

a limitation of its efficacy which Dr Wright ascer-
tained to be erroneous.

On his arrival in Liverpool, on the 5th of October
1777, he found that the debility produced by the
fever, and the discomforts attending a tedious passage
in stormy weather, had considerably impaired his
general health. To this was added the state of hazard
and uncertainty attending a West India investment
of property, which at that time was greatly enhanced
by the alarm which had arisen as to the future stabi-
lity of the whole trans-atlantic possessions of the
crown. Above all, he was agitated by the contending
emotions created by the desire to proceed to Scot-
land, and embrace his parents and his friends ; and by
the opposing calls of prudence and of duty which re-
quired him to direct his steps to the metropolis, for
the superintendance and protection of his own pecuni-
ary interests, with those of his partner Dr Steel, and
other friends in Jamaica, the charge of which his obli-
ging disposition had prompted him to undertake.
These latter considerations predominated ; and after
recruiting his strength for a few days at Liverpool, he
proceeded by easy stages to London.

During his stay in London, Dr Wright resided with
his friend Dr Gartshore, who had established him-
self in a lucrative and respectable practice in St Martin's
Lane, in the obstetric department of the profession.
The correspondence he had long maintained on lite-
rary and scientific subjects with Mr Banks and Dr So-
lakdeb, those accomplished naturalists, and enlight-
ened men, who had already circumnavigated the globe
in quest of knowledge, afforded him a ready introduc-

MEMOIK Ol DR WRIGHT. 43

tion to classes of society, to the enjoyment ofwhich
it is no mean ambition to aspire. He writes with rap-
ture of the weekly conferences at the house of Sir John
Pringle — those nodes canaeque deum, — at which
he had often the happiness to assist ; and there is no
limit to the enthusiasm with which he expatiates on the
celebrated collection of Mr Banks, to which he had
the satisfaction of adding several hundreds of speci-
mens. Among his personal friends, he had the plea-
sure of ranking ])r Fothergill and Dr William
Pitc aiiin, two distinguished collectors, between whom
there subsisted an honourable and friendly rivalship,
to the amusement of their contemporaries, and the
benefit of science, for priority and precedence in the
number and the rarity of their acquisitions.

In such circles, the company of Dr Wright was
courted, from the ample store of information he pos-
sessed, and from the talent for conversation which en-
abled him to make his knowledge at all times available,
independent of the rich collection of exotics which he
brought with him to Europe, and the liberality with
which he shared his riches with his numerous friends.

Soon after his arrival in London, he was induced to
submit a memoir to the Royal Society, at that time un-
der the presidency of Sir John Pringle, on the sub-
ject of tlie cabbage-bark tree of Jamaica, which was pub-
lished with illustrative engravings, in the Philosophical
Transactions for 1778. Ostensibly as an acknowledge-
ment for this communication, but rather, as he inclin-
ed to regard it, in testimony of the friendship of Aii
Banks, and the other magnates of the aristocracy of
letters, he was admitted a Fellow of the Royal Society.

44 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

after the shortest period of probation which was con-
sistent with the due observance of its rules.

The hours which could be spared from the import-
ant duties which detained him in London, he had
thus the fullest opportunity of employing with advan-
tage and satisfaction. In the Royal Gardens at Kew,
that noble monument of the taste and munificence of
George III, Dr Wright possessed peculiar sources
of information and enjoyment, in watching the progress
of those natives of the torrid zone, which he had formerly
transmitted to Mr Aiton, the superintendant, as a con-
tribution to this splendid epitome of all that is rare and
valuable in the vegetable kingdom. In Mr Aiton
himself, the respectable author of the Hortus Kew-
ensis, he found an able and obliging assistant in his
botanical researches ; so that in the society of his
literary friends in London, and in his devotions at the
shrine of Flora, in this her favourite retreat, he found
alternate sources of solace, from those harassing cares
which threatened to deprive him, and the friends for
whom he had toiled, of the hard earned fruits of
twenty years' labour and anxiety.

To an original thinker like Dr Wright, who ad-
mitted no dictum upon mere authority, nor any
theory without evidence, it was no inconsiderable ad-
vantage to have an opportunity of submitting the
views which had been elicited, under the peculiar cir-
cumstances of a tropical climate, and an insulated
situation, to the candid and confidential examination
of the highest names in the profession. At the stated
meetings of the London Medical Society, and at the

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. 4>5

private houses of many of its most distinguished mem-
bers, he enjoyed this advantage in a very eminent de-
gree ; and while at these interesting interviews he
supplied his full quota of ratiocination and discovery,
he was enabled to bring up the state of his informa-
tion to the level of the latest improvements in the
medical art. It was on the records of the Medical
Society, that the evidence was preserved of Dr
Wright's indisputable priority in the use of cold
water in fever, by the communication of that remark-
able narrative, from which an extract has already been
given. But although the narrative itself was read at
three different meetings of the Society, and although
it was communicated in consequence of a request that
it should appear in the sixth volume of the Medical
Reports ; yet such is the force of prejudice in the
highest walks of a profession which claims, par excel-
lence, the palm of liberality, that the interesting paper,
and the important facts which it recorded, were silent-
ly suppressed ; so that it was not given to the world
until the second return of Dr Wright from the
West Indies in 1786.

In consequence of the gloom which at this period
pervaded the western horizon, and of the probability
which thence arose of its being necessary to resume
the practice of his profession, Dr Wright was warmly
urged by many of those friends who could appreciate
his talents, and were acquainted with his medical skill,
to set himself down as a physician in the metropolis.
But whether from a certain diffidence of manner in the
presence of strangers, which, in his case, may be said

46 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

to have been constitutional, and the total want of that
brusquerie and self-assurance, so necessary to success
in this bustling profession ; or whether he was actua-
ted by an undefined and lurking preference for the
northern capital, he hesitated about the adoption of
the advice which was offered him ; and at length re-
solved, as appears by a letter to his brother, to be
guided by the opinion of his friends on the other side
of the Tweed.

Dr Wright left London on the 15th of January
1778, and arrived soon afterwards in Edinburgh.
From thence he proceeded to Crieff, where, if we may
judge from the hiatus in the correspondence with his
brother, he appears to have made a stay of several
months.

When a young man sets out in life with firmness
of character and habits of reflection, sufficient to guide
him, unassisted, on his onward path, he generally pro-
poses some object in the distance as the goal for which
he is to strive. In the case of Dr Wright, the even
tenor of his way was never disturbed by any project of
unreasonable ambition. The purpose of contributing
to the comfort of his parents in their declining years,
was, in his case, more a passion than a duty. It con-
strained him to hasten his departure from Jamaica
prematurely ; and the pain and disappointment he ex-
perienced must have been proportionably aggravated,
when he found his expected remittances so miserably
deficient as to be little more than equal to his own
immediate wants.

With the view of offering some tangible induce-

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. 47

incut to Dr Wright to take up his abode among his
friends in Perthshire, his brother had, some time be-
fore his arrival, erected a house for him, which was al-
ways known in the neighbourhood as " Dr Wright's
house."' To insure its fitness in point of warmth and
comfort for the reception of a visitor from the torrid
zone, Mr James Wright and his family had removed
into it, leaving their own house unoccupied, to wait
Dr Wright's arrival. But in the painful state of
uncertainty in which he found his affairs to be involv-
ed, he thought it best for the present to forego any se-
parate establishment, until he should be able to form
some definite resolution as to his future mode of life.
He continued to foster the hope, that such a favour-
able change might arise in the aspect of public affairs,
as would enable him, by realizing his West India in-
vestments, to accomplish a long cherished purpose of
purchasing some small estate in his native county.
In the mean while, he would not permit his brother's
family to return to the inferior accommodations of
their own residence, but proposed, until better times
should arrive, to reside with them in the new house, as
their friendly lodger.

It was in the course of this visit that Dr Wright,
with his usual warmth of feeling, attached himself,
with paternal tenderness, to his nephew, James
Wright, the only son of his brother, a boy at that
time about eight years of age. He undertook to su-
perintend, as well as to defray the expence of, his edu-
cation— a duty which he discharged with exemplary
fidelity ; and thus, by a reciprocity of the most en.

48 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

clearing sentiments of gratitude and affection, drew
close the ties which nature has entwined around the
domestic hearth. Thus arose an attachment afford-
ing scope and exercise for the best and purest attri-
butes of humanity, but liable, alas ! like all human
possessions, to premature decay. Let us indulge the
delightful assurance, that the interruption which their
intercourse sustained by the too early death of a young
man of the highest promise, was only destined to con-
tinue for a season, and that their restoration to each
other has now been placed beyond the reach of ca-
sualty or change.

In the course of the summer of 1778, Dr Wright
made the tour of the west of Scotland, partly in pur-
suit of the objects of that delightful science which

Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in every thing —

and partly with a view to make the personal acquaint-
ance of those literary and scientific correspondents
with whom he had long been on habits of epistolary
intercourse. Of this number was the Earl of Buchan,
at whose seat, in the neighbourhood of Linlithgow,
Dr Wright spent several happy days.

On his arrival in Edinburgh, at the conclusion of
his tour, Dr Wright was invited to become a mem-
ber of the Royal College of physicians. But in the
uncertainty under which he still laboured as to the
course which it might be necessary for him to pursue,
and in the precarious condition in which his finances
unfortunately remained, making so small a matter as

\n..\ioii: OF DB WRIGHT. 49

L.50 an object of some consideration, he judged it
prudent to postpone at least the acceptance of the
honour proposed to him. He did not hesitate, how-
ever, to avail himself of the opportunity which was
afforded him by the politeness of the profession, of
profiting by the lectures of Black, Monro, and
Cullen, whose reputation at that time shed a lustre
around this northern seat of science.

About this period, also, he writes to his brother,
that a number of literary gentlemen, consisting chief-
ly of physicians, lawyers, and divines, had formed
themselves into a Philosophical Society a few months
before * " While last at Crieff," he says, " I was elect-
ed a member. They mean to publish periodical vo-
lumes of literary and philosophical essays, and as my
stock of observation is considerable, I shall be at no
loss in furnishing my quota."

On the death of his friend Dr Ramsay, the Pro-
fessor of Natural History in the University of Edin-
burgh, in the month of December 1778, a proposal
was made to Dr Wright to become his successor ;
but although it was never doubted by the patrons of
the University that Dr Wright was peculiarly fitted
to conduct the study of a science in which his mind
had been so deeply engaged for the greater part of his
life, yet he thought it right to discourage, and at
length definitively to decline, the proposal, in conse-
quence, as it appears from his letters to his brother, of
certain scrupulous misgivings as to his own qualifica-
tions in some subordinate departments of the science.

* This Institution gave rise to the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

D

50 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

The summer of 1779 was again devoted to his
friends in Perthshire, so that another blank has been
created in the correspondence with his brother, from
whence the greater part of the materials lias been de-
rived for the earlier portion of these imperfect sketches.
His brother seems to have been urging him thus ear-
ly to assist in the choice of a profession for his ne-
phew. In a letter dated from Edinburgh, he says,
" I shall be glad to hear from Jemmy. His profes-
sion in life must be left to himself. I wish it may be
one that will not oblige him to wander, as I have
done, amidst a thousand difficulties, anxieties and dan-
gers." It was in this year that Dr Wright had to
lament the loss of his father, at the age of 84, a cir-
cumstance which only tended to strengthen the bonds
of affection between him and the other members of his
family.

On the 18th of September 1779, he writes to his
brother, that a squadron of French men of war had
been cruising in the estuary of the Forth for several
days. He mentions that they had made a number of
captures, and appeared to threaten a descent in the
neighbourhood of Leith. On the 23d of September,
he again writes, " I have received all the things you
mention — the sword in good condition. He that
would not draw one in defence of his country, is un-
worthy to live in it.''

At the instance of his friend Mr Banks, who had
now been called by the unanimous voice of the fel-
lows to the chair of the Royal Society, Dr Wright
was induced to direct his views once more to the island

MEMOIR OF Di; wricmt. 51

of Jamaica, which, with our other West India posses-
sions, had long been menaced by a powerful arma-
ment under the French admiral D'ESTAIGN. About
the end of the year 1779, a corps of infantry was raised
under the name of the Jamaica Regiment, a condition
of whose sen ices it was that the corps should not be
called on to do military duty beyond the limits of the
single island for the protection of which it was origi-
nally organized. This regiment was given to General
Rainsford, a near relation of Mr Banks, through
whom Dr Wright received the appointment of re-
gimental surgeon, an office which he accepted the
more readily, as it afforded him the prospect of a fa-
vourable opportunity for placing his pecuniary con-
cerns in a more satisfactory position.

Before leaving Edinburgh on this occasion to as-
sume the medical charge of the troops, Dr Wright
was induced to become a licentiate of the Royal Col-
lege of Physicians, with a view probably to his be-
coming a fellow of that respectable body on his return.

The first detachment, consisting of five hundred
men, was placed under the command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Balfour, with whom Dr Wright pro-
ceeded from London to Warwick on the 1st of April
1780. In external appearance and physical force,
the detachment is described as a fine body of men,
but ranking, in point of morals, on the very low-
est level, having chiefly been drafted from the over-
flowings of the London prisons, and several of them
having been recognized by Dr Wright as the lead-
ers of the mutiny in one of the regiments of Scottish

u 2

52 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

fencibles, which, concurring with the presence of a
French squadron in the Firth of Forth, created so
much alarm in Edinburgh in the year 1779.

On their arrival at Hillsea Barracks, Portsmouth,
on the 23d of June, the troops were reviewed by Gene-
ral Monkton, and, on the 27th of July, they were
embarked on board the transports prepared for their
reception, which, with a fleet of merchantmen, amount-
ing in all to fifty-five sail of unarmed vessels, were
placed under the protection of the Ramilies 74, the
Thetis and Southampton frigates On the 29th, the
fleet was joined off Portsmouth by the Inflexible 74,
and two other ships of war, by whom they were at-
tended for eight days, until their force was strength-
ened after clearing the Channel, by a powerful arma-
ment under the command of Admiral Geary. On
board the Morant transport, in which Dr Wright
had embarked, he had for messmates Lieutenant-
Colonel Balfour, Captain Croker, and three sub-
alterns, besides the Adjutant of the regiment, his wife,
and four children. Two full companies of the corps,
with women and children, made the total number, ex-
clusive of mariners, amount to 202 persons on board
the Morant. The squadron under Admiral Geary,
with a fleet of Indiamen, soon afterwards parted com-
pany, so that the fleet from Portsmouth was again left
under the exclusive guardianship of the Ramilies, the
Thetis and Southampton.

Two days after the separation, a dense fog arose,
and at day-break, on the following morning, when in
the neighbourhood of Cape St Vincent, the Morant

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. '53

found herself under the wake of a line of battle ship,
bearing Spanish colours, and a Vi(£-AdmiraPs flag. At
a short distance they could descry several French men-
of-war, one of whom was distinguished by a Rear-Ad-
miral's flag ; and it soon became obvious that the whole
of the transports and merchantmen had fallen into
the hands of the combined fleets of France and Spain,
— a loss, perhaps, the greatest which the mercantile
navy of Great Britain had ever sustained. The force
of the enemy was so overwhelming that any attempt
at resistance on the part of the Commodore would have
been quite unjustifiable. The return of the fog af-
forded the only chance of escape ; and in this they
were disappointed. The ships, however, were cleared
for action : Cabins and catheads were knocked away :
the soldiers were placed under arms ; and such guns
as they had on board the Morant were cleaned and
prepared for the reception of the enemy. These pre-
parations having been observed on board of the
Spanish Admiral, the Morant was saluted with a
broadside, which being directed chiefly to the rigging,
cost them the life only of one poor woman, the wife
of a sergeant of the regiment. The Adjutant and
his family were permitted to remain on board the
Morant ; but the other officers were transhipped to the
Bourgogne, a French 74 ; and having been permitted
to carry with them their personal luggage, Dr
Wright had the address to secrete the colours of his
regiment in one of his trunks, and two days afterwards,
when on board the Bourgogne, to get them thorough-
ly destroyed.

/)4 MEMOIR OF Dlt WRIGHT.

The British officers were greatly amused with the
manners of the Frenchmen, and with their habits and
discipline, or rather want of discipline, on ship-board.
M. Mariex, the commander of the Bourgogne, is de-
scribed as a sloven in his dress, at table a gourmand,
and a gascon in conversation. The favourite topic of
the day was the supremacy of the House of Bourbon,
and the speedy prostration of all Europe, before the
arms of the Allies. On the 29th of August, the fleet
cast anchor in the Bay of Cadiz, and, on the 3d of
September, the British officers were placed on their
parole, and permitted to land. On this occasion Dr
Wright had the greatest difficulty in escaping from
the courtesies of M. Marien, who thought it neces-
sary to express his sorrow at parting with his prisoners,
by kissing them from ear to ear,

The officers were landed at Santa Maria, and con-
ducted to the Passado, where they were civilly saluted
by well dressed people of both sexes, with " How do
senor Inglese." They afterwards went to the amphi-
theatre to see a bull-baiting, which seems to have been
a sad scene of butchery, nine wretched animals having
been first goaded to madness, and then destroyed ; but
the Spaniards pronounced it poor sport, as neither man
nor horse had suffered any injury.

On the following day they were marched into the
interior, under a military escort, commanded by an
Irish officer in the Spanish service, of the name of
Malone. The town of Xeres de la Frontera, so fa-
mous for its white wine, completed the first day's
march ; having passed through a district in a high

MEMOIK 01 DR WRIGH I . j.'>

state of cultivation, and remarkable chiefly for its rich
plantation of olives ; but they arrived too late for any
better supper than bread and cheese, with a seasoning
of garlic ; nor could they prevail on their host to pro-
duce a flask of sherry, except such as was too new to be
fit for the table. The next day's inarch brought them
to Arcos, where the British officers found themselves
to be objects of great interest to the wondering na-
tives. They had now arrived at the location assigned
for them by the Spanish authorities ; and they lost no
time in making themselves as comfortable as the place
and the circumstances would admit.

Arcos is a town of Moorish origin, situate on the
summit of an eminence on the banks of the Guadalete,
which, in the course of ages, has worn itself a deep and
precipitous channel, and has in several places under-
mined the ancient buildings and fortifications of the
town. During their residence in Andalusia, the Bri-
tish officers had frequent occasion to place the activity
and industry of their own countrymen in favourable
contrast with the habits of the natives. The narrow
streets of Arcos were constantly thronged with crowds
of idlers, in such extraordinary numbers as to induce
Dr W might to make some general enquiry on the
subject. From the result he was led to the conclu-
sion, that the modern Spaniards had sadly degenerated
from their forefathers, in every moral quality, and that
industry and virtue had in a great measure been exi-
led from the Peninsula with the Moors. During the
olive season, and the period of the vintage, which to-
gether do not occupy more than two or three months,

60 MEMOIR OF 1)11 WRIGHT.

these people are able to earn enough to support them-
selves in idleness for the remainder of the year ; but
this, perhaps, affords only another modification of a
principle which is common to human nature. In fa-
vourable seasons our own artisans are known to work
only so many days of the week as will enable them
to devote the remainder to idleness and relaxation.
The machinery of the olive-press was of a most im-
perfect description, similar in form, but inferior in
power, to that which was then used in Scotland, in the
manufacture of linseed oil. The flocks of sheep in the
neighbourhood are spoken of as highly valuable ; and
great attention appears to have been paid to the pro-
cess of irrigation, by which the value of the pasture
was materially enhanced.

Within a circuit, of which Arcos was the centre,
the radius being equal to six English miles, the
British officers were allowed to ramble, and to en-
joy the amusements of fishing and shooting. In the
sluggish and muddy waters of the Guadalete, they
found abundance of eels and mullet ; and on the banks,
a rich variety of aquatic plants, for the commencement
of a new herbarium, Dr Wright having lost the va-
luable collection which he had brought with him from
England, on his transhipment from the Morant to
the Bourgogne. On the one side, the mountains of
Grenada encroached on their allotted boundary, and af-
forded considerable variety to the sports of the field.
On the low grounds they had a great variety of wild
fowl, with hares and rabbits in abundance ; but the
sportsmen of the party found their chief amusement

MEM-OIB OF DB WRIGHT. UJ

in hunting the wolf on the first rise of the moun-
tains.

While the other officers, however, were restricted to
these narrow limits, the medical skill of Dr Wright
introduced him to a wider circle of usefulness and en-
joyment. In many of the diseases which he had occa-
sion to notice during the excessive heats of September
and October, he observed a strong analogy with those
which are usually described as peculiar to tropical re-
gions ; and the remedies which this analogy suggested,
were found to be attended with the most successful
results.

The ridicule of their great national satirist appears
to have never reached the medical practitioners of Ar-
cos. Bloodletting and warm-water, the favourite prac-
tice of Sangradoj was here the order of the day. At this
period, indeed, the medical student enjoyed no other
means of acquiring a knowledge of his profession than
by living in family with a practising physician, and at-
tending him on his visits to his patients. At Sala-
manca and Seville, and most of the other Spanish uni-
versities, the course of study seems to have been con-
fined to the philosophy of Akistotle, the doctrines
of civil law, and the tenets of scholastic divinity.
There was, it is said, at that time but one demonstrator
in anatomy in the whole province of Andalusia, and his
residence was at Cadiz. Surgery was in consequence
in the lowest state of degradation. The business of
the apothecary was distinct, indeed, from the practice
of the physician : but surgical operations were an
object of competition between the apothecary and

58 • MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

the barben At the shops of the apothecaries Dr
Weight found the greatest difficulty in supplying
himself with the medicines he reo^ired. The pr«r
scriptions of the physicianslie found as tedious, and
their materia medica as complicated, as they had been
in Great Britain a century before. But, as the prin-
ciples of inductive reasoning had not* yet found their
way into the Spanish seats of learning, it was not to
be supposed that the simplicity of modern science
could be successfully applied to the practice of medi-
cine, until the light of knowledge was more generally
diffused.

The simplicity,, the novelty, and success of Dr
Wright's practice among his brother officers, and
their families, soon attracted the attention of the gen-
tlemen of Arcos and its neighbourhood. In cases of
difficult labour, it was a recognised rule that the in-
fant should, if possible, be saved, although at the ex-
pence of the life of the mother ; and the reason as-
signed for it was, that another christian might be add-
ed to the church. A rule so abhorrent to the feelings
of humanity, was followed by its natural result. The
compulsory care of the physician was terminated by
the ceremony of baptism ; and from thenceforth the
young christian was consigned to the care of some ig-
norant domestic.

Dr Wright's introduction to the native society
of Arcos, originated in a case of this kind Don An-
drea Cambrea, a man of considerable fortune, and
of high rank in the secular department of the priest-
hood, waited on Dr Wright, and represented to him

MEMOIR &e ni; WRIGHT. 59

that the infant daughter of his brother was so danger-
ously ill that the family physician had declined to pre-
scribe for her. Having prevailed on DrW« IGHT to visit
the little girl, he found a case of fever incident to child-
hood, which happily yielded to the antimonial powder
which he administered. From this period his hands
were full of practice ; and leave was obtained for him,
in several important cases, to extend his visits far be-
yond the line by which the rambles of his fellow pri-
soners were circumscribed.

On one occasion, he Was requested to proceed to
Cadiz to attend a lady, whose case had been given up
as hopeless by the physicians of tha place. On his ar-
rival there, he found to his surprise that his patient
was a near relation of his old friend Butler, the sur-
geon of the Intrepid, and that she had been one' of a
family of children who had sailed with him as passen-
gers from Gibraltar to England, in the year 1759.
The family had been for some time settled in Cadiz ;
and such of them as chanced to have been born in
Gibraltar were recognised as Spanish subjects by the
authorities of the place. • It was otherwise with the
older branches, who were natives of Ireland. They
were regarded as aliens, and were forced to reside at a
distance from their friends, in the interior of the coun-
try, where several of them had formed connections
with native families of distinction. Through this
channel Dr Wright was enabled to recover a part of
the property which he had been induced to abandon
on board the Morant, in his anxiety to secure the co-
lours of his regiment. He obtained the greater part

60 MEMOIR OF Dlt WRIGHT.

of his books, but of the collections of dried specimens,
on which he placed the greatest value, no trace could
afterwards be found.

The jealousy of his fellow prisoners was, however,
chiefly excited by the admission which his fame pro-
cured for him into the nunneries of Arcos, — a privi-
lege which he found to be valuable only in proportion
to its singularity, and possessing no attractions after
he had gratified the first impulse of curiosity. On
such occasions the foreign physician was attended by
the prior of a neighbouring convent, who, through
the medium of Latin, was in use to act as interpreter
between him and his patients. The greatest precau-
tion was observed on their admission. They were
preceded by the Lady Abbess, and one of the most an-
cient of the sisterhood, who, in their progress through
the long passages of the building, kept incessantly
tinkling the hand-bells which they carried to announce
their approach, and, as may be supposed, to warn the
fair inmates against the unseasonable indulgence of an
idle curiosity. The hall into which they were shewn
was uniformly darkened, and the Doctor was permit-
ted to sec his patients, as they were successively intro-
duced, by the light of a lamp. It was with great diffi-
culty that the ladies were persuaded to unveil, and
not until the Doctor had declared that he could not
prescribe, with any chance of success, until he had seen
the faces of the fair invalids. But the age of romance
had passed away, the uplifted veil discovered neither
youth nor beauty, and even the genius of a Radcliffe
would find no materials for a talc of mystery in the

MEMOIR OF DB WRIGHT. 61

professional visits of Dr Wkight to the nunneries of
Areos.

Tlie departure of the British officers from the terri-
tories of his Catholic Majesty, was unexpectedly acce-
lerated by the discovery of certain emblems of free-
masonry in the possession of one of the party, which
appear to have excited the vigilance of the officers of
the Inquisition. An entry was forcibly effected into
the lodgings of the young gentleman who possessed
the unfortunate apron ; but, on the proposal of the
Corregidor, with his posse of priests and officials, to
extend their domiciliary visits to the houses of the other
officers, the English gentlemen resolved to resist the
intrusion, and to repel force with force. The local
functionaries of this dark tribunal were startled at the
resolution of the British strangers ; they desisted from
farther molestation ; but, in ten .days afterwards, an
order arrived from Madrid to march the prisoners
across the Spanish frontier.

On this occasion they were again escorted by their
old friend Mr Ma lone. Their route lay across the
Guadalquivir, leaving the city of Seville, to their great
regret, about three miles to their left. On the tenth
day of their march, they reached the left bank of the
Guadiana, where they were left by Mr Malone and
his party, to fight their way as they best could through
the Portugueze territory, to the shores of the Atlantic.

It was agreed on all hands that Lisbon was the most
convenient point for embarkation ; but a difference of
opinion arose as to the route to be adopted. A divi-
sion of the party was at length resolved on. The one-

69 MEMOIR OF DH WRIGHT;

half undertook to traverse the mountainous regions of
the ancient kingdom of Algarve; but Dr Wright,
and the remainder of the party, proposed more pru-
dently, if we may judge from the event, to follow the
course of the Gnadiana, and engage a coasting vessel
to carry them and their baggage to the mouth of the
Tagus. Having been thrown upon the Portuguese
territory without passports, the provincial authorities
refused to recognise them as the subjects of a friendly
power ; and those gentlemen who proceeded overland
to Lisbon were seriously maltreated in the course of
the journey. The coasting party were more fortunate.
They dropped down the Guadiana, and proceeded as
far as Taro in an open boat. At Taro they rested
four days, and having freighted a sloop to carry them
to Lisbon, they reached that city in safety on the 21st
of December 1780.

On the 24th. they embarked in the Hampden
packet : and. after a pleasant passage, arrived at Fal-
mouth on flic 6th of January 1781.

Dr \Vkk;ht was accompanied, in his Peninsular
adventure, by a young gentleman who had resided for
some time with his friends in Edinburgh ; but his des-
tination being the Island of Madeira, where the Ja-
maica Regiment was to have touched in the course of
its passage, Dr WRIGHT consented to undertake a
charge which probably proved more serious than he at
first anticipated. On their arrival in London, how-
ever, about the middle of January, they found that an
uncle of his protege* had arrived from Madeira, to whom
the guardianship of the young traveller was immediate-

M E won; of dh w \:n.i\ r. li:;

l\ assigned. The superior facility which this young
gentleman displayed in tin.' acquisition <>i the kindred
languages of the Peninsula, as compared with the im-
pesfeot advances of his Benior associates, affords a strik-
ing confirmation of the received opinion, thai youth is
the most favourable period for this department of
study.

Immediately on bis arrival in London, Dr Wright
reported himself to General Rainsford, the Colonel-
in-Chief of the Jamaica Regiment, by whom he was
thanked for the signal service He had performed in pre-
venting the regimental colours from falling into the
hands ot* the enemy.

r»\ a scrupulous interpretation, as it appears, of
the code of honour, rather perhaps than from an\
obvious necessity arising from the principles or prac-
tice of international law, it was held that the Bri-
tish officers wore precluded by the parole which they
had subscribed on their landing at Cadi/, from enga-
ging in the hostilities which still subsisted with France
and Spain, until they should be relieved b\ a regular
exchange oi' prisoners, notwithstanding the unceremo-
nious and extraordinary way in which their expulsion
had been effected from the Spanish territory. To Dr
Wright, in particular, this delay was extremely vexa-
tious* His last advices from Jamaica informed him
that the health of his attorney was in a \cr\ pivcarious

condition, and he was aware that, by this gentleman's
death or incapacity, the wreck of his fortune would be
placed in the greatest jeopardy. Under all thr cir-
cumstances, however, lie chose rather to wait the o\-

(J4 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

pected cartel with Spain, than hastily to throw up a
commission which had been procured for him by his
friend Mr Banks, at so providential a crisis. In the
mean time, he resumed his favourite pursuits, and
sought for solace from the cares of the world in a closer
application to those studies which are perhaps best
fitted to sustain the " mens sana in corpore sano"

About this period, Dr Wright had to lament the
loss of his friend Dr Fothergill, the celebrated
Quaker physician ; but the kindness of Mr Banks,
and his friendship for Dr Garths h ore, had suffered
no intermission or abatement.

In the midst of the anxiety which the embarrass-
ments of Dr Wright's situation were calculated to
excite, he was never unmindful of the interest he had
taken in the son of his brother, nor of the task with
which he appears to have tacitly charged himself, of
superintending his young friend's education. " When
I formerly advised you," he says in a letter to his bro-
ther, dated the 12th of October 1781, " to have your
son James taught some mechanical employment, I
was induced to say so, from the innumerable difficul-
ties I had met with in working my own way through
life. Destined to be myself a wanderer over the face
of the earth, could I recommend that James should
follow a profession which has subjected me to so much
hardship, distress, and danger ? It is very right to
send him to the Perth Academy. He is now old
enough to be sensible of the importance of a good edu-
cation ; and he must double his diligence to make up
for past defects. Let him begin the rudiments of

MEMOIR or DR WRIGHT. <>.">

Latin anew. While doing this, lie may be improving
himself in writing, arithmetic, and book-keeping. I
regret much that I had not an opportunity of learning
to draw in my youth, as it is of real consequence to
one in my profession. When I know the result of
your and his deliberation, I shall say more. The ex-
pence of a medical education is great, and to you, with
such a family, insupportable ; but in this you will be
assisted as far as my means will admit. My own edu-
cation was narrow- ; and it was only by dint of resolu-
tion and perseverance that I afterwards acquired those
necessary attainments which my dear father was un-
able to afford."

On the same date, he thus writes to his nephew.
" You must sit down yourself, and inform me of your
own wishes as to your future mode of life. When you
do so, I shall give you my best advice and assistance.
You will, I trust, be diligent in your studies, cour-
teous, obliging, and attentive to every one. Associate
only with persons of worth and good character, care-
fully shunning the wicked, the abandoned, and the
low. Aspire to the company of your superiors, as
from them only you can hope to benefit in your man-
ners, conversation, or knowledge. Remember your
duty to God and your parents ; be kind to your sisters,
and grateful to every benefactor and well-wisher. By
these means, in whatever situation you may be placed,
you will, I trust, be a good man, a good neighbour,
and a sincere friend. '

The summer of 1781 was devoted by Dr Wright
to his botanical pursuits, at such a moderate distance
from London as would enable him to proceed to the

66 ME.MQIR or DB WRIGHT.

head-quarters of his regiment on a few hours' notice.
Part of his time was spent very agreeahly in the
neighbourhood of Odiham, in Hampshire, at the resi-
dence of Mr Baxter *, a friend of his from Scotland,
who had been for some time settled in that delightful
county, and through whom he became favourably
known to a circle of friends, whom, in after years, he
often revisited with new and increasing satisfaction.

At length, about the middle of September, a cartel
was finally adjusted with Spain ; but it was not until
after Christmas that the first detachment of the troops
arrived at Portsmouth. Dr Wright immediately
hastened from London to meet them at Alresford,
where he arrived on the 1st of January 1782. By
this time, a second detachment had arrived ; but of the
body of 500 men who had sailed with him from Ports-
mouth, in the summer of 1779, a miserable remnant,
not amounting altogether to 200 in number, and in the
most deplorable state of nakedness and destitution, was
all that remained. A considerable proportion of them,
including all those of the Catholic persuasion, had been
induced, while in confinement at Cordova, to join the
standard of the enemy; thus preferring the claims of cle-
rical authority to the duty of civil allegiance, when the
enjoyment of freedom was thrown into the scale. The
number of deserters amounted to 200 ; the remainder
had died of starvation, warm water, and loss of blood ;

* This gentleman was a native of Berwickshire ; and, about this pe-
riod, is described by Dr Wright as the son of Mr Andrew Bax-
ter, a learned and worthy man of the last age, the author of Matho,
or the Immortality of the Soul, and other pieces, and some time En-
voy to the States of Holland, in the reign of Queen Anne.

\ioii{ OF DH \\ i: hi ill'. (>7

and oven of those who survived the prescriptions of
the physicians, and withstood the machinations of the
priesthood, a considerable number were found, on exa-
mination, to be unfit for service. The complement of
five companies was, however, speedily supplied by
draughts from the general depot in the Isle of Wight,
and from the independent companies at Portsmouth ;
so that they were once more ready for sea on the 2c2d
of April, on which day Colonel Balfour and Dr
WitiGHT embarked on board the West Indian trans-
port at Portsmouth, and sailed soon afterwards, with
convoy, from Spithead.

Before leaving* England, Pr Wright addressed
another letter of instructions to his brother, with a se-
parate memorandum for the use of his nephew, con-
taining the rationale of his views on the subject of his
young friend's education. His advice was not direct-
ed merely to the cultivation of the powers of the
mind, or the acquisition of personal accomplishments.
The dispositions and affections of the heart were
equally an object of his fatherly solicitude, — a branch
of education which does not always receive its due
share of attention in the curriculum of domestic study.

The fleet on board of which the Jamaica Regiment,
now called the 99th Foot, had embarked, arrived in the
West Indies just too late to witness the victory ob-
tained by Admiral Rodney, over the French fleet,
under De Grasse, when proceeding to join the Spa-
niards at Hispaniola, in making a descent on the
Island of Jamaica, and the other possessions of Great
Britain. The victory, however, was not so complete

as to quell the alarm of the colonies. Of thirty-four

e <2

68 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

ships of the line, of which the French fleet had con-
sisted, twenty-six had been suffered to escape ; and, if
allowed to refit, and to form a junction with the Spa-
niards at Cape Francois, there was no British force in
these seas which could, at that time, have opposed an
effectual resistance. In the mean time, however,
their fears were happily disappointed by the general
pacification which came very seasonably to their relief.
The 99th was soon afterwards sent home to be dis-
banded ; but Dr Wright was permitted to remain
in Jamaica for the settlement of his affairs.

His reception at Orange Hill by his old friends Dr
and Mrs Steel, was of the warmest and most af-
fectionate description ; but, in a few months after
his arrival at Trelawney, Dr Steel was seized with
a fever, of which he died, on the 4th of August
1784. Mrs Steel was left with five children, all
amply provided for ; and Dr Wright was named one
of the executors. He was restrained, however, from
administering, by a sense of delicacy, which, in a West
India executor, deserves to be recorded, — the greater
part of his own fortune having been invested in the
hands of Dr Steel. The example of right feeling
and correct conduct which was thus set by Dr Wright,
was met by his fellow executors with a corresponding
spirit of moderation and good will ; so that he was
enabled to effect the realization of his property in a
much shorter period than he could have anticipated,
and allowed to devote the remainder of his time in
Jamaica to an object which he had very near his heart.

That object was the restoration of the Hortus sic.
cus, of which the want of feeling perhaps, rather than

MEMOItt OF Dlt WRIGHT. 69

tlic rapacity of INI. MaRIEN, had deprived him in the
year 1779- He now addressed himself to the task of
its renovation, with a perfect knowledge of the habits
and location of the objects of his pursuit, — with a great
accession of general knowledge, and with alacrity and
zeal for the interests of science, as fresh and vigorous
as ever. On this occasion he had not merely the sa-
tisfaction of completely restoring his former Herba-
rium, which, till then, as a dried collection of the na-
tive plants of Jamaica, was perfectly unique ; but of
adding several new and non-descript species to his
long list of discoveries. Neither did he disregard those
natives of the neighbouring islands, which, though not
indigenous to Jamaica, had been reared and naturalized
by the friendly hand of the florist, or had been for-
warded for his herbarium by his more scientific cor-
respondents. In this year, too, he had for his collabo-
rateur the celebrated Schwartz, the Swedish bota-
nist, who, in his great work on the Plants of the West
India Islands, acknowledges with gratitude the per-
sonal attentions and efficient assistance he received
from Dr Wright. The title of Dr Wright to the
discovery of a number of new species, is distinctly re-
cognized in the work of M. Schwartz, in the names
and synonymes he has appended to them ; and refe-
rence is repeatedly made to the medical dissertations
of Dr Wright on the subject of these discoveries,
in such terms as the following : " De usu ejus medico
(Geoffraca inermis, viz.) longe lateque disseruit, I. c.
cdibique clarissimus Wright *."

* In the Wernerian Society's Transactions, vol. i. p. 73. a very
liigh compliment is paid to Dr Wright. I>y Mr Roheut Brown.

70 ME MO lit OV DR WiaiOHT:

It was some time after his arrival in Jamaica, be^
fore Dr Wright was presented to Brigadier -General
Camibell, the new Governor, in consequence of the
avocations and arrangements which were necessary for
placing the island in a satisfactory posture of defence.
At first, indeed, " the inundation of Campbells,
Macleans, and Maclaughlans," and the dispro-
portionate share of the Governor's favour which they

universally recognized as the most eminent botanist of the present
day. In constituting a new genus, and naming it after Dr Wright,
he expresses himself in the following terms :

" Wrightia. [Nerii sp. Linn.

Char. Corolla hypocrateriformis. Faux Coronata squamis de-
cern, divisis.
Stamina exserta. Filamenta fauci inserta. Antherce sagittate,

medio stigmati cohserentes.
Ovaria 2, cohserentia. Stylus 1, filiformis, apice dilatato. Stig-
ma angustius.
Squamce 5-10, basi calycis extra corollam inserte.
Folliculi distincti, v. cohserentes, placentis adnatis.
Habitus. Frutices erecti, arboresve minores. Folia opposita.
Corymbi subterminales. Flores albi. Albumen 0. Embryo
cotyledonibus longittidinaliter involutes, albus, aqua calida im-
mersus roseus evadit !
Patria. India Orientalis, Zeylonia, Archipelago Malaica, et Nova
Hollandia tropica.
Obs. Gartner has given an excellent account of the fruit of this
genus, in his description of Nerium Zeylanicum, and he no doubt
supposed that the fruit of Nerium Oleander was essentially the
same. It is, however, very remarkably different, and no genus is
more distinct in habit, or more beautifully characterized, than this
which I have dedicated to my respected friend William Wright,
M. D. F. R. S. Lond. and Edin., whose ardour in the pursuit of bota-
nical knowledge, oven when engaged in extensive medical practice in
the Island of Jamaica, has long entitled him to this mark of distinction."

MEMOIR OF OH WillOHT. 71

were supposed to enjoy, appears to have created some
little jealousy in a regiment which lnul been raised,
like the 99th, so far to the south of the Tweed. But
as soon as the alarm which was exeited by the vieinity
of a hostile armament had been removed by the gene-
ral peace, the new Governor evinced the same disposi-
tion with his predecessors, to sanction, by his coun-
tenance and authority, the high station which Dr
Wkight had acquired in the respect and esteem of
the inhabitants. Immediately on his being relieved
from the duties of his regiment, he was raised to the
highest medical situation in the gift of the Governor,
that of Physician-General of the Island ; an office
which, while by some it would be valued from the
steps of precedence it inferred, or the trappings at
tached to it, at a military review, would by others be
despised, from its pecuniary insignificance, but which
was truly valuable, as an indication of the high cha-
racter which Dr Wright had continued to sustain
after so long a period of probation.

While yet in Jamaica, Dr Wright received a let-
ter from his brother, announcing the death of their
mother, at the advanced age of eighty-two. In his
answer, he says, " Your letter of the 20th of June
came to hand the 29th of August, but the agitation of
mind occasioned by the contents will excuse the delay
of my reply. From my mother's situation and time
of life, we had every reason to expect what has hap-
pened ; and while we drop a filial tear for one of the
most affectionate of parents and best of women, let
us be thankful to the Almighty for continuing her so

72 MEMOIH OF DR WRIGHT.

long to bless us, and for the assurance which a life of
piety has left us of her happy immortality."

It appears that the Jamaica Regiment had not been
a favourite in the service. The strong reinforcements
which the defence of the island had rendered neces-
sary, left a corresponding scarcity of accommodation in
the barrack department ; and, in order to make room
for other troops of higher moral character, the 99th
was ordered on board the transports, at the unhealthy
station of Port-Royal. Here the health of Dr Weight
suffered severely by the fever and ague, which the ad-
joining swamps are so apt to engender ; and from which
even the pure air of Trelawny, and the colder climate of
the mountains, did not suffice to restore him. From
the slowness of his recovery, he allowed himself to be
persuaded to delay his departure from Jamaica till the
1st of August 1785, when he embarked on board a
ship bound for Bristol, and arrived there on the 23d
September.

The death of his friend; Dr Steel, and his own
serious illness in Jamaica, appear to have strongly im-
pressed him with the uncertainty of human life. In
a letter, dated from Trelawny, some time before his
embarkation, he mentions that he had executed a tes-
tamentary settlement of his affairs, in which he had
provided, in the first place, for the education and out-
fit of his nephew ; and, after certain fixed legacies to
his nieces, he had bequeathed the residue to his bro-
ther and sister-in-law, with unlimited discretionary
powers, for its ultimate division and disposal ; an ar-
rangement which was admirably calculated for meet-

MEMOIH OF DB WRIGHT. 73

ing every probable contingency, and for sustaining, at
the same time, the proper and becoming influence of
parental authority.

On his arrival in London, about the end of Sep-
tember, Dr Wright found his health so much im-
paired, as to make it unsafe for him, at that season of
the year, to proceed to Scotland. The months of Oc-
tober and November he appears to have spent with
his friends in Hampshire, where his strength was in a
great measure restored. The winter was devoted to
the society of those personal and literary friends in
London, particularly Dr Garthshore and Sir Jo-
seph Banks, with whom, in every situation, he con-
tinued to maintain an uninterrupted intimacy.

In arranging his specimens of Natural History,
Dr Wright had never contented himself with the
completion merely of his own collection. His en-
joyment was at least as great in supplying such de-
ficiencies as he knew to exist in the collections of
his friends ; and, on this occasion, as on his former
return from the West Indies, his contributions to
the Royal Gardens at Kew, and to the collections
of Sir Joseph Banks, and other scientific friends,
were valuable and extensive.

During his stay in London, he opened a corres-
pondence with his nephew, who was at that time
engaged in his medical studies at the University of
Edinburgh. It continued without interruption un-
til the untimely death of this excellent young man,
in the year 1794-. Dr Weight's letters to his ne-
phew have not been preserved ; but his amiable cha-

74 MEMOIR or dr wright.

racter, his liberal disposition, and enlightened views,
are strongly reflected in the interesting volume of
letters, which, during these eight years, were address-
ed to him by his youthful correspondent.

Early in the spring of 1786, Dr Wright pro-
ceeded northward. He arrived in Edinburgh in
the month of March, and the greater part of the
following summer he devoted to his friends in
Perthshire. In the autumn of this year, a vacan-
cy occurred in the Botanical Chair of the Univer-
sity of Edinburgh, by the death of his friend Dr
Hope. On his arrival in Edinburgh some time
afterwards, from a tour, he was surprised to find
that the zeal of several of his friends had induced
them to put him in nomination as a candidate for
the vacant chair, from the general knowledge they
possessed of his distinguished attainments in this
department of science, and from the perseverance
with which he was known to have pursued the stu-
dy of botany in the New World as well as in the
Old. But as soon as he found that his friend Dr
Rutherford had also been put in nomination, he
at once resolved to forego all pretensions to the ap-
pointment. By this promptitude of purpose, he not
only avoided the evils of a contested election, but
secured a basis of general good will, on which many
valuable friendships were raised during his subse-
quent residence in Edinburgh.

Dr Wright had long maintained a correspond-
ence, on literary and scientific subjects, with indivi-
dual members of the American Philosophical Socie-

MEMOIU ()! 1)15 WRIGHT. ",:>

tv, and several of bis papers had appeared in sue*

tvssive volumes of their Transactions, published at
Philadelphia; but it was not until the year 1786
that he was formally elected a member, bis diplo-
ma bearing- the signature of Dr Fit AN KLIN, the Pre-
sident of the Society, and several other individuals,
distinguished for their efforts in the cause of indepen-
dence.

About this period, Dr WiUGHT appears to have
formed the resolution of withdrawing from the more
laborious duties of his profession. The fortune which
he had earned during his first residence in Jamaica,
and which he had at length been able to realize, he
believed to be sufficient for all his wants. He, resolved
to establish himself in Edinburgh, where, in that
retirement from the cares of the world, which so
many propose to themselves as the chief object of
pursuit, he could find the books, the society and the lei-
sure, which his tastes and his habits had so well
qualified him to enjoy. But, however desirable in
prospect, something more is necessary to the enjoy-
ment of life, than the mere immunity from applica-
tion to professional employments. To a mind like
that of Dr Wright, naturally vigorous, and habitu-
ally active, some definite object must be combined
with the otium cum digmtate of literary retirement.
Such an object he happily found in the superintend-
ence of the education of his nephew ; and when the
extent of his correspondence is taken into view, it is
clear that no one was ever less prone to indulge in
ennui, or less in danger of suffering from listlessness

?6 MEMOIR UT Dlt WRIGHT.

or inactivity. Some idea may be formed of the dili-
gence with which he applied himself to literary pur-
suits, from a simple enumeration of his correspondents.
A list has been preserved of them, arranged in alpha-
betical order. It extends to the extraordinary num-
ber of two hundred and sixty, and comprises the great-
est names in literature and science in every quarter of
the globe.

In the month of November 1787, Dr Wright re-
ceived such a communication from the Secretary at
War, proposing his return to the Service, as induced
him to go to London, for the purpose of ascertaining
the rank and employment which it was proposed to as-
sign to him. He undertook the journey with the re-
solution of declining the medical charge of a regi-
ment. Such an appointment was offered him ; but
after several interviews with Mr Surgeon-General
Adair, and the Secretary at War, he preserved his
resolution, and, after a short visit to Odiham, and a
few weeks' stay among his friends in London, he re-
turned to Edinburgh, without engaging in the ser-
vice.

It is probable that Dr Wright would never have
entertained the proposal, but for a circumstance which
reflects the highest credit on all the parties concerned
in it. Soon after his second return from Jamaica, he
invested the greater part of his fortune in the hands
of a gentleman, at that time engaged in mercantile
pursuits, without exacting any other security than the
personal obligation of the borrower. About this pe-
riod, and for some years afterwards, Dr WEIGHT had

MEMOIR OF DB WEIGHT. 77

reason to apprehend ;i serious deficiency in his friend's

resources ; but his fears were ultimately disappointed
by the exemplary good faith of the party. The, only
point of difference between them, consisted in a race of
disinterestedness and liberality. By the debtor's mode
of accounting, a considerable arrear of interest arose
to l)r Wright, while, by his own calculation, the
whole debt was extinguished. The point at issue, in
this friendly dispute, was finally adjusted by the pur-
chase of an equivalent, in the form of a piece of plate,
which was marked with an inscription, to commemo-
rate the sense which was entertained of Dr Wright's
disinterestedness, and of the mutual respect which the
parties preserved for each other.

The literary distinctions conferred on Dr Wright
in the year 1788 were his election as Fellow of the
Royal Society of Edinburgh, and his admission as a
member of the Society of Natural History and the
Royal Physical Society of that city.

In the year 1789 Dr Wright found the studies of
his nephew so far advanced as to qualify him for a very
interesting appointment of a temporary nature. Mi-
Stanley, a friend of Sir Joseph Banks, proposed
to follow the footsteps of that distinguished naturalist,
in exploring the volcanic territories of Iceland, and in
examining the phenomena attending the boiling and ex-
ploding springs, for which that island is so remarkable.
Mr STANLEY was to be attended by a number of
scientific individuals; and Dr Wright had sufficient
influence to get his nephew attached to the expedi-
tion, in the capacity of surgeon and naturalist, an ap-

78 MEMOIR OF 1)11 WRIGHT.

poiiitment for which he was eminently qualified by
the nature of the studies he had been pursuing under
the fostering care of his uncle.

A very interesting account of the boiling fountains
of Geyzer and Rykum, was communicated by Mr
Stanley to the Royal Society of Edinburgh in the
year 1791, and, with an analysis of the waters by Dr
Black, appears among the papers of the physical class
in the third volume of the Society's Transactions. The
party embarked at Leith, in Mr Stanley's yacht, on
the 23d of May; and, after touching at the Faro,
Shetland, and Orkney Islands, arrived in Edinburgh,
on their return, in the month of November 1789.
Writing soon afterwards to his brother, Dr Wright
observes, that " James has completed his journal, and
given the copy to Mr Stanley, with specimens of
every thing collected. I am happy to acquaint you that
he has acquitted himself to the entire satisfaction of
that gentleman, with advantage to himself, and infor-
mation, as well as benefit, to the public."

Having established himself in a house in the new
town of Edinburgh, Dr Wright began to lay the
foundation of that valuable library, which, in the sub-
sequent years of his life, contained almost all that was
rare and curious in his favourite departments of study.
His time was also a good deal occupied by the guar-
dianship of several young gentlemen who had been
sent to Edinburgh to enjoy the advantage of his ad-
vice in the progress of their education ; and his ne-
phew, who was now in his twentieth year, with a be-
coming spirit of independence, began to be impatient

MEM01U 01 DB witH.HT. 75)

of a routine of study, too slow for his attainments, and
was urgent with his uncle to procure him an appoint-
ment on some foreign station. The surgeoncy of one
of the forts of the Hudson's Bay Company was about
this time offered to Mr Wright, and he was desirous
of accepting it, from the opportunity it would afford
him of exploring a new field in the study of natural
history, for which his uncle had inspired him with a
decided predilection. But this, and several other sug-
gestions, were discouraged by Dr Wright, from the
idea he had formed, that his nephew's talents, and his
own influence, would in due time secure a more suita-
ble appointment.

Towards the end of the year 1790, Mr James
Wright proceeded to London, charged with the
strongest letters of recommendation from his uncle and
his other friends, with a view to an appointment in
the service of the East India Company ; but, to the
surprise of all parties, within a few days after his arri-
val in the metropolis, he was enabled to announce to
his friends in Scotland, that his desires had been anti-
cipated, in the most gratifying manner, by his friend
Mr Stanley. In a letter of the 24th December 1790,
Dr Wiught communicates the appointment to his
brother in the following terms. " The favourable ac-
counts from James are farther confirmed by his letter
of the 20th instant, received yesterday. He is ap-
pointed for Madras, and owes it entirely to Mr Stan-
ley. Our obligations are none the less on that ac-
count to those friends who were kindly exerting them-
selves on his behalf. The next steps are his outfit.

80 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

his passage, and his introduction in India. The two
first I shall endeavour to manage. I know his heart
is good and grateful. He needs only to be put in the.
way to prove it both to you and myself. In India,
and particularly in Madras, I happen to have a num-
ber of friends, who wish for an opportunity to serve
and oblige me. James is well satisfied with his des-
tination, as it is the healthiest in India, and desires
me to say so to you all, for your comfort. He says,
too, ' I am singularly fortunate in being thus early ap-
pointed, when others have waited two years without
even now succeeding.' "

It may be interesting to notice the fate of a pre-
vious unsuccessful application to the minister. It is
communicated by Mr Wright to his uncle in the
following terms : " I dined enfamille with Dr Garth-
shore, on Thursday, where I found your welcome
letter of the 6th, enclosing Mr Drummond's to Mr
Dundas. I went instantly to Professor Bruce, but
he dined abroad. I then went to the Royal Society,
in the hope of finding him there, but he did not ap-
pear. As I was determined to lose no time in seeing
him, I called at his house before 9 o'clock yesterday
morning. He dispatched me immediately to Mr
Puxdas's residence in Somerset House, but he was
not at home. The porter desired me to call at the
Board of Control, in Whitehall, at half-past twelve ;
which I did, and waited there till four, before I could
procure an audience ; there being such a crowd of
things called Lords and Courtiers, dancing attendance
on the same errand ! After reading the letter, he said

Memoir of dr wright. 81^

it was extremely unfortunate that I did not apply a
fortnight sooner, as he is afraid I am now too late ; he
being engaged for every appointment of that kind in
his power. He said he was very sorry for it, as there
was no person he would sooner serve than Mr Drum-
mono*. He desired me to write him so, and inform
him that he would still try what could be done, though
he had little hopes of succeeding this season. He de-
sired me also to leave my address, which I did. From
his mode of speaking I am sure Mr Drummond's let-
ter was written in very strong terms, and I beg you to
offer him my grateful acknowledgments."

Writing to his brother, on the 17th of February
1791, Dr Wright says : " My last letter from Jem-
my, was dated from London on Saturday last ; and I
think he is hardly yet embarked. So far he has suc-
ceeded to his utmost wish, in a line the most honour-
able and respectable. It would grieve him to know
that his mother repined at his good fortune. I part-
ed with you all at his age, under every disadvantage,
in money and prospects. How different his case ! He
has had a finished education, an outfit equal to any,
and has been introduced to, and patronized by, the
companions of the Sovereign. More could scarcely
be desired. Let us then be contented and thankful,
for thus ushering him so auspiciously into the great
theatre of life. I have not a single doubt of his act-
ing his part with honour, and returning with afflu-

* Afterwards Lord Perth.
F

82 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

ence. A good heart makes him full of gratitude ;
and I am confident he will be kind to his relations."

Such is the kind and considerate manner in which
the balm of consolation is offered to an afflicted father,
and to the more sensitive apprehensions of a doting
mother, at parting, perhaps for ever, in the bloom of
manhood, with an only son. Soon after his arrival at
Fort St George, Mr Wright was appointed Surgeon
to the 23d Battalion of Native Infantry. He had the
fortune to be engaged with the combined army from
the different presidencies under Lord Cornwallis,
in storming the lines of Tippoo Sultan before the
walls of Seringapatam ; and his services on that occa-
sion produced an offer from Colonel Baird, then in
the command of the 71st, of a vacancy which had oc-
curred in the office of assistant-surgeon to his regi-
ment. But Mr Wright was obliged to forego the
flattering prospect of promotion in the British service,
which the proposal of Sir David Baird had afforded
him, in consequence of the necessity which arose for
making a pecuniary arrangement with the surgeon of
the regiment, to which, at such a distance from
Europe, his finances were unfortunately unequal. A
few months after this period, when Mr Wright was
in the immediate prospect of an appointment as bo-
tanist to the Honourable Company, a situation for
which he was eminently qualified *, he was suddenly

" In Mr Wright's letters to liis uncle, on the occasion of his ap-
plication for this appointment, he makes many grateful acknowledg-
ments of the unwearied exertions which were made on his belialf

MEMOIR OF DR Willi. H'l

cut off by a bilious fever, at the early age of twenty-
four. The tributes of respect which were paid to his
memory, evince the strong feeling which his death
had excited among his brother officers ; and several of
the poetical effusions transmitted to Dr Wright on
the occasion, discover taste as well as genius of no or-
dinary kind * His illness had only been of eight days'
duration, but it had not overtaken him unprepared
for the event. On the supposition of his having died
intestate, a Court of Inquiry was? appointed to ar-
range the affairs of the deceased, and make an in-
ventory of his effects. But the court was antici-
pated in this melancholy duty, by the arrangements
which Mr Wright had himself directed to be made.
In the short and comprehensive terms of a military
codicil, he named two brother officers his executors,
and bequeathed his whole property to his uncle; whom
failing, to his parents ; whom failing, to his sisters, in
equal proportions ; thus leaving, at his death, a lesson
of that propriety and prudence for which his short but
interesting and instructive life had been a steady ex-
ample.

If, with some imaginative persons, we could believe
in the possibility of being visited with a preternatu-
ral presentiment of approaching dissolution, the idea
would seem to be corroborated by the terms of a let-
ter, addressed to Dr Wright, and found in his ne-

by his friend Dr Andrew Berrie, at that time stationed at Fort
St George.
• See Scottish Register for 1 794.

i 2

84 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT

phew's repositories after his death. It had been writ-
ten by Mr Wright some time before the accession
of the fever which terminated so fatally, when in
the mriritermpted enjoyment of perfect health. He
disclaims, indeed, the fear of any untoward accident,
or even an ominous " foreboding," of his approaching
fate; but the intensity of feeling he evinces in the
concluding passages of the letter, and the minute at-
tention which he pays to subordinate arrangements,
would, with some, be held to indicate the presence of
an undefined and lurking apprehension, which the
writer himself was unwilling to acknowledge, or, per-
haps, unable to explain. The codicil was found in
one of the repositories of the deceased ; and, beside it,
a packet, inscribed

" To him wlw opens the box.

" Dear Sir,

" Whoever you are that opens this box, and will send the
inclosed letter and parcel, as directed, will do a thing which
I had very much at heart, when I was such as you are.

(Signed) " James Wright."

The letter to Dr Wright is thus expressed :

" My Dear Uxcle, Alton; 19th June 1793.

" In two or three days this corps marches to Cuddalore, in
order to join the army assembling for the attack of Pondi-
eherry. As the French are putting that place in as strong a
state of defence as possible, it is supposed the siege will be a
pretty hard one, without, however, any doubt being enter-
tained of its falling at last, the force intended to proceed

.MEMOIH 01' 1>K WJtKiHI. 85

against it being very strong. Though I have do foreboding
or fear of any untoward accident happening to me individual-
ly, yet, on the other hand, as I will be as much exposed as
the rest, and having no charm about me to keep off' a cannon
ball more than others, I have thought it proper, for my own
peace of mind, and in justice to you, to whom I owe so much,
to prepare lor the worst, by leaving my little affairs without
any confusion ; so that, should I meet my fate in this ap-
proaching business, the amount of what I am worth may be
transmitted to you with as little delay as possible. This, I
am very sure, will be done by the two gentlemen I have left
my executors, with that honour and integrity for which they
have always been known.

" It is needless to desire your kind and generous nature
to cherish my parents and sisters after my death. I would
beg you to console them ; but you, my Dearest Uncle, will
want consolation yourself. I am unable to proceed. God
Almighty bless and comfort you all.

(Signed) " Jam ks Wright."

" P. S. — My voyage to Iceland, and a few other papers,
I have directed to be sent to you."

Dr Wright had become a Fellow of the Royal
College of Physicians of Edinburgh in 1782, and for
many years took an active interest in its concerns.
Preparatory to the republication of their Pharmacopeia,
in 1792, he was enabled, by his extensive correspon-
dence, as well as from the fruits of his own experience
and skill, to contribute very materially to the improve-
ment and simplification of that department of the art.
The records, indeed, of all the public institutions with
which he was connected, afford the fullest evidence of
the efficiency and steadiness of his exertions in the

86 MEM OIK OF DR WRIGHT

cause of literature and science, — a cause which at all
times he took great delight in promoting, by the esta-
blishment of a good understanding among literary men ;
and by strengthening the learned societies to which
he belonged, by the accession of some of the greatest
names of the age.

On the 24th of January 1792, he writes to his
friend Dr Garthshore as follows : " I have now to
congratulate you on your election as a member of our
Royal Society, which happened at a full meeting yes-
terday, and was unanimous. As it is not customary
for the Society to intimate this to the newly elected
members, I thought it best to write a few lines to Sir
Joseph Banks and Dr Saunders, on the occasion
of their election. I got Dr Rutherford to pro-
pose Dr Saunders, and Dr Black to propose Sir
Joseph ; Dr Gregory, in the absence of Dr Monro,
proposed you, and I gave my support."

On the 16th of March 1792 he again writes to Dr
Garthshore : " I was duly favoured with your and
Dr Pearson's obliging note, which has been given to
the Committee for our Pharmacopseia, a«iid will be
literally adopted as a formula for Pulvis antimonia-
lis.

" 1 have not neglected the other affair you and I
have so much at heart. Our President has entered
warmly into the business, and has sounded the dif-
ferent members of the Council, who are all very friend-
ly. One of our laws expressly excludes any British
physician from being an honorary fellow of our Col-
lege. But the way I have proposed is to elect Sir

MEMOIH OF 1)1! WEIGHT. S7

GrEQRQE Baker, as a baronet and philosopher of tifgh
rank. Dr Duncan has just been with me, and is to
rail a meeting of the Council for to-morrow; and of the
whole College, if the deliberations are to our purpose.
As matters stand, I have great hopes that a singular
compliment will be paid to this distinguished and wor-
thy individual."

He again writes to Dr Garthshore on the 18th :
" I have great pleasure in announcing to you that
yesterday, at a full Meeting of the Royal College of
Physicians, your worthy and learned friend Sir
George Baker was unanimously elected an hono-
rary fellow in room of John, Earl of Bute, deceased.
Sir William Forbes, Dr Monro, Dr Gregory,
and Dr Duncan, took the most active part. Dr
Gregory, our secretary, acquaints Sir George of his
election, and I beg to congratulate him and you on
our success. I have one more feather to offer. If ac-
ceptable to Sir George, I shall have him proposed as
a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh."

The idea had now for some time been entertained
of raising the necessary funds, by subscription, for re-
building the University of Edinburgh, and Dr
Wright engaged in the promotion of the underta-
king with his accustomed zeal and activity. The re-
mittances he obtained from his friends in Jamaica were
of very considerable amount ; but, about this period,
it appears that a defalcation arose to the amount of
L. 11,000, from the failure of a bank in a more dis-
tant settlement, where the money had been deposited.

In the course of his correspondence with his bro-

88 MEMOIR OF 1)K WUIGHT.

thcr, sonic light is occasionally thrown on the views
which he entertained on political subjects. Such in-
stances, indeed, are of rare occurrence, and appear only
to have been excited by some striking public event.
For instance, on the 10th of May 1792, he expresses
himself as follows : " The Slave Trade Bill has met
with an unexpected check in the House of Lords.
Ministers must have foreseen this ; but, by fine
speeches on humanity, keep up their popularity, and
retain their places. Prince William Henry was
in Jamaica when I was there, and saw the real state
the Negroes were in. He seems to have weighed the
consequences of abolishing the trade, as fatal to our
commerce, ruinous to our islands, destructive to our
countrymen, and no way serving the cause of huma-
nity. In Africa, where, if they have no vent for their
prisoners or felons, they will butcher them ; nay, eat
them ! Several nations have their teeth filed as sharp
as those of dogs ; and I have been told it was done to
bite and devour their enemies. Such are the canni-
bals we are making a noise about, while we lose sight
of all the tender ties of relationship, colour, country,
and Christianity. A levelling disposition and spirit of
innovation seem very prevalent. A new society has
been formed, to get a more equal representation in
Parliament. This will give ministers something else
to mind than the savage tribes of Guinea. All Europe
seems in a ferment; and will probably soon be in
arms."

Soon after the date of this letter, Dr Wright paid
a visit to his friends in England, and made some stay

M i: \Kiii; <>i in: w i; u. n i

in London, having been summoned to attend i < om-
mittce of the House of Commons <>n the Bubjcct of the
Abolition of the Slave Trade.

On the 16'th of August 1 793, he Bayi to his friend
Dr Garthsiioke : " Tliis will be handed to yon 1»\
Mr Lawson of this place, for whom I beg your good
offices with Mr Hunter and .Mr Home. .Mr Law-
son carries with him two saw Hies, male and female,
for Mr Hunter, from me. The female, 1 belii
has not been seen before; and Mr Ilrvn.i: will pro-
bably let the President examine it." As an illustra-
tion of the interest which is taken l>\ naturalists in
such subjects, another quotation is offered, from a
ter to Dr Garthshore, of the L5th of Octob
" Mr Home tells me the female saw IK never reach-
ed him. If our friend Jonas purloined the lady for
Sir Joseph Banks I am satisfied, and will Bend the
only one I had for myself.*'

On the 17th of December he again writes to l>>
Garthshore : " Mr Archibai d Ai won, brother
in-law of Dr GREGORY, and author of an e88ay on
Taste, is a candidate for a fellowship in the Royal
Society of London. I am greatly interested in hifl
success, and 1 trust yon will take care of his election
Dr (4hec;'>uy was foremost in the- interest of Sil

George Bakeb here*'

On the 15th of February 1793, Dr Wright e
addresses DrGARTHSHORE as follows: " Mi LlNB

say of Westmoreland. Jamaica, has made several
communications to the Royal Society of Edinburgh;
and two of them, on the Quassia polygama, and tin

90 MEMOIR OF Dlt WRIGHT.

Cinchona brachycarpa, are in the hands of the print-
er. At the desire of the Society, and with the au-
thor's permission, I have put them in proper order,
and prepared them for the press. As soon as the
plates are finished, I shall send you copies for Sir Jo-
seph Banks, Dr Pulteney, and Dr Woodville.

" You may say to Dr Woodville that I now send
him specimens of the Quassia excelsa of Swartz and
Lindsay (my Pierania amara, London Medical
Journal) ; also some of the Cortex Cascarittcc, gather-
ed by myself. Tell him he has copied the errors of
Linnaeus and others on this point ; and that he will
see a fine specimen of mine of the true plant at Sir
Joseph's, as Croton Eleutheria. I have a notion,
too, that the leaf of his Quassia amara is also a mis-
take, and that Linnveus took the leaves of the Sa-
pindus saponarius for the other. This, too, Sir Jo-
seph Banks will clear up. Dr Woodville will
probably rectify any mistakes at the close of the work,
and make some additions from Murray's last volume.

" You may acquaint our friend Dr Pulteney,
that I got Drs Rutherford and Monro to make
and second the motion for his election, which was una-
nimous ; and which, I hope, will not be the less agree-
able to him, because unsolicited on his part."

" The Trismus infantum," he again writes on the
7th of May, " locked jaw, or jaw falling of new-born
children, is rife and fatal in Jamaica, and, in some in-
stances, cannot be accounted for. It was very com-
mon for a Negro man to prepare a small inner apart-
ment for his wife, previous to her lying-in ; besides

MEMOIB OF DK WRIGHT. ** 91

shutting up, and plastering every crevice, the closet
was heated, and kept hot with a fire of wood. The
usual consequence was a puerperal fever to the mo
ther, and frequently the child was carried off by this
cruel disorder. At times I was of opinion that the
improper mode of treating the umbilical cord might
be the cause ; at others, the omission to purge off the
meconium in proper time. I have seen these accidents
occur, from keeping the infant too hot with body
clothes and bed-clothes in that burning climate ; and I
have known it happen when none of these causes ex-
isted.

" Some years before I left Jamaica, I introduced
a material change in the treatment of pregnant wo-
men. I had a lying-in ward prepared, which was
kept clean, airy, and commodious ; with black nurses
and midwives, properly instructed. The pregnant
woman went about, and did some easy work, till the
last day of her reckoning ; and this practice is now
universal in that island. By this means, few women
die of puerperal fever ; and the proportion of children
that die of locked jaw is small, in comparison with the
numbers of former times. The women, too, by gentle
exercise, have seldom those difficult and preternatural
labours, which often happen to ladies of rank and fa-
shion, and to those in inferior ranks who follow the
pernicious example, by giving themselves up to sloth
and idleness during the period of pregnancy.

" The locked jaw happens before the ninth day af-
ter birth, and often without any notice or warning of
its approach. In a few cases, where the infant seemed

92 MEMOIR OF Dll WRIGHT.

griped, and not inclined to suck, as usual ; where it
started, and was somewhat convulsed, I suspected te-
tanus was forming. In such situations, I removed
occasional causes, and immediately emptied the sto-
mach, by Vinum antimoniale, and the bowels by a
smart injection. I ordered one grain calomel, in a
tea spoon, with syrup ; and, if it did not operate, by
stool, in three hours, a repetition of the dose. This
often succeeded ; and, as I thought, prevented the
locked jaw.

■* But, when the disorder was once formed, I never
saw it cured, except in one instance. The Negress
was my own ; and, with her consent, I plunged her
infant in cold water. It grew as stiff as a board. A
Mulatto lady rubbed it till it became warm and flexi-
ble. The child had no more tetanus. The Mulatto
lady took the merit of the cure !"

" I have conversed with several gentlemen from the
Windward Islands on this subject. Some allege they
have succeeded by the application of a poultice of pow-
dered bark to the umbilical region ; and, of late, I
have heard a report, that a drop or two of the oleum
terebinthinse to the navel itself is a sovereign cure ;
but upon what principle I cannot conceive."

On the 15th of March 1794, he again writes to
Dr Garthshore : — " Sir Joseph Banks's splendid
present has arrived. I send you by Mr Seton a let-
ter for the Baronet, with a rare Iceland specimen ;
and ' The profitable Arte of Gardening, Englished by
Thomas Hile, Londoner — imprinted anno 1574,'
which I will thank you to deliver."

MEMOIR OF 1)K WRIGHT. ~ - §3

About this time, in a letter to his brother, he says,
— " I am sorry to acquaint you with the death of se-
veral friends, viz. Dr Colin Campbell, of the in-
fectious fever at Guadaloupe, and Sir Henry Mar-
tin, Comptroller of the Navy. Mr Innes, formerly
Roman Catholic priest at Drummond-Castle, had for
some years resided in France ; his niece was of the
same persuasion, and kept his house. Both of these
unhappy persons perished about a month ago by the
hands of the executioner."

Soon afterwards he again writes to his brother : —
" Your ideas as to the situation of France are very
just. Confusion and anarchy reign in the Convention.
Tallien and Barrere are in a precarious situa-
tion, and will probably share the fate of their prede-
cessors. But the people must at last awake from their
delusion, and see the necessity of a head, and a regu-
lar government, although that period indeed seems
yet far distant. The wretches amongst ourselves
rejoice at every disaster, and wish to involve us in si-
milar misery, that they may satiate themselves with
blood, and seize on riches which they have neither
the talent nor the industry to acquire for themselves.
Yesterday I went to the Lawnmarket, and saw Ro-
bert Watt brought down from the Castle*; I then
went to Heriot's Green, where 300 gentlemen volun-
teers were under arms. There was happily no disturb-
ance. Indeed, every thing was more quietly conduct-
ed than at the execution of a common malefactor. I

* Watt had been convicted of high treason.

94 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

hope in God that this example may have its due effect
with the deluded multitude."

On the 9th of June 1794, he writes to Dr Garth-
shore : — " I thank you for Dr Woodville's four
numbers ; the engravings are executed with all the
neatness and elegance which characterized the former
work. I observe he has taken the earliest opportunity
of inserting the tree which produces the true Cortex
Cascarillaz, or Eleutheria. You may say to him that
Sir Joseph Banks, as well as myself, made it a Cro-
ton. Swart z, in his Prodromus, is of the same opi-
nion. The circumstance of its being polygamous, mi-
litates but little against this idea. The last Quassia
I sent you is polygamous, although the genus Quassia
belongs to the class Decandria of Linnaeus. Very
lately I got a small parcel of Conessi bark from Dr
Roxburgh at Madras. The tree is the Nerium anti-
dysentericum of Linnaeus, and you will find an ac-
count of its uses in medicine in the Edinburgh Me-
dical Essays, and in Murray's Apparatus Medicami-
num. If Dr Woodville takes notice of it, he may
see a specimen of the plant at the President's ; and I
shall take the first opportunity of sending a little of the
bark to give him."

On the 20th of May 1795, he again writes to Dr
Garthshore : — " Messrs Veght, Schmissar and
Watte nb ac H called to take leave. I have shewn
these foreigners every civility and attention in my
power, and they have left me well pleased. Mr
Schmissak gave me the first volume of his System
of Mineralogy. If Dr Crichton does not get the

MEMOIR OF 1)11 WRIGHT. 95

second from the author, you will he so good as huy it
for me.

?' Mr John Bell's work on Wounds is in the press.
That part which treats of gunshot wounds I have now
hy me to revise and correct, having seen many acci-
dents of this sort."

Up to this period l)r Wright had continued to
reside in Edinburgh during the winter months. On
the appointment of a medical staff for North Britain,
in 1795, Sir Joseph Banks, Sir George Bakkr,
and Dr Garthshore, combined their influence and
exertions to get their friend placed upon it, but with-
out success ; and as the security on which he had in-
vested the greater part of his property was still in a
precarious and unsatisfactory condition, he was in-
duced to accede to a proposal which was then made to
him, to accompany Sir Ralph Abercrombie, as
physician to a considerable armament, about to be
despatched for the protection of our West India pos-
sessions.

On the 25th of August 1795, he writes to Dr
Garthshore as follows : — " I had the honour of your
letter by Mr Kirwan, who has been here for a fort-
night. He is so well pleased with the country, and
the attention he has met with, that he is resolved to
return to Scotland next year. Dr Black and Dr
Rutherford have been much with him ; I have
seen him as often as I coidd, and gave him a share of
any fossils I had.

" I am also favoured with yours of the 22d cur-

l

96 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

rent ; and as you and my excellent friend have inte-
rested yourselves to procure for me so respectable an
appointment, I shall accept it cheerfully. I trust,
however, that I shall not be called on for examina-
tion before the London College of Physicians, in order
to be licensed. If my military services, my fellowships
in the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and
of the Royal Society, and my character as an author,
be not sufficient, I must be excused if I decline the
tender now made me.

" In the mean time, I shall be making the neces-
sary preparations, that I may be ready at the shortest
notice."

Soon after this period, Dr Wright was induced
to proceed to London ; but on his arrival there, he
found that his appointment was to be strenuously op-
posed by the London College of Physicians, as an en-
croachment on the exclusive privileges which were
claimed for the licentiates of that corporation. Dr
Wright was intimately acquainted with many of the
leading members of the College ; but such is the in-
fluence of that esprit de corps by which such bodies
are governed, that his ultimate success in resisting
the right of exclusion, is not to be ascribed in any
measure to the intimacy which he enjoyed with Sir
George Baker, and several other individuals of the
highest influence in the body ; but solely to the force
of his own high character, to the firmness and intelli-
gence of the distinguished Commander of the arma-
ment, and to the liberal and enlightened views of the

AII.AIOIK OK Dlt WliKiHT. ^ '97

Secretary at War*. But the opposition which he
met with from the London College of Physicians in
its corporate capacity, was never allowed to disturb
the harmony of private friendship. A line of distinc-

* Dr Wells, in his celebrated letter to Lord Kknvon, since re-
published with his own Autobiography, and, with his Essays on Vi-
sion and on Dew, (London, 8vo, 1818,) gives the following account
of Dr Wright's appointment : —

" Suspicions having arisen in the beginning of the present war,
that the dreadful mortality of our troops in the West Indies had, in
part at least, been owing to their want of proper medical aid, it ne-
cessarily became an object of great national concern, that the im-
mense armament which was preparing in 1795 to be sent to these
countries under the command of Sir Ralph Abercrombie, should
be provided with able physicians. In this state of things, Dr Wil-
liam Wright of Edinburgh was mentioned to a person in power
as being well acquainted with the diseases of the West Indies ; in
consequence of which a gentleman connected with administration,
authorized a common friend to make him the offer of being a phy-
sician to the armament. Having signified his willingness to accept
this appointment, he was desired to remain in Edinburgh until his
services should be required. ■

" It is proper to say somewhat here concerning the fitness of Dr
Wright for the situation to which he was designed. He tvas a
Fellow of the College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and had for-
merly served his Majesty seventeen years, chiefly in the West In-
dies. He had, besides, practised medicine in Jamaica, while uncon-
nected with the army, for thirteen years, during great part of which
-time he was physician-general to the militia of the island. His ta-
lents had not in the mean while been confined to the cultivation of
the practical part "of his profession. Having included natural his-
tory among the objects of his study, he had, during his residence in
Jamaica, explored almost the whole of it, in his attempts to extend
the limits of that science, and had in consequence made many im-

G

98 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

tion was anxiously drawn between the rights of the
body, and the individual feelings of its members, from
many of whom he received the most flattering marks
of attention, and such recommendatory letters to Sir

portant discoveries of plants, some of which bad been published in
the Philosophical Transactions of London and Edinburgh, and vari-
ous other works. By these means he had become well known to
many of the learned in different parts of the world, and had been
admitted a member of the Royal Societies of London and Edin-
burgh, and several other bodies of literary men. In short, if pri-
vate worth, patient industry, diversified knowledge, great general
skill in medicine, and long experience of those diseases in particu-
lar which attack Europeans in the West Indies, were qualities to be
desired in a physician to his Majesty's forces there, the fitness of Dr
Wright to be one was most eminent.

" To return to my narrative : in September, Dr Wright came
to London, expecting to receive the promised appointment imme-
diately upon his arrival ; but he was told at the Army Medical
Board, that, by a rule of Sir Lucas Pepys, it could not be given to
him unless he had a license to practise medicine from the Col-
lege of Physicians qf London. He declared his readiness to sub-
mit to the forms necessary for obtaining one, but these could not be
completed before the end of December, and the armament it was
intended he should accompany was almost on the point of sailing.
Sir Lucas Pepys was therefore strongly urged by several persons
to suspend his rule ; among others, by two of his own friends, who
told him that Dr Wright would certainly be appointed whether
he recommended him or not. His answer was, He would never
recommend Dr Wright, and he noas sure the King "would not
sign his commission. But it was quickly seen that he had grossly
overrated his consequence. It was indeed not to be supposed that a
rule of a court physician, whose connexion with the army had com-
menced only a year or two before, by his being placed at once at the
head of its medical department, would long prevent the execution

UK M OIK OF DB WRIGHT. ^. 99

Km. rii Abercrombie, as laid a favourable founda-
tion for his subsequent intimacy with that able com-
mander.

The fleet prepared for the embarkation of the ar-
mament, amounting altogether to 300 sail, was ap-
pointed to rendezvous at Portsmouth, which enabled
Dr Wright to pay a short visit to his friends in
Hampshire ; hut on his joining the fleet, his profes-
sional duties required his constant attendance on board
the hospital ship. They set sail, with a fair wind, on
the 15th of November ; but were scarcely four and
twenty hours at sea, when a violent storm arose, which
dispersed the fleet, and compelled them to run for
shelter to the various harbours of the Channel. The
ship in which Dr Wright had embarked, reached St
Helen's Roads in safety, on the 17th of November;
but such was the severity of the tempest, that the ad-
jacent coasts were covered with the wrecks of mcr-*
chantmen and transports ; and the loss of lives con-
nected with the armament alone amounted to 600 in
number. In a letter to his brother from St Helen's
Roads, on the 20th of November, Dr Wright ob-
serves : " It will be a fortnight before we can be ready
for sea again, as it will be necessary to refit. Our si-
tuation was rather uncomfortable, but I know too
much of the Channel service to apprehend any serious

of a measure deemed by the ablest judges highly beneficial to the
military service of our country. In October, by the influence chief-
ly of Sir Ralph Abercrombie, Dr Wright was appointed a
physician to the armament, and shortly after went with it to tho
West Indies."

2 c; 2

100 MEMOIR OF UK WUIOHT.

danger in a stout well-manned ship. I have with me
a Surgeon-General, Apothecary-General, a Medical-
Purveyor, and three hospital mates. All these assist
me in the management of the sick sent from the
transports.

" The last letters from Mr Colman, state the
amount of my dear James's estate to be at most
L. 350 ; but this is independent of the Pondicherry
prize-money. Before embarking, I had arranged all
my affairs: need I say, that every thing I possess is
destined for you and your family."

From Spithead he writes to Dr Garthshore, on
the 26th of November : " You ask me how early I
got the first hint of using calomel f It was ever a
happiness to me, that I enjoyed the friendship of the
late Dr Lind, and was conversant with his writings.
In his work on the diseases of warm climates, he takes
"notice of the East India practice of giving mercury in
inflammations of the liver, and of the late Sir John
Elliott treating patients with visceral obstructions
successfully by means of mercurial medicines. All this
I knew so early as 1760 ; but it was only in 1764 that
I began to give calomel in so free a manner as I have
done ever since, not only in hepatitis or splenitis, but
in all the other acute diseases I have treated of. It
was from reasoning in my own mind, and from ana-
logy, that I adopted the practice, and I have never
had cause to repent it.

" I never saw any thing of Dr Crawford's Trea-
tise on the Liver, except what I read in the Monthly
Review, about the year 1773. I am glad to observe

MEMOIR OF ni; WEIGHT. ~ - 101

tli.it his brother is engaged in a work which promises
to be so useful to mankind."

On the 8th of December he again writes to Dr
(Jautiishoke : " The wind still keeps westerly, and
gives me another opportunity of writing to you. The
General and Admiral are embarked, and we shall sail
with the first change of wind.

" On the 6th current, I received a polite and friend-
ly letter from Dr John Crawford, giving me a
sketch of his intended publication, and some practical
hints for regimen, and the cure of diseases in warm
climates. I beg you to return him my best thanks for
the pains he has taken ; and say that I shall adopt his
ideas, as far as circumstances will admit. I am aware
that the quantity of animal food and fermented li-
quors, ought to be diminished as Europeans approach
the tropics. In an hospital ship, or even in a gene-
ral hospital, our numbers are fluctuating, and the sick
are dieted on what is called the full, middle, and low
regimen. Previous to our embarking, a medical board
settled the diet of soldiers in health, when in the
West Indies, by regulations, of which we have printed
copies on board. The plan is very good.

" Since we first embarked at Southampton, I have
not been once on shore. I could not with propriety
leave the ship, as we have many bad cases constantly
sent to us from the fleet. There is no sick-berth al-
lotted to soldiers on board of transports, as in ships
of war, nor the same able practitioners to treat them,
in the beginning of fevers. The truth is, they have
been obliged to take any that offered, and young lads

102 .MEMOIR OF Dll WRIGHT.

from behind a counter are made hospital-mates. This
class of men are no way like those of your time and
mine, when medical men of much information had
such appointments.

" Say to Dr Crawford, that any thing in my
power will be at his nephew's service ; but I see he
will act with the army at St Domingo, and not with
us."

The fleet again set sail on the 10th of December,
and during the whole voyage met with adverse winds
and stormy weather. The William and John hos-
pital ship, in which Dr Wright had embarked, was
separated from the rest of the fleet on the 21st of De-
cember, and they never saw any part of the convoy
until their arrival in the West Indies. The fleet sus-
tained many serious losses in the course of the voy-
age, and the William and John escaped narrowly
from shipwreck on the north-west coast of Madeira
They got into the Trade winds, however, on the 1st of
February, and on the 18th of that month reached
Barbadoes in safety. A complete dispersion of the
fleet had taken place. Fifty sail had reached the
rendezvous before the William and .John ; but of
these, scarcely two had arrived in company, and it was
several weeks before any intelligence arrived of the ad-
miral and the commander in chief. Dr Wright
landed on the 21st of February, and immediately as-
sumed the charge of one of the hospitals on shore.
Many of the transports had been sickly throughout
the voyage, which is ascribed to the negligence of the
military officers, in neglecting to see that the berths

MEMOIR ()! I)K WRIGHT. • » 10.'i

were kept clean, and in permitting the men under
their command to indulge in slovenly and uncleanly
habits on ship-board. Typhus or ship-fever continued
to rage in the harbour ; but the patients were sent on
shore as soon as they were seized with it, and Dr
Wright did not observe it to spread after reaching
the hospital.

" Yesterday," he observes, in writing to Dr Garth-
shore on the 20th of March, " in one ship I found
forty-seven men ill of typhus, and objects for the hos-
pital.

" The medical assistants in transports," he conti-
nues, " are in general raw and uninformed. The
examination at Surgeons' Hall is no doubt proper in
its kind ; but every man acting on board a transport,
or with detachments of troops, ought to be more of
the physician than the surgeon ; and surely they
ought to be examined by two or more physicians who
have crossed the Atlantic, and had experience of tro-
pical diseases."

It was at first intended that the general hospital
should be fixed at Barbadocs, where Dr Wright was
stationed ; but being situated so far to windward, it
was afterwards found that a scarcity of transports
made that arrangement inconvenient. In the month
of April 1796, the head quarters of the armament
were moved to St Lucia, and Dr Wright was left in
command of all the military hospitals in Barbadoes.
At St Lucia, as well as at St Domingo, the mortality
among the troops was most appalling. Fluxes and
remittents were the prevailing diseases, and at this

104 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

time they were peculiarly fatal. The ship or jail fe-
ver had been overcome ; and Dr Wright observes
that he had never seen the yellow fever, and hopes
that he never should. After the removal of the troops
from Barbadoes, Dr Wright's professional duties be-
came gradually less fatiguing, as the inmates of the
various hospitals entrusted to his charge were diminish-
ed in number. In a few weeks he was enabled to re-
port, that the whole of the sick in Barbadoes, connect-
ed with the armament, were in a state of convales-
cence. The leisure which he thus acquired, was de-
voted, with his wonted ardour, to the pursuits of na-
tural history ; and a large collection of the produc-
tions of the Windward Islands was the result.

In the autumn, however, of 1796 these interesting
avocations were interrupted. Sir Ralph Abercrom-
bie had resolved to go home for reinforcements, and,
before his departure, he again fixed the head quarters,
as well as the general hospital, at Barbadoes ; a
change which necessarily brought with it a great ac-
cession of fatiguing duty to Dr Wright. He de-
scribes Barbadoes as the hottest of the West India
islands he had ever visited, but observes that all its
disadvantages are counterbalanced by its superior dry-
ness and salubrity. The troops, however, had been so
greatly reduced in number and efficiency, by disease
during their absence from the island, that a descent of
the enemy was regarded with the most serious alarm.
The shores were in many places open to invasion, and
the country, in general, was incapable, from natural
causes, of being materially strengthened, The mi-

Ml.MOl!! OF 1)U WRIGHT. ^ ] ().')

litia indeed was numerous, but in a miserable state of
discipline, and they had never seen a musket fired in
anger by an enemy. In such circumstances the re-
turn of Sir Ralph Abercrombik was looked for with
much anxiety.

The command of the armament had now devolved on
General Graham, who, in the month of October, re-
moved the head quarters and the general hospital to
Martinique, leaving Dr Wright, as formerly, in
charge of the military hospitals of Barbadoes. At
this period the number on the sick list was very con-
siderable ; but the diseases of tropical regions are, in
general, too acute to be of long duration, so that in a
short time he was enabled to send a staff surgeon,
with twenty hospital-mates, to head quarters.

In reasoning on the subject of the remitting fever,
which had been so fatal to the armament, Dr Wright,
in a letter to Dr Garthshore of the 5th December
1796, appears to regard it as analogous, or rather
identical, with the autumnal fevers and dysenteries of
England ; and he mentions, in the strongest terms,
the advantages which he found to result from the li-
beral use of calomel in this disorder.

" I must now," he continues, " advert to your last
letter, which is a complete analysis of Mr Paterson's
book on Sea Scurvy, and of Mr Douglas Whytt's
papers.

"; Mr Paterson's Acetum nitrosum in sea scur-
vy I believe to be new, and if it answer the purposes
of the benevolent author, he deserves the thanks of
his country. Hitherto I have been at no loss for a

106 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

specific in that formidable distemper, when I could
get lime-juice ; and I hope every ship in the navy
will be supplied with a quantity of these juices in pro-
portion to her rate. It not only arrests the disorder,
but positively cures it, provided the sick have a pro-
per diet of rice, oatmeal, portable-soup, and wine.
Ships of war, in my time, had no wine laid in for the
sick. But as the Commissioners for the Sick and
Wounded have now got the sole management, they
will not neglect this best of all cordials for sick sea-
men on shipboard.

" I have carefully perused your extracts from Mr
Douglas Whytt's papers, but cannot find any thing
that merits the name of a discovery. Warm bathing,
and anointing with unctuous substances, are as old as
Celsus and Hippocrates, and have been practised, for
time immemorial, in febrile disorders as well as in health,
by the savages of America and the Negroes of Guinea.
On the coast of Africa the palm-oil is daily applied,
after bathing, as a protection from cold. In acute
feverish disorders, to depend on glysters would, in
these climates, be a fatal and dangerous practice. If
calomel be slow in its operation, he can easily increase
the quantity, and experience now shows to what exent
it can be given with safety and efficacy. The other
means he proposes for a reform in naval practice, were
long ago detailed by Lind, Milman, Trotter,
Blane, and others."

Early in January 1 797, Sir Ralph Abercrom-
bie arrived in Barbadoes with a reinforcement of
troops from England ; and soon afterwards expressed

MEMOIR OF DB WRIGHT. ] 07

-A. •

his formal thanks to Dr Wright, for his care of the
sick, in general orders.

Soon after Sir Ralph had resumed the command,
he ordered 500 sick from St Lucia and Grenada to
be removed to Barbadoes, in order to be placed under
Dr Wright's superintendence. Part of this number
was composed of the sad remains of the 31st Regi-
ment, which had been reduced to a miserable rem-
nant of 100 men, all labouring under the fever and
ague of the climate, or the visceral obstructions, jaun-
dice and dropsy, which are its usual consequences.
Some were so far reduced before their arrival in Bar-
badoes, as to die in landing on the wharf ; and many
of them survived only a very few days. But such of
them as brought any measure of strength, improved
rapidly in the dry atmosphere of Barbadoes, and
under the excellent management of Dr Wright.
The extraordinary mortality of the disease he ascrib-
ed to the great fatigue which the troops had un-
dergone ; to the excessive heat of a climate load-
ed with moisture ; and, above all, to the baleful
miasmata brought to them from the marshes to the
windward of their former stations. At the same time
he disapproved of the medical treatment which they
had hitherto experienced. The use of bark he be-
lieved to have been carried to excess. The exhibition
of opium had been neglected during the hot fit of the
intermittents ; and in removing obstructions of the
viscera, and obviating the effects of long continued
agues, he continued to hold that mild mercurials
were attended with the happiest effects.

108 MEMOIR OF UR WRIGHT.

Whilst the ranks of the armament were thus rapid-
ly extenuated by disease and death, the skill of the
medical practitioners was insufficient for the protection
of their own number from the ravages of mortality. Five
physicians, four surgeons, and twenty hospital mates,
had already fallen victims to the climate. Originally,
there were eleven physicians on the staff of the arma-
ment. Of these five had died, four had returned to Eng-
land in bad health, and in eighteen months after their
arrival in the West Indies, Dr Wright had found
himself with only a single coadjutor : So true it is that
the cottage and the palace, the patient and the physi-
cian, are equally amenable to the visits of mortality.

Sir Ralph Abercrombie, after the conquest of
Trinidad, returned again to England in September
1797. Soon afterwards, Dr Wright applied for
leave to return. His health had happily remained
unimpaired ; and in other respects his situation was
as favourable as could be consistent with the scene of
death and desolation by which he was surrounded*
His emoluments appear to have been considerable.
He indulged a good deal in exercise on horseback ;
and after defraying the expences of an establishment,
in which there were three men servants, and as many
horses, his annual savings amounted to L. 500. That,
however, was not a consideration sufficient to counter-
balance, in the mind of Dr Wkight, the want of that
society which in Edinburgh had been his chief source
of enjoyment. It was under these circumstances, and
before the period had elapsed within which it was
possible to receive an answer to his application, that a

MEMOIR OP DK U'lilCIIT. ..J Of)

general order arrived most opportunely from England,
for the reduction of the medical staff on the West
India station, which enahled Dr Wright to retire
from the service, without subjecting his friends at
home to the necessity of incurring any new obliga-
tion.

Preparatory to his proposed departure from Barba-
dos on this occasion, Dr Wright prepared an offi-
cial report, for the use of the Army Medical Board,
on the subject of the most prevalent diseases among
the European troops in the West Indies, and detailing
the mode of treatment which had been pursued in the
various hospitals under his charge. This report was
very favourably received by the gentlemen of the fa-
culty, throughout our West India possessions. It was
reprinted in most of the periodical publications of the
period, and was soon afterwards translated into several
of the continental languages.

Dr Wright embarked at Barbadoes, on the 26th
of April 1798, on board the ship Barton for Liverpool,
where he arrived early in June, after narrowly escaping
capture by Le Tigre French frigate off the coast of
Ireland.

At Liverpool, Dr Wright formed a personal ac-
quaintance with Dr Citrrie, for which they had been
mutually prepared by their previous publications on
professional subjects, and more especially by the simi-
larity of their views, regarding the beneficial effects of
the use of water as a remedy in fever, and other dis-
eases. The great work of Dr Currie on this subject
had appeared only a few months before, most appro-

110 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

priately opening with that interesting narrative of the
cure which Dr Wright had performed on his own
person, in the course of his former voyage from the
West Indies, in the month of August 1777-

Although the right of these enlightened individuals
to the gratitude of posterity, may he said to rest on
the same basis ; yet, during the subsequent friendship
which subsisted between them, until the lamented
death of Dr Currie, in the year 1805, no feeling of
jealousy ever arose to disturb the sentiments of mu-
tual respect, which they continued to maintain for
each other, from the first to the last moment of their
acquaintance. On the one hand, the undoubted pri-
ority of Dr Wright in the application of cold water to
the body in cases of fever, was uniformly and unequi-
vocally admitted by Dr Ctrrie, during his lifetime,
in every possible form : and on the other, Dr Wright
was equally ready to concede the credit to Dr Cur-
rie, of ascertaining more precisely the rules by which
the application of cold to the surface of the body
should be regulated, and particularly for the introduc-
tion of thermometrical observations into the history of
diseases, a practice which had previously been either
unknown or neglected.

Soon after Dr Wright had again settled in Edin-
burgh, a very interesting correspondence arose between
him and Dr Currie, on professional and miscellane-
ous subjects, which, had it consisted with the plan of
the work, would have been introduced into these pages
at greater length. A selection, however, has been
made ; and by the favour of the accomplished son of

MEJVJOIE OF l)\i \\ KKIHI. Ill

Dr Cukkik, this volume is adorned with several of
the letters of that elegant scholar and enlightened
physician. Many appropriate tributes have already
heen paid to Dr Gurrie's memory : the anniversary
of his birth is even marked as a white day in the ca-
lendar ; but a general collection of his correspondence,
would afford a monument, acre perennius, of his ta-
lents, his accomplishments, and his worth. To rear
such a structure is a task well fitted for the hand of
affection ; and Mr Wallace Currie will pardon the
respectfid suggestion, that the world has long looked
to him for its performance.

In the later editions of Dr Currie's work, he closes
it in the following terms :

" It would not become me to conclude without some no-
tice of Dr Wright, with whose important narrative this pub-
lication commences.

" This respectable physician, after having retired from the
fatigues of his profession, had his services called for once more
by Sir Ralph Aisercuombie, and attended the last West
Indian expedition of that illustrious and lamented command-
er, in quality of physician to the army. On his return to
Britain he landed at Liverpool in June 1798, and I had then
an opportunity of forming not merely an acquaintance, but a
friendship, with one to whom, while unknown, I had been so
much indebted. I found in Dr Wright an excellent phy-
sician and naturalist, who had devoted a long life to the pur-
suits of science, not in academic bowers, but in situations of
toil, difficulty, and danger; who had profited of his ample ex-
perience, by constant and unprejudiced observation ; who pos-
sessed a generous and disinterested temper, and a simplicity
of manners worthy of a more virtuous age. From that time

112 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

he has resided in Edinburgh, (where he now fills the office of
President of the College of Physicians), and I have had the
advantage of his regular correspondence, and of his valuable
observations. He has been uniformly zealous in promoting
my medical pursuits, and to his kindness I owe the acquaint-
ance of Dr Macniel, Dr Robertson, and Mr Macgregor,
by whose communications I am so much obliged.

" During his last residence in the West Indies, and while
Director of the Military Hospitals in Barbadoes, Dr Wright
drew up for the Medical Board in London, a report on the dis-
eases most common among the troops in the West Indies. In
speaking of the cure of the ship^fever, he says : ' In the begin-
ning of the ship-fever, the cold bath had the best effects ; and
through the day, when the sick were hot, washing the hands
and face suddenly in cold water and vinegar, was exceedingly
refreshing.1 In like manner, in treating of the yellow fever,
he remarks, ' In the beginning of the yellow fever, the cold
bath succeeded admirably, but in the advanced stage much
caution is necessary., I quote these sentences from a report,
the whole of which deserves the most careful attention of mi-
litary practitioners in warm climates, to shew that the expe-
rience of Dr Wright continued to justify his original re-
commendation of the cold bath in fever, and to justify in par-
ticular the mode in which I had recommended it, at a time
when my publication was equally unknown to him as his re-
port was to me.

" In a few months after his visit to Liverpool, I received
from Dr Wright his remarks on the second edition of the
Medical Reports, much at large. In these, after support-
ing all the principal parts of my treatment of fever and con-
vulsive diseases, from original observations of his own, he
concludes by assuring me that my work has his unqualified
approbation. In subsequent communications from this vene-
rable physician, he informs me of the success attending his

memoir or nu wright. -11:3

use of the cold affusion in febrile diseases in Edinburgh, par-
ticularly in the late influenza ; which lie treated as a fever of
debility, allowing a liberal diet, and the moderate use of wine,
but keeping down heat and flushings, by the sudden applica-
tion of cold water to the surface ; a mode of treatment which
he found invariably successful : and he expresses a confident
opinion that the cold affusion, well timed, will not only cure
all febrile exacerbations, but prevent their taking place, ' I
agree,1 says Dr Wright ' with Dr Falconkii of Bath, in
thinking that the cold affusion will secure persons from taking
the plague itself, though exposed to its contagion. r'

After a short stay at Liverpool and Manchester,
Dr Wiiight, towards the end of June 1798, proceed-
ed to London, where he had the satisfaction to find
that his services in the West Indies had been duly ap-
preciated. As he was still retained on the full pay of
the army, he appears to have felt that his services
were more immediately at the disposal of the Secretary
at War, than if he had been reduced with the other
officers of the Staff. It is probable, however, from his
never having afterwards had any actual duty assigned
to him, that the delay in placing him on half-pay was
only intended to afford him some remuneration for the
example he had shewn of zeal, activity, and perseve-
rance in the discharge of his professional duties.

The uncertainty as to his future destination, de-
tained him for several months in London, during
which he had an opportunity of cultivating and ex-
tending the friendships he had formed in the metro-
polis. At the Royal College of Physicians, he found
that he had risen so high in favour with the corpora-

!I

114 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

tion, as to be offered the honorary rank of an extra-
licentiate, which, however, he thought fit, under all
the circumstances, to decline.

In the month of October 1798, Dr Wright pro-
ceeded to Edinburgh, and shortly afterwards to Aber-
deen, where the business of a friend required his atten-
tion. From Aberdeen he returned to Edinburgh, by
way of Perthshire, where he appears to have concluded
the year, in the bosom of his brother's family, and sur-
rounded by his early friends.

Upon his arrival in Edinburgh, after obtaining and
fitting up a proper residence, his first attention was
directed to the arrangement of his books, and the in-
spection of his numerous dried specimens in botany,
and other branches of natural history, which, with his
recent additions, had, by this time, amounted to one
of the greatest private collections in the kingdom.

While these matters were in progress, Dr Wright,
in answer to some inquiries from Dr Garthshore, on
the subject of Diabetes, writes to him as follows :

" Spallanzani, and the works of John Hunter, may be
consulted with advantage ; but in what manner the saccharine
process is carried on in the animal economy, is one of the ar-
cana of nature which cannot well be developed, even with the
assistance of the new chemistry.

" In the boiling of sugar, I have known some hogsheads
spoiled by a mischievous Negro squeezing a few limes or lemons
in a sugar-mill. No granulation took place, and the whole
was obliged to be sent to the distillery. It was not this cir-
cumstance which gave me the hint of treating diabetes.

" Such cases as fell under my inspection were recent, and
were either accompanied by remitting fever, or took place in

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. # . 1 V5

young children who laboured under lienteria, and an immo-
derate flow of urine. In either case, my mixture of citric
acid and marine salt answered the purpose completely. That
such disorders are occasioned first by a morbid secretion in the
jyrimec v'm is little doubted, and that such secretion has an as_
similating power is evident from the effects. Has the medi-
cine the power of changing the nature of this morbid fer-
ment ? Or does it give the parts another action ? Be that as
it may, I have relieved many by this medicine ; and, had I
restricted my patients entirely to animal food, I might have
succeeded also in diabetic cases of long standing. I think I
have done good with infusions of Lignum Quassia*, which is
quite the opposite to honey or sugar.1"'

On the 21st of February 1799, Dr Wright thus
commences his correspondence with Dr Currie :

" My Dear Doctor, — From the time I left you in June,
I was detained four months in England before it was deter-
mined to put me on the half pay. For that space I lived
sometimes in London, sometimes in Hampshire.

Our friend Dr Garthshore told me he had read your
book several times over, and always with new pleasure and
information. Till very lately, I could not sit down to exa-
mine it with the attention which it merits. From the progress
I have made, I see how little you have left me to correct or
to add. Any remarks which occur will be speedily forward-
ed.

" While I staid in London, my friend Mr Weir, Inspec-
tor-General of Hospitals in San Domingo, gave me an origi-
nal letter from Dr John Mitchell, physician in Virginia,
to Dr Fothergill, London, 1741, referring to a letter he
had some time before sent to the Medical Society of Edin-
burgh, for the Medical Essays. This last I suppose is the

H 2

lit) MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

same which Dr Rush speaks of in his book on the fever of
Philadelphia. In this letter Dr Mitchell labours to prove
that the American fever is the same with the Hungarian or
pestilential fever, described by Rulandi and others. The
copy I took will be sent you, together with some original pa-
pers of mine, recovered from Dr Thomson, formerly Secre-
tary to the Medical Society of London.

' I often hear from Dr Garthshore. A few days ago
he inclosed me a long letter from Dr Wells. He tells me
that he has prepared to expose the tyranny of the College of
Physicians, and the malversation of its members in office.
He alludes particularly to the refusal of Sir Lucas Pepys to
recommend me, in form, to the Commander-in-Chief, in 1795,
and to his giving a preference to raw youths, for no other
reason than because they were of Oxford or Cambridge, and
might one day or other become members of the College of
Physicians of London.

" Dr Wells requests information on this head from me ;
and I have furnished him with so much of my life and con-
versation as was necessary for his purpose. At the same
time, I concur with Dr Gregory in deprecating the measure
of his addressing his letter to Lord Kenyov, as it. would be
arraigning a judge for partiality before the people, serious
perhaps to the writer, and detrimental to the cause he wishes
to support.

" I am now to request what I have no claim to, your for-
giveness for a seeming neglect, and a letter from you in the
course of post.

" Your Report sells rapidly, and another edition will soon
be wanted. Accept my warmest thanks for the honour you
have done me. I am proud to be handed down with you to
posterity. Make my compliments^acceptable to Mrs Currie
and the family. I am, with great esteem and respect, my
Dear Sir, your faithful friend, and very humble servant,

" William Wright."

MEMOIR OF 1)K WEIGHT. —117

Dr Cuhkie's first letter to Dr Wright, is dated
the 24th of February 1799- The following are ex-
tracts :

" My Dear Sih, — I received your obliging letter of the
21st, this morning, and lose no time in assuring you of the
satisfaction it has given me. I am very happy to iind that
you are about to favour me with your observations on my
book, on which I will place their just value. The other com-
munications you express your intention of sending, I will re-
ceive with pleasure and thankfulness. I am much pleased to see
that you are going to entrust me with some of your own origi-
nal MSS. recovered from the Medical Society of London. I
consider every thing from you as of the very first authority.
I have some reason to believe, by a message from Cadkll
and Davies, that a new edition of my Reports will be re-
quired in a little while ; and, on this account, I am the more
anxious to receive your packet, with as little delay as conve-
nience will admit.

"■ I have received from various quarters accounts of the
successful use of cold ablution in fever. Strange to say, in
the last dreadful fever in Philadelphia, though every other
method proved so utterly inefficacious, this was never once
tried ; but at Boston it was used with the happiest effects.
What murderous work they made of it at Philadelphia ! My
blood runs cold when I think of it.

" 1 have never the slightest opposition to the affusion <>l
cold water here. It is universally received and admitted
among the better classes; and, indeed, among the poor,
where their miserable accommodations, of which you will see
some account in my book, admit of it.

" I have had five eases of hydrophobia under my care in
the last five years, one very lately. I think I have a dis-
tinctcr conception of the nature of the disease than I Iind m

118 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

print, and have thoughts of publishing a memoir on it. I
have entirely failed of a cure hitherto, but have some little
hopes, if the disease should occur again. My last patient
married about a fortnight before he died. He slept with his
wife every night till he died. She is pregnant: — a tolerable
proof this, that the disease is not communicated by the hu-
man subject.

" I am happy to see that you take an active part in the
business of the College, especially as a new pharmacopoeia is
getting ready.

" Dr Wells is my old school-fellow, fellow- student, and
friend ; as honest a man as lives, and of very superior talents
— but impracticable. He wrote to me on the subject of his
publication, and I threw out a few hints to him ; but I know
he will take his own way. There is, however, no danger
that he will commit himself rashly. He will not, I dare say,
excite any enmity against him but that of the Fellows who
support the pitiful system of the College ; and that system
will find in him an adversary, able, intrepid, and unrelenting.
I am glad you gave him the facts respecting yourself. It is
not possible to think of their conduct in your case without
scorn and indignation.

" Allow me to congratulate you on your returning to the
bosom of your country and of your friends. May the re-
maining part of your life be as tranquil and happy as the
past has been active, useful, and honourable !

" Adieu, my dear sir. Your faithful and obliged friend
and servant, Ja. Currie^

On the 12th of March 1799, Dr Wright trans-
mitted to Dr Currie a paper of observations on the
second edition of his work, in which he details a num-
ber of cases occurring in his own practice, which coin-
cided in their results with the views of his correspon-

MEMOIR Ol DB WRIGHT. 119

dent, and served to confirm the doctrines which Dr
Currie had so ably supported. At the same time,
he transmitted to l)r (Vrrie those original papers to
which he formerly alluded, as having been recovered
from the London Medical Society. In the letter ac-
companying these communications, he observes, " The
paper on small-pox will surprize you. We were born,
it appears, to think and act alike, in separate hemi-
spheres, and at the distance of thirty years. The co-
incidence is very striking."

Dr Currie, on the 18th of April 1799, thus writes
to Dr Wright :

" My dear Sik, — If I have not sooner acknowledged
your most valuable and obliging communications, this has
arisen from the wish I had to write to you much at large on
the several points to which they refer ; and such have been
my avocations, that hitherto it has not been in my power to
find the necessary leisure. Even at the present moment I
must, in a great measure, confine myself to an assurance of
the safety of the papers, and to a sincere expression of my
gratitude for the valuable time you have devoted to my ser-
vice.

" As yet my booksellers have not signified to me in any
other than general terms, that another edition of my book
will be required ; and perhaps they may be mistaken in sup-
posing it would be called for in the course of the present
year. I shall not, however, go again into the press, without
availing myself of the communications you have already
made me ; and you may soon expect a long letter from me
on those topics in which we are mutually and moiv especially
interested, with a view to your farther opinions. It shall be
my endeavour to point out the coincidence of our experience,

120 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

because I am fully sensible how much I shall by that means
strengthen the authority, if I may so speak, of the practice I
wish to inculcate.

" I have, since I wrote last, had complete success in a case
of tetanus. Wine, and bark, and opium had been pushed to
the uttermost, and the symptoms were aggravating. I was
fearful of using water of the temperature of our air, the wea-
ther being then intensely cold ; and recollecting the success
of your practice in Jamaica, 1 heated the water employed for
affusion to 75°. The effects were most striking. The patient
himself afterwards constantly called for this remedy when the
spasms under the scrobiculus cordis pressed him, and clearly
attributes his recovery to this practice. I mean to print the
case, which is an excellent one.

" I have just had a very interesting case of diabetes, to
which I have paid minute and constant attention. The pa-
tient is for the present well. The particulars, which include
some curious phenomena respecting animal heat, I will com-
municate to you and to the world.

" I write in great haste. Once more accept my best thanks
and best wishes. Yours most faithfully, Ja. Curkie."

Throughout the long life of Dr Weight there
was never the slightest abatement in the warmth of
the affection he maintained for his brother. This feel-
ing is strongly and uniformly evinced, throughout a
correspondence which covers a period considerably ex-
ceeding half a century in duration, and which suffered
only the casual interruptions arising from his occa-
sional residence in his brother's family. A variety of
extracts have already been given, and another is now
offered, as placing several of the leading features of
his character — his kind and considerate disposition —

MEMOIR OV Dlt WRIGHT. 1 21

his habits of method and arrangement, and the appli-
cation of these habits and dispositions to a useful and
interesting purpose, in a prominent point of view. —
" It Will be my study (he says) to make your situa-
tion as comfortable as lies in my power ; the rest will
depend on yourself. And as you are likely to continue
in a business which has not hitherto been productive,
I am sure that nothing on your part will be wanting.
Let your duty for your family, and your love for me,
stimulate you constantly to the strictest attention to
your affairs : spend some hours daily in your works :
see regular entries made in your books : keep your ac-
counts clear and correct : be not afraid to look nar-
rowly into your private affairs : set down on one side
every shilling you owe, and on the other the good or
bad debts which may be due to you. This will en-
able you to go on with pleasure and satisfaction.
Above all, adjust your affairs with reference to your
family ; and as you have heritable property and per-
sonal concerns, it is necessary you should have a will
made in due form by some friend in the law, to pre-
vent the possibility of future dispute among your chil-
dren. This is a piece of justice which is due to your
family ; and your compliance with my request, with-
out loss of time, will be a test of your affection to me.
Indeed, when we consider the transitory and uncer-
tain tenure by which life is held, there is no time to
lose." — He then discovers the clew which had led to
this train of thought, by enumerating a number of
deaths which had rccentlv occurred in Edinburgh,

122 .MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

and among others, that of the learned and eccentric
Lord Monboddo.

About this time Dr Wright's correspondence with
Dr Currie was closely kept up. The latter had now
engaged in the work which has since connected his
name so inseparably with that of Robert Burns ; a
circumstance which gives to the following passage a
peculiar interest. It is probable from his knowledge
of the tastes and habits of Dr Wright, that he did
not anticipate much encouragement in that quarter
for the prosecution of the undertaking, a feeling
which, when combined with the delicate state of Dr
Currie's health, may have had some influence on the
tone of his expression. The letter, from which the
extract is taken, is dated the 18th of August 1799 :

" I enjoy," he says, " but indifferent health, and write at
present in my bed-room. Being much exposed to the late
tempestuous weather, I have got a cough, which is teasing.
I am compelled to bleed, which makes me languid, especially
as I cannot lie by.

" I have unwittingly engaged in a work, from which I ex-
pected nothing but amusement and relaxation, but which has
consumed some valuable time, — superintending a complete
edition of the works of poor Burns, which is printing here,
and now on the eve of publication. This ill-fated genius died
in Dumfries, where I saw him, in an excursion I made to
Scotland in 1792. His family's great friend, Mr Svme, was
an early and particular intimate of mine ; and by him I was
induced first to engage to give an anonymous article as a pre-
face to the works ; afterwards to give my opinion of what
MSS. should be printed, and finally to superintend the print-
ing, transact with the booksellers, and, in short, undertake

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. 12^

the management of the publication. At first I expected no-
thing but amusement. You must know I am a great admirer
of Burns, and have a partial attachment to our old interesting
country ; but it has happened from various causes that this
task has occupied and almost engrossed my little leisure from
professional pursuits. Thank God it will soon be off mv
hands.

" I mean to prefix a discourse on the condition and man-
ners of the Scottish peasantry ; and I mean also to speak of
the effects of opium and alcohol on the temperament of ge-
nius. So you see I shall give it a professional colouring.
Can you indicate to me any book in which I may find assist-
ance in this last particular ?

" I am sensible that I have been imprudent in this under-
taking, and that it interrupts me in the pursuit of objects
fairly in my path and in my view. But I must get through
it now as well as I can."

In Dr Wright's next letter to Dr Currie, of
the 24th of August 1799, the following passages oc-
cur:

" Your welcome and kind letter of the 18th current came
duly to hand, and relieved me considerably from the anxiety
I had concerning you. I hope a little time and attention on
your part will restore you. We all know the ill effects of a
sedentary life, while at the same time the mind is making ex-
ertions. I rejoice that Bukns is now so nearly off your
hands, and that you will soon be able to turn your attention
to other subjects.

" Ckumpe has written best on opium, so far as regards its
virtues in diseases, and Trotter De Ebrietate ; but I do
not at present recollect any author who treats cither on alco-
hol or opium, as it influences the morals or the modes of think-
ing in mankind. The latter I should suspect might best be

124 MEMOIli OF Dlt WRIGHT.

gathered from authors who treat of the history of eastern
countries, or of Turkey ; but I shall make inquiry if any
books are extant expressly on these subjects. Does not Dak-
win give some hints ? I have not bought that eccentric work
the Zoonomia. By the bye, his Loves of the Plants is a mo-
dernized paraphrase of De la Croix's Connubia Florum ;
but he has disfigured his elegant poem, by the introduction of
notes on the politics of the day."

In a letter about this period to his friend Dr
Garthshore, Dr Wright expresses himself as fol-
lows:

" I am very happy to find you persevere in the practice
of cold affusion, and that your success continues to confirm
my experience. I have just received a letter from Dr James
Robertson, at Barbadoes, to whom I had sent Dr Currie's
book. He has adopted the practice to the full extent, and
concludes with observing, ' I have not had a single patient
ill of fever for a longer period than two or three days, since I
received Dr Currie's Reports.1

" I am sorry to say that Dr Currie has been ailing for
several months. He is able, however, tc attend to his lite-
rary pursuits ; and he tells me that you have made him some
valuable communications. He has been drawn in to prepare
an edition of Burn's Poems, with a prefatory discourse, in
which he is to treat of the effects of alcohol and opium on the
minds and morals of the people of Scotland. He requests
me to name such authors as have written best on these sub-
jects. Perhaps you can assist him ; I cannot.

" We have made some progress with the Pharmacopoeia,
and have rejected a great number of simples, which we con-
sider useless or obsolete. When we come to the Formula?, I

MEMOIR Or nil WRIGHT. ^J25

mean to request the favour of you and Dr Pearson to give
us your observations and corrections.

" I have been very busy with West India and British
Fuci. Of the latter I intend sending an assortment for Dr
Pulteney, and another for the Linnean Society, which I
will beg you to present through Dr Smith. I am also occu-
pied with ascertaining corallines, by the help of Solan or: u
and Ellis. In West India corallines, my collection is com-
plete."

To Dr Currie he writes on the 30th of September
1799:

" Dr Wells's letter to Lord Kenyon was handed to me
two days ago, in which I observe my case at large. It is
elegantly written, but would have pleased me better had it
combined more of the suaviter in moth with the Jbrtlter in
re. I suspect that the President and Fellows, and particu-
larly Dr Latham and Sir Lucas, will feel rather sore on the
occasion. It does not appear to be published, but the author
has no doubt sent you a copy. It is printed by Whitting-
ham, Dean Street, Fetter-Lane. When you have read it, I
shall be glad to have your opinion of its merits,"

A variety of interesting topics are discussed in the
correspondence about this period between Dr Wright
and Dr Currie. With the latter, the erection of a
fever hospital at Liverpool appears to have long been
a favourite object, in the attainment of which he at
length succeeded, hut not without a great deal of
anxiety and exertion. The details of the measure
are carefully examined in the course of his correspond-
ence with Dr Wright ; but they extend to so great
a length, as to he inconsistent with the limited plan

126 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

of the present memoir. Another subject is discussed
in these letters, in which the inhabitants of Liverpool
had a material interest, regarding the quality and ana-
lysis of the water, which was about to be introduced
into the town by two rival companies ; but this it
is also necessary to omit.

On the 21st of November 1799, Dr Currie thus
addresses Dr Wright :

" I hope to enter very particularly with you on medical
subjects before long ; and I should be stupid, indeed, if I did
not endeavour to profit by your power, as well as by your in-
clination to serve me.

" I have received my friend Wells's powerful pamphlet,
and have read it with emotions of sympathy and of admiration.
It is like the man, — in some respects even superior to what I
expected. No argument can be put more clearly, nor urged,
I think, with more energy. It is impossible but that those
against whom it is directed, must wince under the flagellation
they have received, which they will neither know how to sub-
mit to, nor how to repel. It is not possible but that they
must shrink under the chastisement of so superior an adver-
sary, or that they should bear him any other sentiments than
those of the most inveterate enmity, springing out of the
mixed sensations of fear and hatred.

" I fear my high minded friend has taken a very impru-
dent step, and I cannot but calculate the consequences to
himself as likely to be injurious. Since he has gone so far,
I wish, however he would publish his book, to prevent the
misrepresentations which will otherwise be affixed to it. I
hear the lawyers are highly pleased with it, especially with
the part in which he lashes our profession ; which, I confess,
I thought too severe. It seems to me that he has avoided,

3

MEMOIR Ol- DB WRIGHT. 127

very successfully, the imputation of disrespect to Lord Ken-
yon.

" What think you of the style ? I thought it very supe-
rior. What he says of you is universally, I find, thought ex-
tremely to the purpose, and has occasioned in

great uneasiness. So I was told by a London lawyer a few
days ago. How beautiful is the eulogium on Hebekden !

" You must know that Wells and I were school-fellows,
and slept a long time in the same room. I know him of
course well ; and am deeply interested in him. The man is
singularly noble, — brave beyond all sense of fear, — ready to
sacrifice his life to serve any generous purpose, — and not ca-
pable of a mean or base thing to save his life. He has the
corresponding faults, — an unbending pride — unaccommoda-
ting manners, — inflexible determination, — a disposition to
act solely under the impulse of his own lofty spirit, — and to
scorn the consequences, whatever they may be. With all
these obstacles to success, such is the strength of his talents,
that he would rise to the first rank of society, if the life of
man were lengthened to twice or thrice its present duration.

" I wish he could get a professorship in your University.
There he would shine ; and he could lecture on any branch
of science.'11

The following passages occur in a letter of Dr Cur-
rie to Dr Wright, of the 29th of November 1799 :

" I know not whether I mentioned to you before, that my
book has been abridged, and printed in America, in the form
of a shilling or eighteen penny pamphlet, which is circulating-
through all the great towns, — and, I hope, doing some good;
but of this I have not yet particular accounts. A copy of
this abridgment has been sent to me by the author of it, a
Mr Peter Edes of Augusta, in the district of Maine, who
seems a man of good understanding, and some information.

128 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

He prefaces his abridgment with an account of the practice,
so far as it has hitherto been adopted ; and of the motives for
adopting it universally. The abridgment has gone to a se-
cond edition. He speaks very fully of you, and in the pro-
per terms :

" It is a miserable thing to think that, while all their esta-
blished and common modes of treatment have proved so mi-
serably inefficient, the physicians of America should have been
engaged in such fierce and stupid controversies, which have
diverted their attention from the awful lessons which experi-
ence was presenting to them, in the continued mortality of
the fever. Though I sent my book to the Editors of the
American Medical Museum, published at New York, they
never found time to review it, or even i to notice it, be-
ing entirely occupied with theoretical disquisitions in support
of Mitchell's gratuitous theory respecting the principle of
contagion being the gaseous oxide of azote! an f hypothesis
created by the imagination ; but made the foundation of a
system of practice, — consisting of the administration of alka-
lis and alkaline earths, to correct, forsooth, the prevailing aci-
dity."

About this period, Dr Wright thus writes to Dr
Garthshore :

" Mr friend, Dr Lind, desires me to make his acknow-
ledgments to you, for your great attention to him while in
London. I proposed him as a Member of our Royal Socie-
ty, and he has been unanimously elected. I do not know a
more enlightened man, or a more judicious physician, than
Dr Lind. And, as hg has preserved accurate and methodi-
cal records of his cases for many years, and reads all the
modern publications, he will certainly prove a useful and va-
luable correspondent to the Medical Society.

" In the Philosophical Magazine. No. 7- I think, an Amc-

MEMOlfc OF UK NUH.IIT. J^J '

rican doctor details the good effects of vegetable acid and sea-
sakj in various cases, and styles it < l)r Wright's Medicine.1

In fluxes he thinks it will supersede the use of every other
remedy.

" We have had the catarrhal fever very prevalent in this
city ; and it has proved fatal to some old people worn down
by infirmities: I have heard of others who narrowly escaped.
The hazard they incurred was probably owing to the unsea-
sonable use of means too active in their operation. On the
Continent many have died by bleeding and brisk evacuants.
I recommend cordial and volatile medicines, gentle laxatives,
and diaphoretics, with wine and a generous regimen to support
the strength of the patient.

" Dr IIunteh, the Professor of Divinity, lies dangerously
ill. His disorder is said to be an internal inflammation. The
old antiphlogistic mode of treatment continues here ; of which
you know that I do not approve. My modus medendi was,
by the use of mercurials, internally by the stomach, and ex-
ternally by friction, increasing or diminishing the application
progressively, as the violence of the symptoms prevailed or
abated.

" A number of children have lately died in hooping cough.
In several instances it caused an effusion on the brain, and
consequently hydrocephalus. Some practitioners here pre-
tend to have cured hydrocephalus, by means of mercury, af-
ter double vision, and even blindness, had taken place ; but
for this they have no credit. I have seen many, but all
proved fatal, notwithstanding the use of mercury, digitalis,
and other remedies.11

Dr Wright devoted the last slimmer of the cen-
tury to a tour in the north of Scotland, spending a
considerable part of his time among his friends in the
counties of Perth and Aberdeen. From the neigh-

130 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT,

bourhood of Callendar, iu Menteith, he writes to his
friend Dr Garthshore, that he had been detained,
on his return to Edinburgh., by the illness of a lady of
his acquaintance with fever and sore throat, followed
by lienteria ; the last of which he removed by his spe-
cific of salt and vinegar. In a subsequent letter he
says to Dr Garthshore :

•• The lady I formerly mentioned to you had that species
of sore throat, with white specks and sloughs, small clear ul-
cer-, and scarlet efflorescence. It is well described by Pen-
rose, in a work published thirty years ago. Before my ar-
rival, as much wine and bark had been poured in as she
could swallow. She was hourly getting worse. I gave a fa-
vourable turn to the disorder, by the exhibition of three
grains of antimonial powder and one grain of calomel, every
three hours. The second day brought on a kindly perspira-
tion ; the patient had immediate relief; but went on with
three more of the powders, to secure what she had got. The
gargle was vinegar, water and honey, very gently used.

" In the remitting fever of children," he proceeds. " at-
tended with debility, irritability, and intestinal disorder,
when the discharge by stool is lienteric, of a dark green co-
lour, or thin and white, and very fcetid. vinegar saturated
with marine salt will never deceive you. It will do every-
thing. To young infants, say of three months, a tea-spoon-
ful to a table-spoonful of water, well sweetened, will suffice:
to a chiki a year old double the quantity, every three hours.

" Have the goodness to say to Sir Joseph, that a book,
with the following title, is at his service, " Leonardos The-
•UEissuBtfs, Descriptio Plantarum. Ratisboinv. cici^lxxvi."

On the 84th of August 1800, Dr Currie writes to
Dr Wright as follows ;

MEMOIR 01 I >1

"• H _
ine _ .id the g •

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in ».: -

knc . _ o ^jagenx:

- -n the proofs n^ . the pu;

which I had in > _

por-
tion te upon.

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notice to pc\ sh I was not

consequence of former unfounded noti-
-ame kind. B a since h

that the whole edition dt 2lXX - gone, and have been

oblu uuch amende

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•• I ban e I _ communications troui Lon-

don, See. on : cation; _ - jk! and

.ble from
anv friend " anv where nort:

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[ wish

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to know ; for it too late

to make correct]

\ aiprude: ..: :-.. I shall

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concept:
wh:. _■ d in their birth.

-

132 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

in a new volume. I have also something to say on the gout ;
and on insanity, hydrophobia, and diabetes : but these two'
last subjects may be discussed in some periodical work ; the
two former will require a separate publication. When I have
done all this, I will rest. I shall have performed my part.
I mention these intentions to you, that, should any thing oc-
cur, you may suggest it. For, notwithstanding my omis-
sions, the cause of which is removed, I have the confidence
to hope for a continuation of your friendship.11

It is deeply to be regretted, that, in the subsequent
years of Dr Currie's valuable life, he did not enjoy
the necessary health or leisure for executing the im-
portant tasks which he had thus assigned to himself.
With his enlarged and enlightened views, and with a
mind so free from prejudice or bias, there can be no
doubt of the great accession he would have brought to
the knowledge of any subject which he had chosen for
investigation. The topics, indeed, were such as re-
quired the firm grasp of a master mind ; and such was
that of Dr Currie. For many years after his death,
when a case of difficulty or danger occurred, in such
cases of gout, insanity, or fever, as fell within the range
of Dr Currie's projected publications, Dr Wright
was often heard to lament the loss which the world
had sustained, by the death of his friend in the midst
of his career. Dr Wright's next letter to Dr Cur-
rie, contains the following passages.

" I shall rejoice to see any thing of yours on gout and in-
sanity.

" In cases of tradesmen, who had no time to be sick; afflict-
ed with gout in the feet and ancles, accompanied by febrile

MEMOIR OF D» WRIGHT. _^ 188

•symptoms, I have prescribed pulvis Jacob), or pulvis antimo-

nialis, two grains, and one grain of calomel, every three hours,
till a perspiration came on ; which I kept up for several
hours. By this means the tit was warded off; the fever and
inflammation disappeared; and in a few days they followed
their occupations.

" A gentleman in the West Indies had cephalalgia arthri-
tica to such a height, that I was apprehensive of frenzy or
hydrencephalus. I gave him five grains of calomel twice a-
day for two successive days, which produced a sudden saliva-
tion, and my patient was relieved of headach, and continued
free of it for two years. The theory of the day is, that both
mercury and camphor dispose nature to reabsorb the mor-
bid and inflammatory affections.

" I have lately had a case of mania furiosa. It was the
lady of one of the professors. She is upwards of 50 years of
age, tall and well made. She had seemingly a good state of
health, and the catamenia about leaving her.

" About the middle of December, she was suddenly seized
with frenzy. I accompanied Dr Monro to her residence in
the country. We found her so high and ungovernable as to
induce the necessity of coercion. She had fever and flushing,
with constipation, talking loudly and incessantly. Topical
bleedings were adopted, and a blister was applied to the head
Neither vomiting nor perspiration could be brought on by
large doses of emetic tartar, and costiveness was with difficulty
removed by drastic purgatives, and stimulating injections.
Dr Monro recommended small doses of tartar emetic, three
times a-day, which were given for three weeks without effect, A t
last, I determined on giving her camphor, viz. camphoric 3i,
sp. vim" 3i, magnesia 5i, aquae comm. ^xii, sacch. alb. y M.
A common wine glassful three times a-day. The first dose
was administered forcibly through a silver funnel, on the
5th of January. The second dose she took with good will ,

134 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

and on the same day she requested that a third might, be
ffiven to her. She was now calm, cool and collected. It was
continued twice a-day for a week ; since which she continues
well. This I think is the fourth case I have cured by cam-
phor ; at least I have been so fortunate as to have them re-
cover at the time it was administered.

" Of diabetes I know a little ; and several cases, of no long
standing, I treated with success, by a method peculiar to my-
self. It was no other than the citric acid saturated with ma-
rine salt. The diabetic cases were recent, attending remittent
fever, or its consequences, or took place in children with re-
mitting fever, and great intestinal irritation, occasioning loose-
ness and lienteria. Such bowel complaints as cholera, diar-
rhoea, lienteria, and dysentery, yield to this simple remedy ;
and with it I have cured a great number of all ages and con-
ditions. Two physicians in America, Drs Perkins and
B. Lynde Oliver, have published an 8vo volume on Dysen-
tery, &c. cured by ' Dr Wright's medicine,1 and say it will
supersede the use of all others in the cure of fluxes. I am
not quite so sanguine : I often find that obstinate dysentery
will only yield to calomel.-"

Dr Wright, in the regular course of rotation, should
have assumed the Presidency of the Royal College of
Physicians in the year 1800, as successor to his friend
Dr Gregory ; but, in consequence of the somewhat
animated discussion which was at this time in progress
between the Physicians and Surgeons of Edinburgh,
Dr Gregory and Mr Bell, being the champions of
the two parties, Dr Wright thought it best to post-
pone his pretensions, in favour of Dr Gregory, who
had occupied the chair for the two previous years. On
the 3d of December 1800 he writes to his brother s

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. 135-

" The election of office-bearers in the College of Phy-
sicians, took place this morning. I am of the Coun-
cil, and might have been President ; but as Dr Gre-
gory has kicked up such a dust with the Surgeons, I
thought it best that he should continue in office, and
fight his own battle. Johnny Bell has answered
or rather criticised the Memorial of Dr Gregory,
who is now preparing his reply. I shall take an early
opportunity of sending you the whole of the papers."

Throughout the long life of Dr Wright, and more
especially during his residence in Edinburgh, in the
evening of his days, there is, perhaps, no feature of his
character more strongly marked, than the deep and
pervading interest he evinced, and the substantial as-
sistance he afforded, to the rising generation. He re-
membered the difficulties and perplexities with which
he had occasion to struggle in his own outset in life ;
but it was not in passive sympathy for similar strug-
gles that he allowed his kindness to be exhausted.
With an active spirit of beneficence, he sought for
modest merit, and persevered in rescuing the objects
of his patronage from undeserved obscurity. He ap-
peared, indeed, to enjoy a singular facility in detect-
ing the first germs of genius, and calling them early
into action ; an observation which is fully warranted
by the rank and station to which many of his eleves
and proteges have since raised themselves in society.
The medical profession, from the nature of his own
pursuits, and the corresponding circle of his friends,
afforded him a field of usefulness which he neither al-
lowed to remain uncultivated nor unfruitful.

136 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

The amiable and respectable feelings which prompt-*
ed these exertions, induced him to place a higher
value on the efforts of the youthful mind than is com-
monly ascribed to them ; not so much, perhaps, from
their intrinsic merit, as from the indications they af-
forded of future excellence. The inaugural disser-
tations which it is necessary to prepare and defend
with a view to graduation, do not always, it is true,
present a satisfactory or even sometimes an authentic
criterion of the talents of the ostensible authors ; and,
with some little modification, their merit may perhaps
be said to be as variable as the minds of the graduates
themselves. Among the brightest ornaments of the
healing art, there are few who have combined, like
Dr Gregory, the highest professional attainments
with the purest Latinity. And now that graduation
is accomplished at so early a period of life, the proba-
ble number is proportionally diminished of those who
rely exclusively on their own resources for preparing
for this ordeal. There was no one, however, who could
better judge than Dr Wright of the necessity or ex-
tent of such foreign assistance. Although the the-
sis itself may not be a sufficient test of individual me-
rit, it is chiefly because these juvenile productions are
supposed to be above the reach or experience of an
unpractised student ; but, if taken in the aggregate, it
is clear that their average merit affords a satisfactory
ground on which a comparison may be instituted be-
tween one school of medicine and another. Dr
WRIGHT was probably actuated by some considera-
tion of this kind, in collecting the medical theses of

MEMOIR OF Dl! WKH.iri . . . iSl

the University of Edinburgh, from the earliest period
of her history, arranging them in chronological order,
preparing an index raisonne of their contents, and put-
ting it to press ; which he accomplished, at the close
of the year 1800.

In the course of this year, an application of a \w\
flattering nature was made to Dr WEIGHT by liis
former friend and commander Sir Ralph ABEECEOM-
BIE, to accompany the celchrated expedition to Egypt,
in quality of Physician to the Army. Sir Rat. mi was
an older man than Dr Weight, and, with the privi-
lege arising from former intimacy, he urged that cir-
cumstance with earnestness as an inducement to ac-
cede to the proposal ; hut, after giving it the delibe-
rate consideration which was due to any suggestion
from such a source, Dr Wright resolved to remain
in his retirement ; remembering the scene of dcatli
and desolation which the physician, more vividly than
the general, had witnessed in the West Indies ; re-
collecting the painful want he had experienced of
congenial society; and feeling that, since that period,
his affections had taken deeper root in his native
soil.

In consequence of a communication from Dr CuE-
rie on the subject of a Botanic Garden about to be
established at Liverpool, requesting such advice and
information from Dr Weight as lie might be able to
afford, and detailing the extent and situation of the
ground which had been acquired for the purpose,
Dr Wright, with his accustomed alacrity, made im-
mediate application to such of his numerous corres-

138 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

pondents, as he believed to be most capable or most
disposed to promote the progress of the infant institu-
tion. In answer to a letter from Dr Wright, an-
nouncing his readiness to lend his aid on the occasion,
as well directly as through the medium of his friends,
Dr Currie, after treating of other matters, in a let-
ter of the 10th of October 1801, makes his acknow-
ledgments as follows :

" What shall I say to you of the very great debt I owe
you — in which, indeed, my best friend Roscok takes his
share — for the interest you take in our new institution for
natural science ? We feel your kindness, and the value of
your friendship, in the most sensible manner. I communi-
cated your letter to him ; and we have certainly felt properly
on the occasion, though we have not acted as we ought to do,
in being so slow to express our acknowledgments. Your vast
knowledge and your extensive correspondence, render your
friendship of the greatest importance; but really I do not know
how we can accept your kindness, without the means of re-
munerating you for all your exertions, and very valuable
specimens. Our garden is now advancing. The ground is
levelled, and the walls building. They include a space of
23,000 square yards, so that the ground is very ample. The
house of the gardener is also building, and the green-house.
We shall have an engraved plan soon, of which you shall
liave a copy.1,1

Soon afterwards Dr Wright makes the following
communication to Dr Currie.

" Dr Roxburgh, at Calcutta, has sent home a very large
collection of dried specimens, of which I am to have a share.
They arc to be divided with Sir Jose pit Ranks, and Mr A.
R. Lamih'ht, Vice-President of the Linnean Society; but I

MEMOIR OF 1)H WHKiHT. 139'

do not expect mv proportion until the spring. I have com-
plete specimens of all those which Dr Roxburgh formerly
sent to our Society, at your service. Do not speak of remu-
neration. Your kind acceptance and friendship will be my
best reward. Have you yet determined in what style the
specimens are to be put up ; the size of paper ; and whe-
ther they are to be bound in books, or to lie loose in fascicu-
li ? When you state all these particulars, I shall then pro-
ceed.

" We have lost,11 he continues, " our valuable friend Dr
Pulteney at Bland ford. He has left few in this country
equal to him in Natural History, and particularly in Botany.
His life of Linn.eus, and the lives of British Botanists, are in
every body^ hands. Dr Gakthsiioke is, no doubt, left exe-
cutor, and will have the disposal of his books and collections.
It would be an object well deserving the attention of the Di-
rectors of your institution, as you could better afford to make
the purchase than most individuals.

" I have been more perplexed,11 he proceeds, " in the ma-
nagement of patients in a convalescent state; after dysentery,
than during the active state of the disease ; and many fell
victims, in spite of all the means I tried. A milk diet in ge-
neral did service. I varied the preparation from rice-milk to
rice-gruel, and light rice pudding. My specific was only of
use in the first stages, where there was morbific matter in
prima? viae to be corrected. I had some success in allaying
the irritation of the stomach and bowels by a slight infusion
of quassia, and a paring of lemon peel, made cordial by a
small quantity of spirits, or some aromatic spiritous water.
At other times I gave the disorder a happy turn, by the mix-
ture of camphor and magnesia.

" But in acute dysenteries, if any of the symptoms con-
tinue, the smaller intestines are sometimes affected with topi-
cal inflammation, and consequent sphacelus. If so, our best
efforts may be applied in vain. In sound constitutions, there

140 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

may, however, be a chance ; and the Quassia aniara appears
to me to be the safest and best antiseptic.',,

About this period he writes to Dr Garthshore :

" A fever has been raging here, and students of medicine
have been the principal suffei'ers. Several of them have died
of it, and others are dangerously ill. It is said they caught
the contagion in the Infirmary ; and if so, it must be ascribed
to a want of cleanliness and ventilation. Students are gene-
rally attended by pr6fessors ; and I am not acquainted with
the particular treatment they pursue. Dr Gregory makes
use of the cold affusion with success ; but there are cases of
fever where that alone will not suffice, such as a tendency to, or
actual inflammation of the viscera, or congestion in the brain.
In such cases, I make very free with mercurials, and with the
most marked success ; at the same time, I keep my patient
cool and airy, and if need be, apply the cold water generally,
or partially, should the feverish heat run high. Of late, seve-
ral bad cases of fever were thus treated, and the symptoms
were removed in a few days. Indeed, I have never seen a
relapse of fever where calomel was duly used.,,>

Iii a subsequent letter to Dr Garthshore, he says,

" I have a good opinion of antimonials in all febrile cases,
especially in colds attended with fever and plethora. In ty-
phus, I sometimes employ small doses of pulvis antimonialis,
conjoined with calomel ; but more frequently the calomel
alone ; and, as I told you before, patients so treated have no
relapse!'''

In 1801, Dr Wright was elected a member of the
Royal Medical Society ; and, at the close of the year,
he was called to the chair of the Royal College of
Physicians.

MEMOIB OF DB WRIGHT. 141

The exertions of Dr Wright on behalf of the
Botanic Garden at Liverpool, produced a vote of thanks
from the committee, which was communicated in very
eloquent terms by their Vice-President, Mr Roscoe,
the celebrated biographer of Lorenzo de Medici,
and the intimate friend of Dr Currie. Mr Roscoe
had also delivered a discourse on the occasion of the
opening of the garden, in which he noticed the assist-
ance which Dr Wright had afforded, in very flatter-
ing terms. A printed copy of this discourse was
transmitted by Dr Currie to Dr Wright ; and on
the 27th of September 1802, he acknowledges the
compliment as follows : —

" Your kind letter of the 23d of May, together with the
two pamphlets, came safely to hand. My warmest thanks
are due to Mr Roscoe, and to you, for the notice he has been
pleased to take of me in the address. I shall study to merit
his good opinion, and to cultivate his friendship.

" I have just returned from a summer tour in Aberdeen-
shire, Strath Tay, and Callendar Menteith ; in the course of
which, I have seen and conversed with many of the best prac-
titioners, and have been glad to find so great a number con-
curring in our views on the subject of fever, and in the bene-
fits resulting from external cold. Happy had I been, indeed,
to have found the box-bed excluded from the wretched habi-
tations of the lower orders. 1 1 has been, and still continues,
to be a great scourge. Like a jail, it engenders contagion,
converts a common catarrh into typhus, and infects all who
come within the range of its influence

" I have made some progress with the specimens, and hope
I shall now meet with no farther interruption. I look for a
large collection soon from Trinidad and Guiana ; but that

142 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

shall not prevent me from sending you such in the mean time-
as I can spare."

In a subsequent letter he says, —

" I shall again carefully examine the second edition of
your Reports, and make such remarks as occur to me. Dr
"Gkegoiiy has used the cold dash or affusion in a few cases,
with success. Drs Hope and Home have also succeeded, and
all of them recommend the practice in their academical lec-
tures.

" At Glasgow," he adds, " they are bolder. The influ-
enza has been rife here," he continues, " and fatal to many.
The interference of the physician, and still more, that of the
surgeon and apothecary, has, I suspect, helped many out of
the world, in a very summary way, by treating the patients as
for a common cold. Like other contagious disorders, I con-
ceive the reigning distemper to be a. fever of debility, which
does not require the lancet or other profuse evacuation.

" I keep my patients, when in bed, very lightly covered :
I recommend them to get up during the day; and, unless very
ill, to walk about in moderate weather, in the open air : On
any heat or flushing taking place, I desire the hands, face and
neck to be washed suddenly in cold water. I allow the pa-
tient such diet as he likes best, and to the opulent I order a
liberal allowance of wine ; to others strong ale, porter, or dilu-
ted spiritous liquors after meals. I have never lost a patient
by this treatment.

" The cold dash, well timed, will not only cure all febrile ex-
acerbations, but prevent their taking place. Of this I am con-
vinced from daily observation. When any one is threatened
with fever, I direct washing the face, and especially the fore-
head, with the coldest water, three or four times a-day ; and
I give Dr Faulkner credit for thinking, that the cold affu-
sion will prevent the plague itself.

l

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. 143

On the 5th of November 1803, he again writes to
Dr Currie, —

" I am happy to introduce to you my excellent friend Mi-
James Macgrigor, surgeon of the 88th Regiment, who had
the medical direction of the Indian army when in Egypt.
He has every thing to recommend him as a gentleman, a phi-
losopher, and a physician. He has a vast number of medical
communications and observations on the plague and other
fevers of Egypt and of India. His extreme modesty, I fear,
may prevent him from arranging and publishing his materials .;
but I shall continue to urge his doing so, because I know they
will be extremely useful.'"

On the 19th of June 1804, Dr Currie writes as
follows to Dr Wright : —

" Knowing you will be interested in the publication be-
yond any body, I transmit by the coach of this evening, a
copy, the first that is made up of my third edition, in two
volumes, making in all between seven and eight hundred
pages. I intended to have comprised it in one volume, as
you will see from the paging, but found my materials, with
every care, could not be compressed sufficiently ; and since it
has gone to two volumes, I am sorry I did not give some
of my communications more at large. You will see I have
had frequent occasion to introduce your name ; and that I
conclude as I began with you. I flatter myself that you will
find nothing in what I have said to displease you ; and I have
no doubt you will find, that what human evidence can do, is
done, towards the establishment of our practice. Within
these few days I have rcceiyed forty cases from the house of
recovery at Cork, which came too late. It is not a little in-
teresting and singular to find experience so uniform on this
important subject.

f* I have executed this third edition under constant bad

144 MEMOIR OF Dlt WRIGHT.

health, and oppressive engagements. It is on that account
far less perfect than I could wish ; and the table of errata is
shamefully large, — but it was impossible it should be other-
wise. From the month of October till May, I lost, by vene-
section, 200 ounces of blood, and took at least eleven ounces
of the tincture of digitalis ! I could not otherwise have lived.
But my languor and oppression are not to be told. Finding
some relaxation essential, I broke away from Liverpool on
the 9th ultimo, and penetrated into Scotland as far as Moffat.
Thence I crossed into Northumberland, and travelled round
the north-east coast of England, returning to Liverpool by
Harrowgate, Leeds, and Manchester. I reached home, after
an absence of twenty-two days, in the course of which I
travelled 650 miles, on the 2d instant. I was much improv-
ed by my journey, and am now much better, though not
quite confirmed. I have been able to give up bleeding and
digitalis, and have an excellent appetite for milk and vege-
tables, which constitute all my food. Depend on it, I was
much mortified to be so near you and my other friends in
Edinburgh, without seeing you ; — but at the time I had no
spirits for the meeting, and no breath for your long stairs.
I kept out of all great towns, travelling about thirty miles a-
day, and living cool and quiet.

" The third edition will not be published under three
weeks or a month. I wish, therefore, that you should keep
this copy to yourself."

Before this letter had reached its destination, Dr
Wright had left Edinburgh on a tour to the High-
lands ; and, in consequence of the delay in acknowledg-
ing the early copy of the Reports, Dr Currie had
again addressed two short letters to Dr Wright, ex-
pressing his anxiety lest Dr Wright should have
been dissatisfied with his second volume. On the ar-

MEMOIR OF DTC WRIGHT. _^ 145

rival of Dr Wright in Edinburgh, in the month of
September 1804, he immediately wrote to Dr Currie,
acknowledging receipt of the three letters, with the
copy of the Reports ; and adding,

" I blushed to read the many kind things you say of me,
in many parts of that excellent work. I am happy to tell
you, that, in the most remote parts of the Highlands, the
country practitioners are adopting your tenets, not only in
typhoid cases, but in scarlatina, with every success.

" I had several objects,1'' he continues, " besides recreation
in view, in my late tour. Dr John Stuart, minister at
Luss, in Dumbartonshire, is married to a relation of mine,
and has long been my intimate friend. When a very young
man he travelled with Pennant and Lightfoot, and had a
principal hand in compiling the Flora Scotica. With him
and his family I was quite at home. His garden is stored
with every rare European plant, and his collection afford-
ed me much amusement and instruction. From Loch Lo-
mond I crossed the country, through several wild glens, and
over bad roads, to Killin, Kenmore, Strath Tay, and various
parts of Perthshire, and returned, after an absence of seven
weeks, much pleased with my journey."

This interesting correspondence was interrupted by
the continued indisposition of Dr Cureie, and his
consequent removal to Bath ; and on his part, indeed,
it was never afterwards resumed. On the 25th of
August 180.5, Dr Wright again addressed him as
follows :

" I have been too long in writing to my best friend. The
delay has been owing to the unsettled state of your health,
and to my anxiety for better tidings. Of late I have been
relieved by the accounts of various friends who have seen

K

146 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

you. The repeated and copious bloodlettings which you
judged necessary, may have given you a temporary relief,
but such a drain of the latex vitalis could not fail to produce
debility, relaxation, and prostration of strength. Of the long-
continued use of digitalis, I can say little from my own ex-
perience. I had a poor man some time ago with hydrotho-
rax and ascites. I ordered him the tincture of digitalis daily,
and a grain of calomel every night. In about three weeks
the hydropic disorder disappeared. From his pulse continu-
ing irregular, and from his extreme distress at times in breath-
ing, as well as from the strong palpitations of the heart, on
the least motion or exertion, I am of opinion there must have
been an organic affection either in the great bloodvessels, or
of the tricuspidal valves. Our hospital physicians will not
receive him. He sometimes takes the calomel, and sometimes
the drops, which he thinks keeps the disorder from getting
worse."

In another letter of the same date, he adds :

" In June and July I made my annual tour through the
north-west Highlands, and again passed some weeks with my
friend Dr Stuart of Luss. He has the finest private gar-
den, and is himself the best botanist, in Scotland. We ascend-
ed Ben Lomond (3150 feet perpendicular), but near the sum-
mit were enveloped in a watery cloud, so that we could not
see ten yards about us. We, however, attained our object,
which was rare alpine plants, lichens, and mosses. Dr Stu-
art and family accompanied me to Inverary, and from thence
to Glenorchy, where we made some stay with the clergyman,
who is a relation of mine, a worthy and learned divine, cele-
brated in several books of travels for his attention and hospi-
tality to strangers. I then proceeded to Tyndrum, where
there is a rich lead mine, and slept at Killin. From thence
I journeyed to Lochearnhead, and passed along the north side
of thai beautiful lake, through the romantic grounds of Lord

MEMOIR OF DR WEIGHT; 147

Melville at Dunira, to Crieff, in Strathearn, where I remain-
ed sixteen days. My route hither was by Dunblane, Stir-
ling, Falkirk, and Linlithgow, and after a six weeks'1 tour, I
reached home in excellent health and spirits.

" The whole journey had much of a medical character.
Apprized of my motions, the sick of all descriptions were
brought to me, where I was to stay. 1 was always fully em-
ployed with poor patients, or with the practitioners, in these
remote parts. Our treatment of typhus is begun to be known
and practised ; and I had the pleasure of seeing your two
volumes in the hands of practitioners in Argyleshire, and at
Crieff. It was at this last place that the Scarlatina anginosa
was so prevalent and fatal, of which I have given you some
account.

" I hear the fourth edition of your Reports is in forward-
ness, and you have no doubt had numerous communications
on the subject from all parts. The physicians of London, I
believe, are the most backward in the use of the cold-dash.
I can only account for this, by suppoing them afraid of the
prejudices of their patients, or of the apothecaries, or that
the ratio medendi is so contrary to the doctrines which some
of them have taught for half a century. In this view, they
are more the objects of pity than contempt.'"

These letters were addressed to Dr Currie's resi-
dence at Bath, but they never reached the hands of him
for whom they were intended. The increasing illness of
this excellent man had induced his removal to Sid-
mouth, in Devonshire, where he soon afterwards breath-
ed his last. His death is communicated to Dr Wright
in a letter from Sid mouth, on the 2d of September
1805. The following is an extract :

" It will, I know, gratify you to find, that, even in the
midst of pain and suffering, my father thought of his friends

K 2

148 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

with tenderness and affection. To you he desired me to con-
vey his last kind affectionate remembrances. You will, I am
sure, value them.

" A fourth edition of the work on fever is just finished ;
happily he lived to complete it. The publication will take
place in a very short time. The last chapter of the second
volume is new and highly interesting ; it relates to the late
fever at Gibraltar, and is, I think, most beautiful. The theory
of non-contagion is deprecated in the strongest terms !

" Adieu, my dear Doctor; continue to me the friendship
you ever had for my father. We return to Bath after the
interment, which takes place here. Liverpool will again, in a
few months, be our ultimate residence. Accept, my dear Sir,
the sincere and affectionate wishes of yours very truly,

" W. Wallace Curihe."

" P. S. — In reading your letter, I was forcibly struck with
the similarity of the case of the poor man you mention, and
that of my father.""

Some time before this period, Dr Wright had been
warmly importuned by his friend Dr Garthshore to
break up his establishment in Edinburgh, and devote
himself to the performance of a duty, of a very deli-
cate and distressing nature.

Mr W. Garthshore, M. P., one of the Lords of
the Admiralty, and the son of Dr Wright's friend,
had married a lady of large fortune, who died in giving
birth to twin sons. The infants did not long survive
their mother, and through them Mr Garthshore
succeeded to his wife's fortune. His mind was unable
to sustain so heavy a bereavement, and a permanent
aberration of intellect was the consequence. While
there was yet a hope of returning reason, Dr Garth-

MEMOIR OF Dll WRIGHT. _^~ T49

shore was naturally solicitous that his son should have
the assistance of a skilful and devoted friend like Dr
Wright, under this most grievous of all human cala-
mities ; and it is highly probable, from the generous
and disinterested disposition of Dr Wright, that, if
the son of his friend had been less amply endowed
with the means of securing the best medical assistance,
he would readily have surrendered his own personal
comfort and convenience to relieve the anxiety of Dr
Garthshore. As matters stood, however, he felt
himself justified in declining so painful a task ; and
in doing so, he recommended a physician who had
been originally made known to him by Dr Garth-
shore himself. The recommendation of Dr Wright
was adopted, but the consequences of the appointment
assumed in the sequel a very serious aspect. It be-
came necessary for Dr Garthshore to call the medi-
cal attendant of his son to account in Chancery re-
garding Mr Garthshore's pecuniary concerns, for
the purpose of restraining him from farther inter-
ference. The result was a Chancery law-suit, with all
its proverbial delays and inconveniences. In the
month of April 1807, Dr Wright was called to Lon-
don to give his evidence on the subject before the ar-
bitrators ; and his feelings appear to have been deeply
interested in the issue, from the involuntary share he
had had in forming the connection from which the
proceedings had originated.

It had long been the habit of Dr Garthshore's
mind to lean with confidence on the firmer intellect of
Dr Wright, for advice and direction in the manage-

150 MEMOIR OF DK WRIGHT.

ment of his affairs. The period of the General Elec-
tion arrived before Dr Wright was disengaged from
the arbitrators ; so that, by the avocations of counsel
and otherwise, the proceedings were greatly interrupt-
ed, and he was detained much longer in town than
he intended. The intervals of leisure which thus
arose, gave occasion to a great deal of confidential in-
tercourse between the two friends. Dr Wright, on
this occasion, gave the same advice to Dr Garth-
shore which he would himself have adopted under
similar circumstances. He counselled him so to settle
his affairs, as to leave no ground on which a dispute
could be raised regarding the succession to his proper-
ty. But Dr Garthshore, from an infirmity of pur-
pose, which seems in some minds to be constitutional,
found a reason for procrastination, in the unsettled
state of the law-suit which had brought Dr Wright
to London. At the same time he was fully persuaded
of the soundness of the advice he had received, and
exacted from his friend a solemn promise of personal
assistance, whenever he should find himself prepared
for the performance of this important duty.

Dr Wright arrived in Edinburgh by one of the
Leith packets on the 1st of June 1807, and soon af-
terwards proceeded on his annual tour to the High-
lands, spending some weeks with his brother's family
in Strathearn, and with his friend Dr Stuart on
the banks of Lochlomond. From Luss, he writes to
his brother, on the 24th of August : " It has rained
here constantly ever since we left you, but the worthy
Doctor and I are alwavs in the field?."'

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. -*~ "151

The visit of Dr Wright to London in 1807, ap-
pears to have recalled the attention of many of his
friends to the subject of his public services, which, in
their opinion, had never been adequately rewarded ;
and, in the following year, he was induced to return
to London, with a view to the promotion of this ob-
ject. Writing to one of his nieces, he says : " I have
no desire to accumulate but for your sakes who sur-
vive me. Make your father and his friends as happy
as I wish them. Let me beg of you to want for no-
thing that is necessary or proper." Inclosing a hand-
some remittance, he adds, " The Almighty has blessed
me with abundance, and with a heart to give away."
Although the chief purpose of his journey was not at-
tended with success, Dr Wright experienced the
truest satisfaction from the opportunity which it af-
forded him of feeling how many valuable friends he
possessed, and of witnessing their active exertions on
his behalf. He returned to Edinburgh in the month
of July 1808, by way of Chesterfield and Harrowgate,
paying visits in passing to his friends Dr Stokes and
Dr Murray, with each of whom he staid several
days.

In so far as theoretical views in philosophy are op-
posed to the results of investigation and the evidence
of facts, they found in Dr Wright a steady and de-
termined opponent. He was rather a Neptunist in
geology, and had but little faith in the Plutonic theory
of Hutton and his disciples. He was too much ha-
bituated to think on all subjects for himself, to sub-
scribe implicitly to the doctrines of any particular

152 MEM OIK OF DR WRIGHT.

school ; and, on the establishment of a society in Edin-
burgh in the year 1808, for the encouragement of na-
tural science on the general principles which he had
long espoused, he took an active interest in the ad-
vancement of the institution, and was accordingly one
of the original members, and a Vice-President, of the
Wernerian Natural History Society *.

On the 11th of October 1809, he thus writes to
Dr Garthshore :

" What was the name of the lethargic boy relieved by
tincture of cantharides ? With this same medicine I cured a
lady of a convulsive cough, similar to that of Miss M. In
hooping-cough I use nothing else.

" A woman in the fifth month of pregnancy had hiccup
for five days, even when she slumbered. She was imme-
diately relieved by the application of a blister to the breast.
This I conceive was brought about by the cantharides excit-
ing an action in the system stronger than that of the morbid
action.

" Mr William Jackson Hooker of Norwich arrived
here lately from Iceland, where he had remained during the
summer, exploring the island for natural productions. He is
a man of fortune, one of the best draughtsmen in England,
and a complete botanist. He had made a large collection in

* The original constituent members, as stated in the minute-book of the
Society 12th January 1808, were, " Robert Jameson, Esq. E. R. S. E.,
Professor of Natural History ; William Wright, M. D., E. R. S. ; Rev.
Thomas Macknight, F. R. S. E. ; John Barclay, M. D., F. R. S. E. ;
Thomas Thomson, M. D., P. It. S. ; Colonel Stewart Murray Eul-
larton ; Charles Anderson, Esq. ; Sir Patrick Walker; and Pa-
trick Neill, A. M., F. R. S. E." The sederunt appears to have been
taken down by Mr Neill, who, as well as all the other" gentlemen pre-
sent, with the exception perhaps of Colonel Eullarton; are believed to
have been personal friends of Dr Wright.

MKMOIK OF DR WRIGHT. ^_ 153

all the branches of natural history, and had kept a journal, in
which he delineated plants as well as animals. He embarked
in a ship bound to London, on board of which there were some
Danish prisoners. They had not proceeded far on their voyage
when they discovered the vessel to be in flames, and burning
with such rapidity that all must have perished, but for the
providential appearance of the Talbot man-of-war, which came
up just in time to save the lives of those on board. Mr
Hooker lost his collections, and the one-half of his drawings
and journals.

'•' You are aware that my late nephew visited Iceland with
Mr Stanley. His mineralogical collection was left with me;
and I have given Mr Hookek specimens of the greater part
of it. Of some, indeed, I have not retained any duplicate. I
I have offered to send him an Icelandic Herbarium, collected
at the same time. This will only partially supply the loss,
which must be regarded as a public misfortune. Mr Hooker
is intimately acquainted with our friend Sir Joseph Banks,
and that would of itself have been sufficient to ensure my best
offices."

Mr Hooker was not unmindful of the attentions
he received on this occasion. In his " Recollections
of a Tour in Iceland in 1809," he makes his public
acknowledgments in the following terms :

" Neither can I suffer to pass in silence the civility of Sir
George Mackenzie, in collecting plants for me in his late
excursion to Iceland ; nor the attention shewn me by Dr
Wright of Edinburgh. Though a stranger to him till my
arrival at that city on my return from Iceland, he participat-
ed feelingly in my misfortune, and begged me to make any
use I pleased of the subjects of natural history in his posses-
sion which had been collected in Iceland by his nephew, the
late Mr Wright, an amiable young man, who accompanied

154 MEMOIll OF DH WRIGHT.

Sir John Stanley on his voyage to that country. This of-
fer was succeeded by the present of a considerable collection
of Icelandic minerals, and a scarce and curious work, entitled
' Rymbegla, sive Rudhnentum Computi Ecclesiastici Vete-
rum Islandcrum."

On the 6th of November 1809, Dr Wiught thus
writes to Dr Gartshhore :

" The fever at Walcheren, so fatal to our troops, is no
other than the endemic fever of marshy countries, and is well
described by Sir John Puixgle and Dr Grainger. The
winter will put a stop to it, as there will be no evaporation
from the stagnant and putrid water in the canals and ditches.

In a subsequent letter, with reference to the case of
a common friend who had been endeavouring to get
himself placed on the Medical Staff of the Army, Dr
Wright observes to Dr Gaihhshore :

" The truth is, the half pay list is burthened with young
physicians who have served a campaign or two, and have then
made interest to retire, without being again liable to be called
on to serve. Very different,1' he adds, " is the case of a navy
surgeon, who is obliged to serve while life or health continues,
under the penalty of forfeiting his half pay."

Soon afterwards he writes to his brother :

" Sir P. Murray has been so polite as to propose that I
should become an honorary member of the Agricultural So-
ciety of Strathearn. Of the rural economy of this country I
know but little, although in that of the West Indies I am
quite at home. I formerly prepared a paper on the subject
of the potato, for the Board of Agriculture, including the his-
tory of the plant, its introduction, culture, and various uses.
If the hints were followed which I have there suggested, you

MEMOIU Ol Dil wuight _^ 155

might eat bread of excellent quality one-third cheaper than at
present *. When I know that your Society is formed, I
shall present them with some books on agricultural subjects."1

During the summers of 1810 and 1811, Dr Wright
enjoyed his accustomed relaxation of a Highland tour ;
and, in proof of the continued vigour of his constitu-
tion, it may he mentioned, that, after travelling post
from Edinburgh to Inver, in the neighbourhood of
Dunkeld, in the month of August 1811, he proceeded,
on foot, from thence to Kinnaird, the residence of his
friend Sir Izett, a distance of six or seven miles. In
the course of this summer, Dr Whight had the plea-
sure of receiving a second visit from Sir Frederick,
the son of his old friend Sir George Baker, and of
introducing him to Dr Stuart of Luss, and his
other friends in the Highlands. The young baronet

* This paper was prepared at the instance of Sir John Sinclair, to
whom the agriculture and statistics of the country are so much indebted
for the facts he has accumulated and digested on these important subjects.
The thanks of the editor are due to the Right Honourable Baronet for the
trouble he has taken in tracing several of Dr Wright's papers, as well
as for the communication of a letter addressed to him by M. Desmazi.
EREsof Lille, acknowledging the arrival of a collection of plants which had
been prepared for him by Dr Wright shortly [before his death, and which
had been transmitted some time afterwards by the attention of Sir John
Sinclair. The letter of acknowledgment is in the following terms :

" Monsieur le Chevalier,

•' Je crois utile de vous apprendre que je viens de recevoir le paquet
de plantes qui vous avez cu la bonte de m'adresser, et pour lequel j'avois
deja des inquietudes.

" Je partage votre douleur M. le Chevalier. La perte du Docteur
Wright doit etre sensible aux amis des sciences ; il etoit du nombre des
seavans dont l'Angleterre peut s'honorer, et sa memoire sera toujour*
chere a. ceux qui comrae moi out pu apprecier ses rares quality."

156 MEMOIR OF DR. WRIGHT.

had been so much pleased with a former visit to Edin-
burgh, in 1809, that he engaged to return to Scotland
for the purpose of completing his northern tour ; and
he appears, from Dr Wright's correspondence, to
have been greatly delighted with the reception he had
met with.

On the 14th of June 1811, Dr Wright observes to
l)r Garthshore :

" I have a kind letter of thanks from our good friend Sir
Joseph, for a book I lately sent to him. It was Alston's
own copy of the Tirocinium Botanicum, and contained several
pages of MS. notes in the author's handwriting, prepared ap-
parently with a view to a second edition. Dr Alston was
Professor of Botany in your time, a man of character, an
excellent botanist, and the keenest adversary of the Linncan
doctrine. I am proud of Sir Joseph's acceptance of this cu-
rious relic, as it will be extant for many ages to come.

" We have had a large crop of doctors," he adds, " this
graduation, no less than 26. The authors on Tetanus and
De Usu Aquas Frigida externo have done me great justice.
You will shew the paragraphs to Sir Joseph, whose liberal
mind will rejoice."

He again writes to Dr Garthshore, on the 6th of
July 1811.

" I have sent a paper which I lately prepared on the ab-
sorption of morbid poisons, to Sir Joseph Banks, and have
begged of him to shew it to you and Dr Blagden, and to
Messrs Home, Heaviside, and Abernethy. One of the
cases is that of a whitlow, of an ill-disposed nature, similar to
that, perhaps, which occasioned the loss of your finger.
Should the subject be thought new or important, it may be
given to the public through some respectable channel."

MEMOIR OF DK WEIGHT. 1<57

111 a subsequent letter from Dr Garthshore, he
mentions having received this paper from Sir Charles
Blagden, to whom it had been communicated by Sir
Joseph Banks ; and that he had delivered it to Dr
Yellowley, for publication in a forthcoming volume
of what he calls " The Verulam Transactions ;" but,
after a good deal of inquiry, it has been found impossi-
ble to trace either Dr Wright's paper, or the work in
which it was to' have appeared. The name may pos-
sibly be a soubriquet familiar to the two friends ; or
the paper may have shared the fate of much that is
valuable, though fugitive, in the walks of science, as in
the lighter paths of literature.

At the close of the year 1811, Dr Wright was
called upon by his friend Dr Garthshore, to redeem
the pledge he had obtained in the year 1807, of Dr
Wright's personal assistance in the final adjustment
of his temporal concerns. The promise he had made
to Dr Garthshore was always regarded by Dr
Wright as a sacred obligation ; and he prepared for
its performance at a very unseasonable period of the
year, with the utmost readiness and equanimity ; be-
lieving, as he said himself, before his departure from
Edinburgh, that it would not only contribute to his
friend's peace of mind, but, in all human probability,
add some years to his life. The resolution at which
Dr Garthshore had at length arrived, would have
been held by Dr Wright, under any circumstances,
to be an indispensable duty ; but he believed it to be
peculiarly incumbent on his friend, from the extraor-
dinary channel through which the greater part of his

158 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

fortune had been acquired. The ordinary laws of na-
ture appeared, in the case of Dr Garthshore, to
have been completely inverted. He had survived all
his descendants, and through them had succeeded to a
princely inheritance. It was a case, therefore, which
required a deviation from the legal order of succession ;
and Dr Garthshore appears to have acted under a
becoming sense of moral duty, in causing a part of the
golden tide to revert to the source from which it had
originally flowed. It was a case, too, in which no one
could be said to have been injured, if Dr Wright
had permitted his friend to insert a legacy in his own
favour ; but, under the peculiar circumstances in which
he found himself placed, as the original proposer of the
measure, he felt that, by compliance with the wishes of
Dr Garthshore, he might subject his own high cha-
racter to misconstruction ; so that he thought himself
called upon- to use his influence with his friend, to ex-
punge his own name, with a bequest of L. 5000, from
the instructions which Dr Garthshore had prepared
for the use of his solicitor in framing his testamentary
disposition.

Dr Garthshore appears to have postponed the exe-
cution of his purpose until he saw that it would be fi-
nally defeated by longer delay. His mind and that of
his friend were very differently constituted ; and it is
probable that, in place of lengthening his life, as,
judging from his own feelings, Dr Wright had pre-
dicted, the discharge of this last duty had relaxed the
tension of the cords which supported his existence, and
he felt that to live longer would be but to survive his

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. ^15$

usefulness. Whatever truth there may be in this hypo-
thesis, it is certain that the strength of Dr Garth-
shore vry speedily gave way after the execution of
the necessary legal formalities ; and Dr Wright had
the satisfaction to receive his dying assurance that his
mind had been relieved from an unspeakable load of
care and anxiety, by the execution of a task which was
equally due to his present peace of mind, and his fu-
ture good name ; and which he felt that he could not
have accomplished without the guidance and support of
a tried friend like Dr Wright. After the last duties
were paid to his remains, Dr Wright prepared for
his return to Scotland, in the full enjoyment of that
consciousness of mental rectitude which was not, in his
estimation, to be compared in value with the whole
fortune of Dr Garthshore. The sense of delicacy
and disinterestedness by which he was directed is in-
deed well worthy of commemoration. He had an-
swered the call of his friend with promptitude, in so
far as the performance of an abstract duty was con-
cerned ; but the importunity of the same friend, when
directed to his acceptance of a moderate portion of an
estate which was destined for distribution among com-
parative strangers, was resisted with equal firmness and
magnanimity, not because his compliance would have
inferred any moral wrong, but from a jealous regard
for the " immediate jewel of his soul," his own fair
fame.

The noiseless and unvaried tenor of Dr Wright s
existence, in the latter years of his life, affords very
slender materials for biographical remark. He had

160 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

survived almost all his early connections, and found
himself too far advanced in life to form new friend-
ships, or engage in ne\% undertakings. He had the
happiness, however, to he surrounded by affectionate
relatives, who with kindred sentiments of disinterest-
edness and self devotion, were emulous in the antici-
pation of all his wants ; nor did he ever lose the re-
lish for that general society, which the native playful-
ness of his humour, and his happy talent for conver-
sation, so eminently qualified him at once to embel-
lish and enjoy. The name, indeed, of a single friend,
with whom, till the close of his career, he continued
to maintain the closest habits of intimacy, will evince
more strongly than a thousand epithets, the posses-
sion not of powers of pleasing merely, but a power-
ful and masculine turn of thought and expression,
when among his daily associates, is found that ulti-
mus Bomanorum the late Dr Gregory.

The lasting intimacy which existed between Dr
Wright and Dr Gregory, could not be said to
have arisen from any thing like a constant coincidence
between their views, on scientific or professional sub-
jects. Even, indeed, when they differed in their doc-
trines, and still more when they happened to concur,
Dr Gregory was accustomed, in his academical lec-
tures, to mention the name of his friend Dr Wright,
and the opinions which he supported on the subjects
under discussion, in terms of the highest respect.
About a year before the death of Dr. Wright, an in-
stance occurred of a striking and memorable nature,
in which the sentiments of the two friends were at va-
1

MEMOIR Or I) It WRIGHT. _.. 161

riance on a point of practice. By the accidental over-
turn of his carriage at some distance from Edinburgh,
Dr Gregory suffered the misfortune of a broken
arm ; but although the accident was not announced
to Dr Wright, he was in daily attendance at the
door of his friend's house, to make his personal inqui-
ries as to the progress of his recovery. When they
next met, Dr Gregory reproached Dr Wright for
the ceremonious distance he had observed in his visits,
and the unwonted recurrence to a form of etiquette in
leavi.ig his daily ticket at his door,— so inconsist-
ent with their long habits of intimacy and friendship.
Dr Wright, in his turn, took his friend to task, for
not acquainting him with the accident as soon as it
occurred. To this Dr Gregory replied, that he was
resolved at all hazards to be bled, and that he knew
Dr Wright would have strenuously resisted the ope-
ration. He added, that he had in feet sustained a
copious evacuation, and in proof of the efficacy of the
practice, he called upon his friend to witness the ra-
pid progress of his recovery. This practical defence
of venesection brought to the mind of Dr Wright
no conviction of its propriety in the case of his friend,
to whom he remarked, that he might think himself
fortunate if he escaped the more serious evils of water
in the chest, after doing so much violence to the
course of nature. Before the death of Dr Wright,
Dr Gregory began to experience the symptoms of
hydrothorax. He complained of breathlessness and
fatigue after climbing Dr Wright's stairs, and was

i,

16*2 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT*

often heard to express the apprehension he began
to entertain of the truth of his friend's prediction ;
observing with an action, and an emphasis correspond-
ing to the words, " There is certainly something here
which I should be much better without."

The desire of posthumous distinction appears to
have been early implanted in the mind of Dr
Wright. It was indeed his ruling passion, and may
be said without a figure, to have been strong even in
death. The occasions were probably few on which he
had reason to complain of injustice from his contem-
poraries, and it was still more seldom that he chose to
notice the plagiarisms to which an original thinker,
who expresses his ideas in unpretending language, is
peculiarly liable. The love of fame, in the mind of
Dr Wright, so far from tending to any querulous or
misanthropical feeling, partook rather of the generous
and social sentiments with which it was associated.
Such, accordingly, was the regard which he bore to his
friend Dr Currie, as to lead him to disclaim the en-
comiums which that high-minded individual has with
equal justice and liberality applied to his name. Far
from disputing with Dr Currie, as to the priority of
his pretensions, or the ratio of their respective claims
to the gratitude of posterity, he was contented, he was
accustomed to say, to be handed down to future ages
by his friend, or with his friend, as a benefactor of
mankind. To a man who cherished such sentiments
as these, it was natural that some revulsion of feeling
should take place when he found the biographers of
his deceased friend, disregarding the positive, and in-

MEMOIR OF DR WUKJHT, -•— 1 b'.'i

controvertible evidence which had been recorded by
Dr Cuerie himself, not in the narrow language of a
too learned profession, Imt in a work which is destin-
ed for the use and enjoyment, as well as the benefit,
of mankind. Large allowance should no doubt be
made for the partiality of private friendship, in fram-
ing the funeral eulogium of departed worth, and it is
probable that the mere suppression, in such ephemeral
notices, of his own connection, with the basis of disco-
very on which Dr Currie had reared the pillar of his
fame, would have excited no feeling of surprise or
uneasiness in the mind of Dr Wright, But the
case was materially different, when he found, in a me-
moir of Dr Curri;:, prepared with becoming care and
attention, many years after his death, sanctioned, too,
by the name of a respectable divine, and destined for.
preservation in the pages of a scientific and popular
work, like the Edinburgh Encyclopaadia, that his own
name was not only in a great measure suppressed, but
that his undoubted priority in the path of discovery
was brought into question by the detail of a youthful
adventure, which is said to have occurred to Dr Cur-
rie in the year 1778, as illustrating the pernicious ef-
fects of an over indulgence in the cold bath, and which
is introduced with the exordium, that " it is curious
to observe, to what apparently trivial occurrences we
are indebted for some of the most important discove-
ries in science and art."

Dr Wright was more sensitive to this inroad on
his dearest possession, when he found it sanctioned bv
the name of a gentleman, who was not only personal-

L 2

16*4 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

ly known to him, but who stands deservedly high in
the sacred profession to which he belongs, as well as in
the current literature of the day.

Even in the vigour of manhood, Dr Wright had
never engaged in any thing like controversy ; and, at
his advanced age, while his feelings on the subject ap-
peared to acquire additional intensity, he preferred a
friendly remonstrance with Dr Currie's biographer,
to a more public assertion of his claims. The draft of
a letter has been found among his papers, dated soon
after the appearance of the memoir, and addressed to
the Reverend Henry Duncan of Ruthwell. It
seems to have been originally dated on the 27th of
May 1815, during the sitting of the General Assem-
bly of the Church ; but from the date of the answer,
it does not appear to have reached its destination for
four years afterwards, owing probably to the anxiety
of Dr Wright, to soften at a personal interview any
unfriendly feeling which might arise between the par-
ties. The original letter of Dr Wright, and the an-
swer of Dr Thomas Tudor Duncan, are conceived
in the following terms :

" 51 Hanover Street,
(- Edinburgh, Tith May 1815.

" My Dear Sir,

" Hearing you are in town, I wish you to favour me with
a call, any day before twelve- o'clock. Should this be incon-
venient, I beg you to indulge me with an explicit answer in
writing to the following queries :

" 1st, From what source have you derived your informa-
tion respecting the medical writings of our late excellent

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. 165

friend Dr Currie, for the memoir you have published in the
Edinburgh Encyclopaedia ?

" 9.d, As you seem to think that Dr Currie practised the
cold affusion in the cure of fever and tetanus, before the
appearance of my paper on the subject, and of course that
he was the author of the discovery, will you allow me to
ask, Whether you have taken this upon trust? or, Whether
you have given Dr Currie's Reports an attentive perusal ?

" Dr Currie was one of the most enlightened and liberal
men of his time. I am satisfied with what he says of me in
many parts of his work ; and you and my other friends would
blame me if I accepted a less share of credit than Dr Cur-
rie has assigned to me, while I rely with confidence on the
justice of posterity. Believe me, my friend, I harbour no
resentment against you. At the same time, I trust you will
be able to explain your conduct, in drawing up the article of
which I have so much reason to complain. I am, with the
greatest esteem, my dear Sir, your faithful friend,

" Will*. Wright.11

" Dumfries; June 3. 1819.
" My Dear Sir,

" Your letter to my brother Henry, of the 20th May,
ought to have been addressed to me, for although his initials
are appended to the paper to which you refer, I am in point
of fact the writer of that particular passage which has un-
happily incurred your displeasure. Me, me, adsum qui feci,
in me convertite ferrum.

" During a momentary interview which I had with my
brother the night before last, as he passed through Dumfries,
on his return home from the Assembly, he left your letter in
my hand, requesting me to address my sentiments upon it to
himself, as he did not think it necessary for my name to ap-
pear in the business. To this proposition, however, I can-
not accede, for as my MS. was not submitted to his revisal.

160 MEM OIK OF J)K WHIGHT.

I alone am responsible for the statements which it contains.
I have, therefore, unknown to him, adopted the less circui-
tous and more open measure of corresponding directly with
yourself.

" Your communication, my dear Sir, has grieved me be-
yond expression. To give unnecessary pain, even to an ene-
my, would be revolting to my principles ; but to find that a
revered friend and benefactor considered himself as grossly
injured by any thing that had dropped from my pen, could
not fail most distressingly to agitate my mind.

" Five years have elapsed since the paper in question was
committed to the press. I could not, without inspecting it,
recollect in what terms I had expressed myself with regard
to you. Yet I was comforted by the certainty, that it must
have been impossible for me to defraud you of the credit
which you had so honourably earned. I felt that my un-
feigned affection for you, must, even independently of a
higher principle, have excluded every such intention from my
mind ; and I could not but know that the attempt, had it
been made, must have failed, and must have exposed me
to the ridicule and indignation of the medical world. Nor
could any genuine friend of Dr Currie have wished to ex-
alt such a character as his at the expence of another's reputa-
tion. Under these impressions, I turned up the passage to
which your letter relates, and I do think, on reper using it,
that it will be no difficult matter to convince you that you
have taken a very erroneous view of my statement.

" It is true I have referred the origin of Dr Currie,s
work on the effects of water in fevers, to the fact of his at-
tention having been attracted to the subject of the operation
of cold on the living body, so early as 1778, when he was a
student of medicine ; and I am of opinion, that, had it not
been for this circumstance, your valuable paper in the Lon-
don Medical Journal might not have struck him more forci-
bly than it did other able physicians, who read and admired

MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT. -*- 167

it, without putting your system to the test of experiment.
Jiut I have no where insinuated, nor wished it to be suppos-
ed, that Dr Corbie's practice was not founded on yours;
on the contrary, you will find, on examination, that I have
more than insinuated, I have distinctly intimated, this fact,
by saying that he determined to adopt the system which it
(viz. your paper) recommended, because he had already
learnt how to appreciate your discrimination and judgment."1

Dr Duncan proceeds at considerable length, and
in the best possible spirit, to endeavour to convince
Dr Wright that he had misconceived the fair im-
port of the paper in the Encyclopaedia ; and he con-
cludes with the assurance of his readiness to make any
farther concession or explanation which their mutual
friends might require, and which he could honestly
grant, authorizing Dr Wright, in a postscript, to
make of the present letter what use he pleased. Dr
Wright, however, made no use of it whatever. When
he dispatched his remonstrance to the supposed au-
thor of Dr Currie's memoir, he appeared to feel that
he had discharged a duty which he owed to his own
memory ; and from thenceforth he seemed to have
made an effort to dismiss the subject for ever from his
mind.

The idea of the present volume, as was noticed at
the outset, originated in a desire to collect the scatter-
ed papers of Dr Wright, and so accomplish a pur-
pose which he had not himself abandoned until with-
in a few months of his death. It was afterwards
thought desirable to accompany the collected papers
with some account of a life which could not fail to be

168 MEMOIR OF DIt WRIGHT.

highly instructive ; and the grateful task of doing-
justice to the memory of Dr Wright would have
been left imperfect, if, by any omission on the part
of him who has been entrusted with its execution, it
could have been supposed that this good and vene-
rable man had ever ceased to cherish that purest of
all earthly passions, the desire of posthumous dis-
tinction. But although always impressed with a be-
coming sense of what was due to his own reputation,
he was never known to trench, in the slightest degree,
on the rights or privileges of others.

The kind and even anxious interest which he
continued to take in the prosperity and comfort of
his friends, was perhaps as perfectly social in its
nature, and as free from any reference to self, as
it is given to mortals to enjoy. The last letter
which he ever penned, affords indeed a double source
of interest. It was dated on the 3d of Septem-
ber 1819, within a few days of his death, and
bears internal evidence of the calmness and compo-
sure with which he contemplated his approaching dis-
solution. But it is chiefly remarkable for the proof
which it affords of the unimpaired possession of all his
faculties, and for the undiminished ardour with which,
till the latest period of his life, he continued to apply
the energies of his mind, and the influence of his
name and character, to the advancement of the im-
mediate interests of his neighbours and his friends.
The letter is addressed to a Member of the Legisla-
ture, connected by ties of friendship with the head of
the Government ; and its object was, to bespeak the

MEJMOIK Or 1)K WRIGHT. 1 #9

good offices of his correspondent, in behalf of a friend,
who was desirous of obtaining a seat as a Commis-
sioner at one of the Scottish Boards of Revenue.
After detailing the grounds on which the application
was to be supported, in terms the most perspicuous
and concise, he thus closes the subject :

" Now, my dear friend,'" he says, " will you take this ex-
cellent man under your protection ? It will be truly pleasing
to me to hear from you that you are making progress in the
matter, and still more so, that your exertions are likely to be
crowned with success.11

He then mentions the particulars of his own illness in
the following terms : " I have been confined to my room
for the last six months. An influenza or catarrhal fe-
ver left n.e with swelled feet, chiefly at the ancles, and
small of the legs ; with burning fiery eruptions, resembling
nettle-rush, which resisted every medical application. These,
it is true, have abated ; but I am never free from severe
chills, and burning heats in the small of the legs, which de-
prive me of sleep and ease. For several months my general
health was little affected ; but now I find it has suffered, and
that my strength is much and daily impaired. My medical
men are of the first rank *, and my nurses, being of my own
family, are of a sort which does not always fall to the lot
of princes.

" I dare say,11 he continues, " you may by this time have
received the three volumes of correspondence betwixt our late
venerable friend Dr Garthshoke and myself. It is the last
proof I can offer of my friendship to you. For myself I
have nothing to ask, but a continuance of your good opi-
nion.

* Dr Gregory and Dr Thomson.

170 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

" Farewell,"" he concludes, " my dear and excellent friend,
may you and your amiable family live long and happily to-
gether ; and when time shall be no more, may we all meet in
another and a better world. God bless you.-0

Thus preserving and cherishing, to the close of his
career, the same generous sentiments which had mark-
ed his whole life, and the noblest disregard of per-
sonal comfort, when any exertion of his could promote
the advantage of others, it is truly a gratifying spec-
tacle to observe the course in which this expiring ef-
fort was directed, and to witness the deliberate ear-
nestness with which, as a dying man, he pleads
the cause of his friend. But although his hand, on
this occasion, retained its accustomed steadiness ; al-
though his diction followed the traces of his pen with
its wonted fluency ; and although the characters as-
sumed the same round and print-like regularity of
form, for which his autograph was so peculiar, yet
the effort had been too great for his enfeebled frame,
and exhausted nature sunk under the exertion.

From this period his remaining strength abated by
daily and more perceptible gradations, until, on the
19th of September 1819, in the 85th year of his age,
he calmly breathed his last.

No painful struggle disturbed the serenity and com-
posure of his dying moments. Like a well-construct-
ed piece of mechanism, his frame performed its ap-
pointed functions until the perishable materials of
mortality could no longer detain the etherial spirit
which gave it life and motion. One of his last obser-
vations to his friend Dr Gregory, was to direct his

MEMOIR OF Dlt WEIGHT. ^^ tl\

attention to the entire immunity from sickness which
he had always enjoyed, remarking, that, even then, in
the immediate prospect of death, he was perfectly
heart-whole. On this occasion Dr Gregory, with all
his characteristic openness of disposition, began to feel
his own firmness giving way, and made an effort to
lead the thoughts of his dying friend into another
channel, observing, at the same time, that he was con-
vinced of his perfect self-possession, and that he was
sure he would meet his last adversary like a man ; to
which the other rejoined, " And like a Christian !"

Thus ended a life of activity and usefulness, the
particulars of which, if they had had the fortune to be
recorded by a writer of adequate attainments and ex-
perience, would doubtless have presented a lesson of
a more instructive nature than the brilliant annals of
war or diplomacy can boast.

With a view to fix the attention of the reader as
constantly as possible on the subject of the memoir,
and at the same time to diminish the numerous defi-
ciencies in its execution, an attempt has been made,
by extracting such passages from Dr Wright's cor-
respondence as could be conveniently embodied in the
narrative, to enable him, in some measure, to tell his
own story ; and so to give to the work, as far as the
materials admitted of it, a portion of that peculiar in-
terest which attaches to a piece of auto-biography.
This, indeed, was felt to be the more necessary, from
the very limited opportunities which the writer enjoyed
of personally observing the nicer shades of a character,

172 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

the whole of which he has been taught to esteem and
to venerate : The great disparity of age between the
parties made these narrow opportunities even less
available than otherwise they might have been, to
the delineation of a faithful and highly finished
portraiture : Yet he cannot acquit himself of a task,
in which, during the few leisure hours which he has
been enabled to devote to it, he has found a fund at
once of useful information, and a subject of satisfac-
tory reflection, without attempting an estimate of the
result, however summary and imperfect.

As a physician, Dr Wright was chiefly remark-
able for his total immunity from the prejudices of sys-
tem. He never involved himself in the trammels of
any particular school. His mind was at all times ac-
cessible to truth ; and he had the courage to declare
his conviction, although, in doing so, he should stand
alone. His opinions, at the same time, were never ta-
ken up in haste, to be, perhaps, as hastily rejected. He
was a close observer of nature, prying with curious eye
into her most secret recesses, and questioning her ora-
cles with unwearied importunity *. Neither did he

* A singular fact is stated by Dr Wright, in one of the vo-
lumes of his Herbary. When suffered to go at large in the thickets
of a West India plantation, the hog digs up the roots of the bitter
cassada, and, eating them covered with mould, thrives and fattens
rapidly in places where the plant is plentiful. But when the same
root is washed, or otherwise freed of earthy matter, and given to
the hog, it operates as an active and deadly poison. Another plant
of the same genus, the common cassada, is regularly used by the
Negroes of Jamaica as an article of food; and when at any time the
bitter cassada had been eaten by mistake, Dr Wright, adopting

MEM01B OF DB WIIUJHT. __ IT '■>

deliver the responses he received with an air of dogma-
tism or self-sufficiency. On the contrary, with a be-
coming sense of what was due to his own character
and station, he had to contend through life against an
innate diffidence of manner and address, which, while
it retarded his own immediate advancement, has con-
tributed, in some degree, to curtail the credit which is
due to him as an original thinker, a bold and success-
ful experimentalist, and an accurate expositor of the
laws of nature. His practice partook of the simplicity
which characterises the great school in which he stu-
died. His remedies were few, but efficacious. A de-
termined enemy to every species of quackery, he la-
the suggestion of nature, prescribed large draughts of warm muddy
water, winch, either operating as an emetic, assisted in carrying off
the offensive matter, or, mixing with it in the stomach, corrected its
pernicious effects. It is also remarkable, that the meal obtained by-
grinding the roots of the bitter cassada, may be rendered perfectly
safe, and even salubrious, by repeatedly washing it in fresh supplies
of water, so as to separate the meal or solid part of the root from
the natural juices of the plant. And indeed it appears that the Ne-
groes of St Domingo make the meal thus purified into bread, and
use it as an ordinary article of food.

Following the course of nature, Dr Wright made it a rule not
to eat of plants avoided by the lower animals; and, on the same
principle, when he observed a plant reputed to be poisonous to be
eaten freely by any family of the brute creation, lie concluded, a
priori, that the common prejudice was not well founded. The
fruit of the bead or hoop tree is rejected as poisonous by the Ne-
groes of Jamaica ; but observing it to be eaten greedily by the horse,
Dr Wright ascertained that it was equally safe for mankind ; a
singular illustration this of the relative value of brute instinct and
human reason.

174 MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

boured, in many cases, to inculcate the doctrine, that
nature was fully adequate to the performance of the
cure, if left to her own free agency. In fever, while
he reprobated the practical introduction of the theory
of non-contagion, he was foremost in recurring to that
cool mode of treatment, which happily since his time has
been generally adopted as a rule of practice. There are
few indeed so hardy, at the present day, as to dispute
the advantages of an airy and well ventilated apart-
ment, in preference to the hot, close room in which it
was formerly the hard lot of a patient to be " cabin'd,
cribbed, confined." But it is to be feared, that, prac-
tically speaking, sufficient attention has not even yet
been paid to the subject ; and that the use of the
bath, for the prevention or the cure of fever, is still too
much neglected.

The intrepidity of Dr Wright's practice overcame
another professional prejudice regarding the use of ca-
lomel, and other mercurial preparations. In place of
beino: deterred from the exhibition of these active
agents, while he was employing the cold affusion, he
found this powerful mineral more subject to controul,
and, when administered in less than ordinary propor-
tions, even more effective and more safe, under the use
of the cold bath, than without it ; by the greater cer-
tainty of its operation on the extreme arteries and ex-
cretories during the abatement of the symptoms, oc-
casioned by the abstraction of morbid heat. Conges-
tions in the viscera, and the consequent idea of in-
flammation, were thus obviated or removed, and the
free use of the lancet, a practice which he deeply de-

MEMOIB OF DM WKKJHT. L75

precated, was, with its attendant train of evils, ren-
dered at the same time in a great measure unneces-
sary.

From the period of Dr Wright's return to his na-
tive country, he ceased to practise the art of medicine
professionally, yet he had always a considerable list of
poor patients, for whose use he maintained, in his own
house, a sort of private dispensary, the value of which
must have been deeply felt, when public institutions
for the gratuitous supply of medicines to the poor
were unknown in Edinburgh. Among the Professors
in the University, and other respectable families, who,
by the courtesy of the profession, are not permitted to
pay a physician's fee, Dr Wright had also a nume-
rous list of patients. By this gratuitous course of
practice, he never allowed his knowledge of an art
which he loved, to fall below the highest standard of
his contemporaries ; appropriating, at the same time, a
better title than others to the noble eulogy of Tul-
ly : — Nulla in re propius accedunt homines ad Deos,
quam salutem hominibus dan do.

In the various departments of natural history, Dr
Wright had extended his researches with an assi-
duity and success in some degree proportionate to
their usefulness. Once engaged, indeed, in this at-
tractive and fascinating study, it calls for no ordinary
stoicism to stem the tide of inquiry, and to refuse to
allay the thirst for knowledge, because all its channels
are not equally fraught with obvious and immediate
advantages. The rare and curious in nature possessed
attractions for an inquiring mind, like that of Dr

176 MEMOin OF Dll WKIGHT.

Wright, which could not have been satisfied with
its own exertions, while any corner of the field remain-
ed to be explored. In that interesting kingdom which
extends " from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop on
the wall," he found a peculiar source of delight, from
the devotion with which he applied himself to the im-
provement of the healing art. It was indeed by this
happy combination of professional skill with botanical
inquiry, that he made those discoveries in science
which raised him to the highest literary distinctions,
and brought him to be favourably known in that se-
lect circle of science, where Banks, Solander and
Fothergill, Smith,Lind and Pulteney, Black,
Hope and Rutherford, Hutton, Homi. and the
two Hunters, were the burning and the shining
lights.

The footing which he thus acquired by his profes-
sional and scientific attainments, he gradually secured
by the simplicity of his manners, and the endearing
qualities of his heart. It is indeed in the ordinary re-
lations of society, and amid the amenities of domestic
life, that the character of Dr Wright is to be view-
ed in its most amiable light *. Ever ready to defer the
gratification of his own wishes, he thought no sacri-
fice too great, when it served to promote the interests
or advancement of a friend. If he never knew what

* Temperate in all his appetites, he was ahstemious almost to sin-
gularity in his indulgence in the pleasures of the tahle. — For the
last twenty-five years of his life, he never, in any form, made use of
ardent spirits, and a third glass of wine was the greatest excess
which, during that long period, he ever committed.

MEMOIR OF Dlt WKKillT. ^_ 177

it was to be a lmsband or a father, it was not because
he wanted the sentiments of tenderness which give to
these endearing relations their intrinsic value. The
family of his brother were to him as so many adopted
children ; and on them he lavished all a parent's fond-
ness. He survived his brother only a very few months,
and to the last maintained for him that strong affec-
tion which is so strikingly evinced throughout their
long and interesting correspondence.

Among the peculiar objects of his care, was the
pale student, struggling for the acquisition of know-
ledge, against the depressing influence of penury
and neglect ; toiling perhaps for mere subsistence,
during the course of academical learning, which
his meritorious ambition had prompted him to pur-
sue ; until he has at length been enabled to sur-
mount the numerous obstacles which beset his path,
to emancipate himself from the unlettered and de-
graded caste to which he originally belonged, and
to rise to some distinguished station in a learned
and honourable profession. Such successful strug-
gles are not uncommon in the Scottish Universi-
ties ; and Dr Wright, though slow at the outset to
encourage so hazardous an undertaking, was never
backward with his purse, his counsel, or his influence,
to promote its accomplishment, when he found a fit
occasion for the exercise of his benevolence.

" Open as day to melting charity," his hand was ever
ready to second the impulse of his heart, for the succour
of the aged and the needy, the widow and the orphan.
In Crieff, his native village, as well as in Edinburgh,

M

178 . MEMOIR OF DR WRIGHT.

he had a regular list of pensioners, who would have
had serious cause to lament his death, had not the
successors to his fortune been also the inheritors of
many of his virtues. Endowed with all the amiable
qualities of his species, yet ready to acknowledge how
far his purest purposes fell short of perfection, the
words from his lips would have been singularly appro-
priate as a short but comprehensive summary of his
character :

" Homo sum, humani nihil, a me alienum puto"

About a year before his death, Dr Wright pur-
chased a place of interment in the Grey Friars' Church-
yard, which now bears the following inscription :

( 179 )

GULIELMO WRIGHT, M. D.

SOCIET. REG. LOND. ET EDIN. COLL. REG. MED. EDIN. SOCIO,
EXERCITUS IN INDIA OCCIDENTALI MED. EMER.

§c. fyc. Sfc

VIRO IMPRIMIS BENIGNO ET INGENUO,

IN HISTORIA NATURALI

ET SCIENTIA OMNIGENA AD REM MEDICAM PERTINENTS,

PERITISSIMO ;

MEDICO SOLERTISSIMO, CELEBERRIMO,
DE HUMANO GENERE OPT1ME MERITO;

QUI

INGENIO QUAM MAXIME PR.EDITUS, ET VIRTUTE

ARTEM MEDENDI TLURIMUM AUXIT, ORNAVIT, EMENDAVIT ;

CRIFjE IN AGRO PERTHENSI NATO

MDCCXXXV,

EDINBURGI MORTUO

MDCCCXIX,

HOC MONUMENTUM,

ANIMO PIO, FRATRIS FILLE

POSUERUNT.

M 2

PAPERS,

CHIEFLY ON

BOTANICAL AND MEDICAL SUBJECTS,

BY THE LATE

WILLIAM WRIGHT, M. D.

F. R. SS. L. & E., &c.

The following papers have in part been selected from the MSS.
of Dr Wright, but the greater proportion of them have already ap-
peared in the Philosophical Transactions of London, Edinburgh, and
Philadelphia, and in other publications.

( 183 )

AN ACCOUNT

MEDICINAL PLANTS GROWING IN JAMAICA.

[This paper appeared originally in the 8th volume of the London
Medical Journal. The additions inclosed in brackets have been
extracted from Dr Wright's Herbaria, begun in the year 1773,
and completed in 1813. — Ed.]

To Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. P. R. S.

Sib,
At the request of the late Dr Fothergill and Dr So-
lander, I drew up an account of the officinal plants grow-
ing in Jamaica, for the Medical Society of London ; but the
death of those valuable friends, and the dissolution of that
society, have occasioned it to remain unpublished. Having
now revised this paper, and added thereto a considerable num-
ber of observations and facts, I take the liberty, Sir, of pre-
senting it to you as a testimony of my respect ; and, if it meets
with your approbation, I request the favour of you to trans-
mit it to Dr Simmons, to be inserted in the London Medical
Journal.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your most obedient and very humble servant,

William Wright.

Edinburgh, \
May 27. 1787. J

184 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA

INTRODUCTION.

I beg leave to observe that the following descriptions of
plants were made on the spot, and that the medical remarks
are the result of careful observation and experience in the
practice of physic, for many years in Jamaica.

I flatter myself that I shall be found to have made disco-
veries, new and important, which have escaped the notice of
Sloane, Jacquin, and Bkowne, and that what I have writ-
ten will throw some light on the history of the Materia Medica.

If men of abilities and observation would contribute thus
to the public stock, we might, hope that the history of foreign
drugs would soon be made more perfect.

1. Aeoe pkrfoliata. — Hepatic Alues. — Cabaline Aloes. — Bar-
bados Aloes.

This is a common plant in all the West India Islands. It
is known by the name of Semper vivum, and is cultivated par-
ticularly in Barbadoes.

This plant flowers in June, but bears no seed ; the young
shoots from the roots serve to propagate it.

Hepatic aloes is obtained in the following manner : — The
plant is pulled up by the roots, and carefully cleansed from
the earth, or other impurities. It is then sliced and cut in
pieces, into small hand-baskets or nets. These nets or bas-
kets are put into large iron boilers with water, and boiled for
ten minutes, when they are taken out, and fresh parcels sup-
plied, till the liquor is strong and black.

At this period the liquor is thrown through a strainer into a
deep vat, narrow at bottom, to cool, and to deposit its feculent
parts. Next day the clear liquor is drawn off by a cock, and
again committed to the large iron vessel. At first it is boiled
briskly, but towards the end the evaporation is slow, and re-
quires constantly stirring to prevent burning. When it be-
comes of the consistence of honey, it is poured into gourds,
or calabashes, for sale. This hardens by age.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. -*- 185

2. Aloe spicata. — Succotrine Aloes.

About twelve years ago, Dr Fothergill sent this plant
to Jamaica, for the Botanic Garden there ; but, by the remo-
val of the garden to a distant part of the country, this and
several other valuable plants were lost. Had it been pro-
pagated, it would have proved a valuable acquisition to the
island. The gum may be prepared as above.

3. Amomum Zinziber. — Ginger.

There are two sorts of ginger cultivated in Jamaica, viz.
the white and the black.

The roots are perennial and digitated. Every spring they
put forth tender shoots, of which are made the finest pre-
serves.

Black ginger has the most numerous and largest roots, and
only requires to be scalded and dried. The white ginger
must be scalded in water, and the skin scraped off; then care-
fully dried. This last bears the best price.

Ginger is reckoned to impoverish lands greatly. This,
with the trouble and fluctuating state of the markets, makes
only a few people plant it in the mountains.

The virtues and uses of ginger are well known. In medi-
cine it enters into many compositions, and merits still farther
to be employed, as an useful succedaneum to the more costly
spices. In Jamaica the common people employ it in baths
and fomentations, with good success, in complaints of the vis-
cera, in pleurisies, and in obstinate and continued fevers.

Besides the officinal ginger, there are several other species
of ginger growing wild, differing in size, flowers, solidity and
pungency of the roots, &c. viz.

1. Amomum Zerumbet. — Wild Ginger.

2. Costus arabicus. — Great Wild Ginger.

8. Alpinia racemosa. — Mountain Wild Ginger.

186 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF .JAMAICA.

The roots of these are whiter, less pungent, and softer than
ginger, and arc often made into sweetmeats.

4. Amyris balsamifkra. — Rose Wood.

This is found on gravelly hills, and rises to a considerable
height. The trunks are remarkable for having large protu-
berances on them.

The leaves are laurel-shaped. The small blue flowers are
on a branched spike. The berries are small and black.

Rose wood is an excellent timber : it is replete with a fra-
grant balsam or oil, and retains its flavour and solidity, though
exposed to the weather many years.

Perhaps, by subjecting this wood to distillation, a perfume,
equal to the Oleum Rhodii, may be obtained.

5. Anacardium occidentals. — Cashew Tree.

This beautiful and shady tree grows to twenty or twenty-
five feet high. It blossoms early in the spring, and continues
to flower for several months. The flowers grow on a branched
spike : they are small, red, and fragrant.

It is somewhat singular that the nut or seed is first produ-
ced. It is of a kidney shape, and soon comes to its natural
size ; which, so soon as it does, the cashew-apple fills up in a
few days, being attached to the cashew-nut.

Cashew-apples are red or white ; when ripe they are soft,
and their taste is agreeably rough and sweet. Stewed in sy-
rup, they may be kept many months ; and when eaten with
milk, are highly restorative. When the apple is roasted
gently and pressed, the juice, with that of lemons or limes,
is made into punch.

Betwixt the external covering and the kernel there is a thick
brown caustic oil. This is by some used to take off freckles ;
but it inflames so much, that the remedy is worse than the
disease. It appears to be also volatile in its effects ; for, if
cashew-nuts arc roasted in a close place, the operator's face

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. -— 187

will be swelled, inflamed, and eovered with a rash or erysi-
pelas.

Roasted cashew-nuts are better than chesnuts ; and when
blanched in water, and freed from their covering, are as sweet
as almonds, and are used like them for emulsions.

This tree is of speedy growth, as in one year from the sow-
ing it blossoms and bears fruit. The tree lasts many years,
and when old, yields a great quantity of transparent gum, in
no way inferior to gum-arabic.

(This tree is not found wild in Jamaica, except where the
seeds have first been planted by the human race. It grows
to a middle size, and the trunk sends off many branches.
The leaves are broad, smooth, and shining. The blossoms
are numerous, but many of them are abortive. The white
cashew-apple is the sweetest. When in bloom the whole tree
is very beautiful.)

6. ANDROPOGON LITORALE.

I saw this grass only on the sea-shore, near St Ann's Bay,
Jamaica. It was five feet high, and had jointed stalks and
roots, like the dog-grass of Britain.

A strong decoction of the roots has been successfully em-
ployed in visceral obstructions, given at the rate of three pints
a-day : but in liver complaints it succeeds better, if accom-
panied by calomel in small doses.

7- Annona muricata. — Sour Sop.

squamosa. — Sweet Sop.

reticulata. — ( 'usturd Apple.

palustris. — Jl (tier or Alligator Apple.

All these grow wild in Jamaica, or are cultivated on ac-
count of their fruit.

The sour sop is a large fruit, of a heart-shape, pointed, and

188 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

beset with spines. When pulled off before maturity, and
boiled, it is served at table the same as pompions ; and if
roasted or baked, is similar to yams. When ripe it is soft,
sweet and detersive : hence good in fevers where the mouth
is furred.

The sweet sop is an agreeable fruit ; but the custard apple
is eaten only by a few.

The alligator apple grows in rivulets. The root is spon-
gy, and as light as cork : It makes excellent strops for ra-
zors.

The leaves of all smell strongly like savine, and both they
and the fruits are anthelminthic.

(The sour sop grows as tall as an apple tree. The leaves
are shining ; the fruit large, crooked, prickly and pointed ;
the blossoms thick and fleshy. The fruit has a green skin ;
when ripe, it is soft and white, tastes sweet and slightly acid,
and is relished by many people. It has many seeds. In
times of scarcity, the apples pulled green, and roasted or
boiled, are used as an article of food. The wild sour sop
tree grows to a good size, and differs very little from this in
leaves, flowers, or fruit. Sour sop leaves are used in decoc-
tions to kill worms. The smell is similar to that of the sa-
vine.

The sweet sop tree seldom exceeds fifteen feet in height,
and is well shaded with leaves. On the ends of the branches
<rrow small fleshy blossoms, which cannot be well laid down
in a collection of specimens. The fruit is round, and of an
unequal surface. It has a sweet subacid taste, and contains
a great many seeds, of the size of kidney beans.

The leaves of the custard apple are larger than those of
the sour sop ; the blossom of the same figure, but smaller ;
the fruit is round. When ripe it is yellow and soft like cus-
tard. Some are fond of it, but I am not singular when I
pronounce it the worst of our fruits.)

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 189

8. Arachis Hypogea. — Ground Nut.

This is cultivated in gardens, and spreads on the ground.
It has a yellow pea-blossom, and the pods are under the sur-
face of the earth, containing two oblong seeds.

The toasted nuts are preferable to chesnuts. They yield,
by expression, an oil as good as almonds ; and, when beaten
in a wooden or marble mortar, and mixed with water, form
an excellent emulsion, not inferior to that of almonds, ca-
shews, or any other.

9. Argemone mexicana. — Yellow Thistle.

This is a common and troublesome weed. The flowers are
yellow ; the leaves and stems prickly ; and, when wounded, a
yellow juice runs out, like a solution of gum gamboge. The
pods are prickly, and contain a number of small black seeds ;
a woman's thimbleful of which are emetic ; in a lesser dose
they are purgative. They are used in diarrhoeas and dysen-
teries.

(The gamboge thistle, or prickly poppy, rises to the height
of three feet. The stem is herbaceous and hollow ; the leaves
are of a bluish green colour ; the blossoms are pretty large,
and of a deep yellow ; the pods are shaped like those of the
datura, and finely carved with cross spiral lines. I tried to
evaporate the yellow juice, but it became an unsightly green.

The leaves have the virtues of the Carduus benedictus,
and, if beaten into a pulp and mixed with lime juice, they
make an excellent detergent in foul ulcers. The roots arc
said to be emetic.)

10. Aristolochia triloba.

odoratissima.

Both of these are called contrayerva, and the latter is in

190 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

common use. It grows amongst the bushes : its flowers are
large and mottled, and cannot fail to attract the notice of the
most inattentive traveller.

The roots of this second species are long, equal, and as
thick as a man's little finger : they have a strong scent, like
the Radix contrayerva of the shops.

The natives of Jamaica use a tea or decoction of these
plants in colds and other febrile complaints ; but as the whole
genus is acrid and stimulating, this often does mischief; es-
pecially where there is an inflammatory diathesis, or where
proper evacuations have not been made.

11. Arum colocasia. — White Cocoes.

SAGiTTiEFOMUM. — Black Cocoes.

(Eddoes or Toyos.J

These two are cultivated as articles of food. The tap
root is very large, and sends out shoots or fingers, which,
when boiled or roasted, serve instead of bread. The parent
root is boiled to feed swine. The roots yield a great deal of
starch.

12. Arum Macrorhizon. — Cubeso Wyth.

This is a climber, and has large round leaves and long
wythie roots, from which, when cut, a white milky resinous
liquor runs out, of a strong turpentine smell.

13. Arum divaricatum. — Parasitical Cocoes.

This grows in the boughs of the tallest trees ; the leaves
are like those of the cocoes.

The roots both of this and the last species are used in de-
coction, as sarsaparilla.

14. Arum arborescens. — Dumb Cane.
This grows in moist and swampy land*, and rises to six or

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 191

eight feet. Every part of it is acrid. The juice rubbed on
the skin causes an intolerable itching. If eaten through iff-
norance or design, it irritates, and even inflames, the moutli
and fauces, and renders the person speechless : hence the
name.

A physician, in the reign of Charles the Second, wrote
a treatise on the virtues of the dumb cane in dropsy. I have
tried it in that disease, but could not get down a sufficient quan-
tity to produce the proper effect, on account of its acrimony.

A Negro woman, who had been long ailing, in a fit of de-
spair, ate a good deal of the dumb cane, with a view to destroy
herself. It excoriated her mouth and throat much, and she
voided many worms, but recovered her health soon after.

(The juice, boiled in hog's lard, makes a stimulating oint-
ment for rubbing oedematous swellings, to which Negroes are
often subject.)

15. Asclepias Curassavica. — Bastard Ipecacuanha. — Tin-
Red Head.

This is a pretty plant, which grows wild in pastures. It
rises to three feet ; has green stems and lanceolated leaves.
The flowers stand at top in a kind of umbel ; they are red
and yellow, and very beautiful.

This plant is milky, but not dangerous, like some others
of this genus. The juice of the leaves is often given to per-
sons afflicted with worms, from a tea-spoonful to an ounce
for a dose on an empty stomach. In this way I can vouch
for its powerful and salutary effect. When given in larger
doses it acts as a mild emetic or purgative ; and in worm fe-
vers also as a diaphoretic and diuretic. Thus, whilst it ex-
pels worms, it brings about a crisis.

The roots are white and woody. When given in powder,
as a vomit, they act as an emetic ; but this is a dangerous
practice.

192 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

16. Bixa Orellana. — Arnotta Bush, or Roucou of' the Indians.

This is planted about inclosures, and sometimes rises to
twenty feet. The trunks are brown and smooth. The bark
is tough, and, by maceration, may be made into a strong
hemp or flax.

The flowers are pale red, and very like those of the dog-
rose. The pods are oval, pointed, and prickly, containing a
number of scarlet seeds.

When the pods are ripe they are gathered in baskets ; and,
when opened, the seeds are thrown into a tub of clean water.
The water and seeds are well stirred, and the red adhering
substance washed off the seeds ; which last are thrown away.
The turbid liquor is passed through a hair sieve, and evapo-
rated in a pot over a slow fire to an extract, then made into
rolls of a pound weight, which are dried in the shade, and
then put up for use.

Arnotta sells at a high price : from fifteen to twenty shil-
lings per pound. It is used as a dye ; and in chocolate, to
which it communicates a rich and agreeable flavour and taste
as well as colour.

It has been found an useful medicine in nephritic and cal-
culous cases. Half a drachm may be taken in a cup of cho-
colate twice or three times a day.

The Indians in Spanish America paint their bodies with
arnotta.

(The arnotta bush is well shaded with green leaves. The
blossoms are put forth in May. The pods are an inch and a
half long, an inch broad, of a brown colour, and well defend-
ed from insects by numerous prickles. The plant is a native
of Spanish America, and is cultivated in Jamaica for the ver-
milion-like powder contained in the pods.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 1-93

As a medicine it is a gentle diaphoretic and diuretic ; and,
with this view, it is given in coughs, in gravel, strangury,
rheumatism, and gout, and to hinder cutaneous eruptions
from striking in.)

17- Bromelia Ananas. — Pine Apple.
Pinguin. — Pinguins.

Pine apples are cultivated in all the West India islands,
and are raised in every hothouse in Britain. There ate se-
veral varieties, but the sugar-loaf pine is the best.

Ripe pine apples are amongst the finest of our fruits in the
West Indies, and are relished by all ranks of people, espe-
cially people sick of acute diseases, dysenteries, &c. They
have a detersive quality, and are better fitted to cleanse the
mouth and gums than any gargle whatever.

Besides being eaten raw, they are often candied with su-
gar, and sent home as presents. Pine apples are also made
into tarts and pickles.

Pinguins are planted as fences. The fruit is as big as a
plum. The juice is exceedingly detersive, and is often em-
ployed to clean the mouth. Thin slices with sugar are fre-
quently given to children for worms ; but much of it exco-
riates the mouth and passages.

18. Bursera gummifera. — Jamaica Birch.

This is frequent in woods, and grows speedily to a treat
height and thickness. The bark is brown, and very like the
birch of Britain. The wood is soft and useless, except when
pieces of the limbs are put into the ground as fences, when it
grows readily, and becomes a durable barrier. It has yellow
flowers ; male and female on different trees. The fruit is a
triangular capsule, which, when cut, discharges a clear bal-
sam or turpentine.

On wounding the bark, a thick milky liquor is obtained,

N

194 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

which soon concretes into a resin, no way different from the
gum elemi of the shops.

Dr Browne, and after him Linnjeus, has mistaken the
bark of the roots for the simarouba ; of which hereafter.

(This turpentine tree delights in sandy situations. The
leaves are of a light green colour, and grow in pairs ; the
blossoms branched, small, white, and brittle. The berries
are brown, of the size of a hazel nut. When bruised, are
very gummy, and smell like turpentine.)

19. Camocladia pubescens. — Yellow Mastic.

This is a fine tall timber tree, frequent in woodlands. The
wood is yellow, hard, and takes a fine polish.

The whole of this genus is warm or peppery. The bark
of the yellow mastic has an extraordinary taste, somewhat
like ardent spirits, but more permanent, as, on chewing the
smallest bit, one cannot get the taste out of the mouth for
some hours.

The bark retains its pungency when dried, and, perhaps,
may be found an useful medicine in lethargic and paralytic
diseases, where stimulants are indicated.

20. Canella alba. — Wild Cinnamon.

This is a common tree in Jamaica, and grows to a great
heio-ht. The leaves are oval, smooth, and shining : the flow-
ers are small, red, and fragrant ; they stand in form of an
umbel, and are succeeded by black succulent berries, of the
size of black currants. When ripe, they are sweet and aro-
matic : when gathered green, and dried, they are like black
pepper, but hotter.

The bark is the canella of the shops. It enters into va-
rious officinal compositions, and is a warm, cordial, and aro-
matic medicine,

MEDICINAL VLANTS OF JAMAICA. 195

The habit and foliage of this tree are very like those of the
true Winter's bark. Their sensible qualities, too, are nearly
the same ; and they appear to me to be species of the same
genus.

(The leaves are the malabathrum of the shops. The
bark is grey on the outside ; the inner bark is of a cinnamon
colour. The taste is very hot and peppery, and might be a
useful substitute for some of the oriental spices ; but, by ob-
taining it in Jamaica without expence, it is lessened in our
esteem. Distilled with water, it yields little of its smell or
taste, but gives them out perfectly with spiritous liquors.

In fevers and pleurisies, as well as in dropsical disorders,
the Negroes boil this bark for a fomentation, and afterwards
rub on some of the bark in powder. I have observed it com-
monly produce a lasting diaphoresis, and the aromatic fotus
is of great service in the leucophlegmatia and ascites.)

21. Capparis cynophallophora — The Bottle Cod Root.

This shrub is found in copses, and is disposed to run on
bushes. It is remarkable for having large white flowers,
whose stamina are of an extraordinary length. The pods tire
a foot long, and unequal. When ripe they open gradually,
and shew the seeds in a sort of crimson bedding.

The root is large, yellow, and fleshy, and tastes strongly
like horse raddish.

Dr Canvane recommends it as a specific in dropsy. He
orders a decoction of it ; but an infusion is preferable, be-
cause boiling dissipates its virtues.

There are several other species of Capparis in Jamaica,
whose sensible qualities are the same as those of the mustard
tribe.

(This plant is also called the Egyptian Bean or Water Lily.

N 2

196 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

It grows in waste lands by the road side, into a shrubby tree.
The white beans do not fall, being fastened by a crimson
pulp.)

22. Capsicum.

Capsicum annuum. — Coekspur Pepper.

baccatum. — Cherry Pepper.

grossum Gourd Pepper.

frutescens. — Bird Pepper.

(varietas.) — Hen Pepper.

galericulum. — Bonnet Pepper.

These, and some other varieties, are called Negro Peppers.
The bird and hen peppers are indigenous ; the others are cul-
tivated in gardens ; and all of them have the same sensible
qualities, differing only in degrees of pungency. The bird
pepper is the smallest, but hotter than any of the others.

All the capsicums may be preserved in vinegar, and form
the best of pickles.

When nearly ripe they become red ; and if gathered at
this time, dried, and powdered, make Cayenne pepper. Some
mix common salt ; but this is improper, as it disposes the
whole to deliquesce, and darkens the colour.

Capsicum has a warm and kindly effect on the stomach.
It has all the virtues of the oriental spices, without producing
those complaints of the head which they often occasion. In
food it prevents flatulency from vegetables ; but the abuse of
it occasions visceral obstructions, especially of the liver.

In dropsical complaints, or others where chalybeates are
indicated, a minute portion of powdered capsicum is an ex-
cellent addition.

In lethargic affections this warm and active stimulant
might be of service. In tropical fevers a coma and delirium
are common attendants ; and, in such cases, cataplasms of
capsicum have a speedy and happy effect. They redden the
parts, but seldom blister, unless kept on too long.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. -*~ 197

In ophthalmias, from relaxation of the membranes and
coats of the eyes, the diluted juice of capsicum is a sovereign
remedy ; and I have often witnessed its virtue in many obsti-
nate cases of this sort.

In some parts of South America, the Indians prick the
loins and bellies of hectic patients with thorns dipped in the
juice of capsicum.

It has been alleged, that capsicum, applied to the loins,
would occasion gonorrhoea. This is contrary to experience,
and too ridiculous an opinion to combat seriously.

23. Cassia occidentalis. — Piss-a-bed-

This common weed has a disagreeable smell, like the leaves
of all green cassias. The flowers are yellow ; the roots fleshy,
and used in aperient and diuretic decoctions.

24. Cassia fistula. — Cassia Tree.

This tree is cultivated in gardens and about settlements.
It rises to about thirty feet, and has long flower spikes, with
yellow papilionaceous blossoms. The pods are about two
feet long, and as thick as a man's finger : they are black,
smooth, and shining. This is the cassia fistularis of the shops,
and the same as that brought from the East Indies. The
pods of the Cassia Javanica, or horse cassia, are very large,
and the pulp inferior to the former, which enters into some
officinal compositions.

25. Cassia Senna Italica. — The round-leaved Senna.

This grows on sand banks near the sea, particularly on the
palisadoes, near Port Royal in Jamaica.

It rises by herbaceous stems to two feet in height. From
the axilla? at the top are sent forth slender spikes, with yeL

198 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

low blossoms. The pods and seeds are the same as those of
the senna of the shops. I have dried the leaves, and used
them in purging ptisans in the same proportion as those of
the Alexandrian senna.

Specimens of this senna were presented to the Society of
Arts; and although I received no marks of their approbation,
it is with pleasure I observe they have offered a premium
lately for raising the Alexandrian senna in the West Indies.

26. Cassia alata. — Ringworm Bush.

This plant is annual. The stem is woody, and rises to
five or six feet. The leaves are winged, and look like those
of walnuts. The flower spikes are simple ; the blossoms
large, yellow, and placed so closely as to form a cone. The
pod is triangular, and four inches long : the seeds are nume-
rous, and heart shaped.

Tetters or ringworms are frequent amongst the black people
in Jamaica, and amongst the Spaniards in America very in-
veterate. I have seen this complaint so universal, that the
habit was tainted ; the skin looked leprous, and the unhappy
patient had not a. moment's ease from the intolerable itching
or painful ulcers.

In the beginning, a poultice of the flowers of this bush is
of service; as are also sulphureous applications. But, in
more advanced stages of the disease, mercurials externally,
and the decoction of woods, give the only chance of a cure.

(Dr Hill seems at a loss to describe this plant ; and after
all is mistaken in the number of the stamina. It sometimes
grows to ten feet high, and, when in blossom, looks very well.)

27. Cassia cham^ecrista. — Cane Piece,— ^Sensitive Plant.

This is frequently met with in cane-piece intervals. It is
about three feet in height, and has a few branches, with 1111-

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. ~+~ 199

merous small pinnated leaves, which collapse immediately on
being touched. The blossoms are yellow. The capsule is a
flat pod, about an inch long, black, jointed, and somewhat
hairy. The roots are woody, with many fibres.

In Guinea, and in the West Indies, the negroes are dex-
terous poisoners. The plants they employ for this purpose
are chiefly the lactescent ones, of the order Contort^ viz.
Echites suberecta, Cameraria, Plumeria, and Nerium. An
antidote against these deleterious substances cannot be too
much valued ; and such an one is a decoction of the roots of
this plant.

A handful of the washed roots being boiled in water from
three pints to two, may be strained, sweetened, and used for
common drink, at the rate of three quarts in twenty-four
hours.

28. Cinchona CaribjEA. — Jesuit's Bark of Jamaica.

Having given an account of this tree in the Philosophical
Transactions, (vol. lxvii. p. 504.) with a figure, the reader is
referred to that work. I may, however, add, that I have
found trees in the parish of St James's, in Jamaica, fifty feet
high, and proportionally thick. The wood is hard, clouded,
and takes a fine polish. The bark of the large trunks is
rough; the cuticle thick and inert; the inner bark thinner
than that of the young trees, but more fibrous.

I have made use of this bark in all cases where the Peru,
vian bark was indicated, and with the greatest success.

Half an ounce infused in a bottle of white wine or spirits,
affords an elegant and grateful bitter. In beginning Typhus
I remove the sick into airy chambers, wash their hands and
face often in cold water, and direct them to chew a little of
this bark with very happy effects.

200 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

29. Cinchona triplora. — The Bath Bark.

This species of cinchona was discovered by Mr Roberts,
a clergyman in Jamaica. The leaves are very like those of
the Caribaea. At the axillae come out three scarlet flowers.
The pods are somewhat longer than those of the last men-
tioned species. The bark is of the colour of Peruvian bark.
This tree grows only in the parish of Manchioneel, by rivers,

30. Cinchona brachycarpa.

Mr Lindsay, surgeon, and an expert botanist, discovered
this species in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica, in 1785.
It has much the appearance of the following, but very few
flowers. It grew on the side of a steep hill.

Much has been said and written of late years on the Je-
suit's bark. Sir Joseph Banks, many years ago, had an
elegant plate engraven of the Cinchona officinalis, which he
distributed to his friends. It was by this figure that I was
enabled to ascertain and settle the Jesuit's bark of Jamaica,
as well as the other species I have mentioned.

Of these species, the Cinchona Caribaea is the nearest to
the officinal bark in virtue : it abates vomiting, and sits well
on the stomach ; whereas the other two species, like the St.
Lucia bark, prove emetic in a small dose. They all, how-
ever, cure intermittents.

All these different species are in the possession of Sir Jo-
seph Banks.

31. Cissampelos pareira. — Pareira brava.

This is a slip which runs amongst the bushes and on fen-
ces. The leaves are round, soft, and downy, on which ac-
count it is railed the velvet leaf

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. ^ 201

It bears its flowers on a slender pendulous spike : they arc
yellow and very small, and the male and female are on diffe-
rent vines. The fruit is a soft, flat berry : it is of a red co-
lour, and contains one flat seed curiously notched like the
wheel of a watch.

The roots are black, stringy, and as thick as sarsaparilla,
running superficially under the surface of the ground.

This root is agreeably aromatic and bitter, and is recom-
mended by Geoffroy in nephritic disorders, in ulcers of the
kidneys and bladder, in humoral asthmas, and in some spe-
cies of jaundice.

The common people in Jamaica use a decoction of the
roots for pains and weakness of the stomach, proceeding from
relaxation.

32. Citrus Medica. — Limes.
Limonum. — Lemons.

The whole of the genus citrus are natives of Asia, and the
southern parts of Europe, from whence they have been car-
ried to and planted in the warmer parts of America and the
Sugar Islands. At present they are so common as to be
formed into hedges.

The juice of lemons and of limes is nearly alike, and their
uses in medicine and drink well known. About fourteen
years ago I wrote a paper on the effects of lime juice, combin-
ed with sea-salt in various diseases in the torrid zone *. It
is proper to observe, that in all the disorders there mentioned,
a remitting fever either occasioned or accompanied them.

In that paper I have slightly mentioned diabetes ; but
later experience enables me to assert, that in this medicine I
have found a specific for diabetes as well as for lienteria, both

* Vide American Transactions, Vol. ii- and London Medical Jour-
nal, vol. viii. p. 100.

202 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

which diseases have often heretofore baffled the most skilful
physicians.

(The figure of the leaves, and structure of the flowers, are
so much alike in the whole genus, that, with the exception of
the lime, we cannot, with certainty, pronounce whether the
young tree will bear an orange, shaddock, or forbidden fruit.

The lime tree is of smaller growth than the orange or
shaddock, and the leaves are one-third less, and of a dark
green colour. They blossom twice a year, and bear abun-
dance of fruit, of a most delicious fragrance, yellow, smoother
than a lemon, and large as a golden pippin. The juice is
highly acid, and it is preferred to lemon juice.

The whole genus of citrus are pretty trees, especially when
in bloom, or when the fruit is ripe. The author of The Su-
gar Cane finely observes :

" Amid their verdant umbrage countless glow,
With fragrant fruit of vegetable gold."

The antiseptic virtues of native vegetable acids are well
known. In ardent fevers nature points out their use, and
they should never be denied to the suffering patient. In bi-
lious fevers, by uniting with the bile, they form a vegetable
ammoniac, which, like other neutrals, is purgative, and car-
ries the disorder off by stool. I prefer a beverage of the Se-
ville orange iuice to that of the rest.

Weak punch is the most common drink in the West In-
dies, and by far the best suited to the constitutions of the
inhabitants. Those who use grog or rum, have sallow com-
plexions, pains in their stomachs, frequent belly- aches, jaun-
dice, dropsies, rheumatism, &c. After a residence of many
years in these climates, I never knew any one who made a
liberal use of acids, afflicted with any of the above disorders ;
but such, on the contrary, had clear complexions, and en-
joyed good health.)

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. ^ 203

33. Citrus aurantium dulcis. — Sweet Oranges.
amara. — Seville Oranges.

Both these are cultivated in all the West India Islands, as
well as in Spain and Portugal. These ascescent fruits have
long been esteemed in medicine, and need not here be insisted
on. In the warm countries ulcers soon become very foul and
offensive. I have long been of opinion that the habit has no-
thing to do in many such cases, but that both the ulcer and
the fomes of it are merely local. I have applied the pulp of
roasted oranges to the sores as a poultice, and observed al-
ways, that, in twenty-four hours, the foetor of such ulcers was
corrected and removed, and that the ulcers soon were dis-
posed to heal. The same application was continued till a
cure was completed.

34. Citrus decujiana. — Shaddock.

This fruit was so called from a Captain Shaddock, who
first brought it from the East Indies to Barbadoes.

Shaddocks are a most beautiful fruit, about five times as
large as oranges, and shaped like a pear. They have a most
agreeably sweet and bitter taste, and are much esteemed in
warm countries.

35. Citrus decumana, (varietas). — The Forbidden Fruit.

This is smaller than the shaddock, and of a round figure.
However beautiful to the eye, they are in general so bitter
and sour as seldom to be eatable.

30. Citrus bergamot.

This is frequent in orchards : it is less than an orange, and
has a fine smell.

37' Citrus citrullus. — Citron.
This fruit is about double the size of a lemon, but nearly

204 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

of the same shape. The juice is acid; the skin remarkably
thick.

All the species of citron agree in some particulars. The
leaves and flowers are nearly alike, and on their surface all of
them have a volatile fluid, or oil, lodged in small round cells,
visible to the naked eye. This essential oil is easily obtained
by distillation.

The juice of limes, lemons, and oranges, is used in shrub,
orangeat, and punch, and enters into many compositions in
pharmacy and confectionry.

The rinds or skins of citrons, limes, and oranges, make ele-
gant preserves, either in syrup, or candied with sugar.

38. Clinopodium rugosum. — Wild Bachelor's Button.

This plant is annual, herbaceous, and rises to three or four
feet. The leaves are large, rough, and serrated ; the flowers
small, and the seed-vessels connected in a globular or button-
like form.

The leaves of this, beaten and applied to old and obstinate
ulcers, have a very good effect. The buttons, when rubbed
betwixt the fingers, emit a most agreeable fragrance, some-
what like a mixture of the oils of rosemary, lavender, rho-
dium, and ambergris. As the plant is so common in all waste
lands, large quantities might easily be gathered, and this
valuable perfume, or oil, obtained by distillation. The dried
pods retain their flavour a considerable time, and might be
sent home in tin-canisters or lead-cases to the mother country.

39. Copfea arabica. — Coffee Tree.

It is about sixty years since coffee was introduced into Ja-
maica from the Levant. It is now in general cultivation
amongst even the meanest of the people. It flowers twice a
year. The blossoms are white and sweet, like jasmine, and
last a considerable time. These flowers, with the green fruit,

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. ^_ 205

and red ripe berries on the same twigs, make a pleasing and
beautiful contrast.

The fruit is a berry of the size and exact figure of the red
cherry. The pulp is soft and sweet, and no doubt might be
converted to wine ; or, by distillation, to brandy. The beans
are two in each berry, which are well known.

Coffee is an article of diet, and seldom prescribed in medi-
cine ; but I have known it have good effects in the moist or
humoral asthma, and to give speedy relief in headachs, from
gout and other nervous affections. It is said to prevent
sleep ; but this happens from any tepid liquors drank late in
the evening or at night.

Coffee, with a good deal of milk, is used twice a day by
most families in Jamaica.

40. Convolvulus brasiliensis. — Seaside Scammony.

This plant grows near the sea shore. The leaves are broad
and shining ; the flowers large and pale red.

The roots are thicker than a quill, and run many yards
superficially in sandy places. The whole plant is milky ; and
if this milk was collected, a resin, like scammony, might be
obtained. At present this root is employed as a drastic purge,
in dropsy, by the common people.

The Aleppo scammony might easily be cultivated in Ja-
maica, and become an useful and profitable article. It is
growing luxuriantly in his Majesty's garden at Kew, and in
several other gardens about London.

41. Convolvulus battatas. — Sweet Potatoes.

This slip is planted for food, and grows so fast as to be
fit to dig up in six weeks or two months. For this reason,
new settlers generally plant this as the readiest provision.

The roots have much the appearance of the common pota-
to, but are much larger. These, roasted or boiled, are sweet,
but not so farinaceous as the other potato, nor do they yield

206 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

so much starch by one half: however, the sweet potato is
good substantial food, and serves instead of bread, which
cannot always be had.

There is a vulgar opinion in Jamaica, that the common or
English potato becomes sweet, and degenerates into this slip.
The first is totally a mistake ; the latter impossible.

42. Crescentia cujete. — Calabash.

This useful tree is planted about settlements. The flowers
and fruit grow from the body or large limbs of the tree.
The fruit, or calabash, is large and oblong. Some, when
hollowed, will contain a gallon of water. The shell serves
for utensils for the Negroes, as bowls, cups, and spoons.

The contents are white, pretty firm, and contain a number
of seeds. The juice of calabash, in the quantity of four oun-
ces, is given as a purge in all cases where the patient has re-
ceived a bruise about the trunk ; and a syrup of the same,
with the addition of lime-juice, a little nitre, and paregoric
elixir, is by some highly extolled in coughs and consump-
tions.

Small calabashes roasted, and the pulp spread on cloth,
make a good poultice for bruises and inflammations.

A smaller calabash grows wild, but is only a mere variety
of the other.

(The calabash has many branches from one root, seldom
higher than twenty feet, and not thicker than eight inches.
The wood is very tough and useful for ox-bows and cart-wheels.
The leaves on the spreading branches are numerous, and of
a deep green colour.

Dr Canvane observes, that, in consumptions, nothing
can be more beneficial than the juice of the calabash. It is
also a smart purge, and often administered in female obstruc-
tions.) g

MKDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 2jl)7

43. Croton elkutheiua *.

This tree is common near the sea shore, and rises to about
twenty feet. The leaves are from two to three inches long,
and of a proportional breadth. On the upper side they are
waved, and of a rusty colour ; on the under side they are
ribbed, ai>d have a fine glossy or silvery appearance.

From the axillae they have numerous small spikes, with a
great quantity of white, small, and fragrant flowers. The
capsule is tricoccous, like other crotons.

The bark is the same as the cascarilla and eleutheria of the
shops. Medical writers have supposed these to be distinct
barks, and they are sold in the shops as different productions ;
but, when strictly examined, they prove to be one and the
same bark.

Linn^eus's Croton cascarilla is the wild rosemary shrub of
Jamaica, the bark of which has none of the sensible qualities
of cascarilla.

44. Daphne lagetto. — Alligator Bark, or Lace-Bark Tree.

Sir Hans Sloane has figured a sprig of this tree, but did
not see the flowers or seeds. Dr Bkowne, in his Natural
History of Jamaica, is equally at a loss with respect to it ;
and botanists were unacquainted with this plant till the year
1777, when I brought complete specimens of it from Jamaica,
and Sir Joseph Banks, Dr Solan uer, and myself, settled
it as a species of Daphne.

The tree grows on the high rocky hills to twenty feet high.
The trunks are straight ; the wood is soft ; the bark is thick,
and may be separated into twenty or thirty lamina, white and
fine, like gauze. Of this, caps, ruffles, and even whole suits
of ladies1 clothes, have been made.

It has the sensible qualities of mezereon, but in a greatej

* Gluiia E/utcria, Linn

208 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

decree. A drachm of it to two pounds of sarsaparilla de-
coction is useful in confirmed lues, chronic rheumatisms, and
pains of the bones from lues or the yaws.

45. Dioscorea alata. — Negro Yam.

bulbifera. — White Yam.

sativa. — Wild Yam.

triphylla. — Yampee.

The two first species are cultivated in provision-grounds ;
the slips are climbers, and furnished with poles, like hops.
They are planted in the spring, and are ripe about Christ-
mas. The roots are very large ; some from thirty to forty
pounds weight. They will keep for several months, and are
in daily use as food. Yams, roasted or boiled, eat like pota-
toes, but are rather of a coarser texture. They are dressed
in various forms, being boiled in soups or broth, &c. made
into pudding, or roasted in the fire. They yield also a con-
siderable quantity of starch.

The wild yam is a native of the woods in Jamaica. The
stem is angulated, and finely serrated. If any one lays hold
of this vine, it cuts the hand like a knife. The roots are flat,
digitated, and large ; they are yellow coloured, and very bit-
ter: they purge people unaccustomed to eat them; but are
the chief support of the runaway Negroes who abscond from
the plantations.

The yampee, till of late years, was little known to the white
inhabitants. The leaf is different from the others ; the roots
are about six inches long, and two inches in diameter : there
are about twelve of such to one slip or vine. The Maroons,
or mountain Negroes, plant them, and bring them down to
the low lands. They keep a few weeks. The yampee, boil-
ed or roasted, is a most delicious root, and far preferable to
potatoes.

(The leaves and stem of the Negro yam are of a thicker
texture than the white yam. The skin is black, and the roots

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. ^20\)

of a coarser texture than the white yam. No yam ought to
be eaten before the vine withers, otherwise dysentery and diar-
rhoeas may ensue, as happened in 1771, in the neighbour-
hood of Orangehill, Jamaica. These were of the putrid
kind, producing cold sweats, with prostration of strength.
Few were lost in my practice, provided they had proper
nourishment.

The white yam is planted in December, and is dug up in
the following April. The Negro yam is planted in May, and
is ripe about Christmas.

The leaves of the Negro yam are smooth, shining, and of
a deep green colour. They are furnished with a tendril, to
lay hold of any bush or tree they may chance to meet with-
The flowers are yellow. The roots are very large, some
weighing twenty pounds. They are of an irregular figure,
smooth, with a greyish skin ; and when boiled or roasted,
taste a good deal like the potato. Negroes of any reflection
have a sufficient stock of yams, lest a hurricane should deprive
them of their ordinary food.

The wild or wood yam is found growing spontaneously in
the woods. The stem is prickly. The leaves are of a light
green, and pretty broad They grow in pairs and feel rough.
The roots are large, flat, and broad ; but, when boiled or
roasted, taste bitter. Some Negroes eat them by choice.

The yampee grows in the lowland settlements of Jamaica.
The leaf is like that of the wood-yam. The root is of a finer
grain than other yams, and approaches nearer than any thing
in Jamaica to English potatoes. They are cut for planting-
like potatoes. To each piece an eye must be left ; and one
or two of these pieces may be put into a little hill of mould.)

46. DOLICHOS PRURIENS. CoWltck.

This slip runs wild amongst the bushes in many parts of
Jamaica, and now and then is cultivated in gardens.

O

210 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

It is a climber, has slender stalks, the leaves trifoliated, the
flowers small and papilionaceous. The pods are about four
inches long, round, and as thick as a man's finger, containing
a few hard oblong seeds.

The outside of the pods is thickly set with stiff brown hairs
or bristles, which, when applied to the skin, occasion a most
intolerable itching.

The ripe pods, when dipped in syrup, are scraped with a
knife, and then thrown away. When the syrup, with these
seta?, becomes as thick as honey, it is fit to use. It acts me-
chanically as an anthelminthic ; occasions no uneasiness in
the first passages, which are defended by mucus ; and may
be taken safely from a tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful once
a-day.

47. Epidendrum Vanilla.

This plant is carefully cultivated in the Spanish West In-
dies, where it is a native. It also grows wild in the moun-
tains of Jamaica. Dr Swartz, a learned Swedish botanist,
found it there about three years ago.

The pod is a valuable perfume, and fetches a great
price. It merits, therefore, the attention of the people, and
their representatives in assembly, that it may be cultivated
and sent home as an article of commerce.

48. Epidendrum claviculatum. — Green Wythe.

This plant is found on gravelly and rocky lands. It runs
or creeps on the ground, taking root here and there in its
progress. The stem is as thick as a man's finger, round,
green, and succulent : it is jointed at every twelve or fourteen
inches, and is several yards long, without leaves. The flow-
ers are large and yellow ; the pods two inches long.

On viewing the expressed juice with a glass, or the naked
eye, we find it full of long spiculae or hairs. Dr Drummond,
a learned and ingenious physician and botanist in Westmore-

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. ^ 211

land, Jamaica, who first shewed me this plant, assured me
that he had often given a table-spoonful of the juice as a safe
and effectual vermifuge ; and that in some species of dropsy
it promotes a flow of urine, and cures the disease. The juice
is in great esteem amongst the Negroes, for the cure of go-
norrhoea and lues venerea.

49. Eupatorium Dalea.

This is frequent in the mountains of Jamaica. It is woody
and perennial, and about four feet high. The flowers are
yellow ; the seeds downy.

The withered ears or leaves, just dried, have a most sweet
smell, nearly equal to the vanilla ; and we find them often
amongst the Spanish cigaroes, as a perfume, instead of va-
nilla.

50. Fevillea scandens. — Cacoons.

This is common in all waste lands and by the skirts of the
woods. It is a climbing vine, which runs on trees and bushes
for a great way, covering them like ivy.

It has its male flowers on one vine, and the female on an-
other. The blossoms are small and yellow. The fruit is a
round calabash, containing about twelve large flat seeds or
nuts. When the fruit is ripe, the seeds fall out at the bottom,
from a round circular ring or trap-door.

The cacoon tastes very bitter, and is oily. The common
people employ them as antidotes against vegetable and fish
poison, as well as in pains and weakness of the stomach.

(I am so far from agreeing in this opinion, that I find the
disorder rapidly advances under its use, and that the patient
gets into a dropsy and dies.

Pain in the stomach is a very prevalent disease in Jamaica,
and very little understood. Its seat is generally in the liver,

o2

212 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

and if not speedily remedied, a suppuration ensues, a dropsy
follows, or a hectic fever, which too often proves fatal. In
the beginning of this disorder I give small doses of calomel, a
grain at a time ; a little opium is necessary to prevent it run-
ning off by stool ; and after six doses, a laxative dose is given ;
after a few days six doses more, and another purge, seldom
fail to effect a radical cure. But after suppuration has taken
place, calomel is very improper and often pernicious. Change
of climate, milk diet, fruits and vegetables, would give the
best chance of a recovery.)

The seeds, when beaten in a wooden mortar, and boiled
long with water, yield an oil or fat, as white and hard as tal-
low ; and they are frequently used for this purpose at the
Musquito Shore and Honduras, where candles are made of
them.

51. GeoffRjEA inermis. — Cabbage-Bark Tree.

In the sixty-seventh volume of the Philosophical Transac-
tions, I have given a botanical and medical account of this
tree, to which the Royal Society have added an elegant en-
graving.

The anthelminthic properties of this bark are pretty gene-
rally known ; and it is an article of materia medica in the
Edinburgh Dispensatory, as well as in some foreign Dispen-
satories.

Let me in this place remark, that physicians expect too
much from anthelminthics. The common symptoms of
worms are often delusory, for the same symptoms attend
many fevers. When, therefore, the case is doubtful, I al-
ways join the Cinchona officinalis or caribaea with the cabbage
bark.

Worms expelled in the end of acute diseases, are in gene-

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 21-3

ral a fatal symptom ; and no worm medicine should then be
given, unless the bark is given at the same time.

52. Abrus precatorius. — The Bead Vine.

This beautiful plant runs on bushes or fences. It has nu-
merous small and pinnated leaves. The flowers are papilio-
naceous, and pale red ; the pods short and rounded, contain-
ing three or four red shining small peas, with a black speck
at the end.

The leaves and stalks are sweet, and often made into teas
or decoctions, to which is added a little lime juice. This drink
is useful in coughs, colds, and pleurisies, &c.

The seeds are exceedingly hard, and are emetic ; they are
never eaten or prescribed. They are common in shell shops
and shell works, and are worn as beads bv the Negroes in Ja-
maica.

(This beautiful plant, otherwise called wild liquorice, grows
in pimento walks, and runs on trees and bushes. It will al-
so grow in gardens, and might with proper supporters be
formed into beautiful arbours. The leaves are of a lively
green colour, and have a very sweet taste like liquorice.
They are made into tea for coughs, pleurisies, and peripneu-
monies.

This year we had an epidemic peripneumony, which was
very fatal, especially among the Negroes. It raged for three
months. Early and repeated bleedings, antimonials, diluted
drinks of liquorice, pear leaf and nitre, with blisters to the
sides, were attended with great success ; but if these had
been neglected, or sparingly administered, calomel, with gentle
opiates, acted like a charm in resolving the disease ; and a sper-
maceti mixture with salt of hartshorn eompleted the cure.
By this mode of treatment, I lost no patients, although I had
many under my care. The epidemic was prevalent in March,
April, and May.)

214 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

53. Gouania Domingensis — Chaw Stick.

This vine runs wild in fences and in copses. The stalks
are woody, flexible, and of the size of one's finger; they run
to a considerable length, and continue of the same thickness.
The leaves are oval, and serrated ; the flowers small and
white; the capsules small, flat, and white.

Pieces of chaw stick are made into tooth brushes, and,
while they serve to clean the teeth, are antiseptic by their bit-
terness.

This wythe is chewed, and the juice swallowed as an agree-
able stomachic ; and is useful for promoting an appetite, or
removing pains in the stomach from relaxation of that viscus.

What is often called a pain in the stomach is an affection
of the liver, which should carefully be distinguished, as in
this case all tonics or bitters do mischief. If the liver is dis-
eased, we have a sovereign remedy in calomel. One grain
for six nights running is generally sufficient.

(This plant is often also used with propriety in decoctions
for fevers of the bilious remitting or intermitting kind. The
putrid matter in the intestines is thus corrected, and the sto-
mach made strong enough to retain the Peruvian bark.)

54. Guaiacum officinale. — Lignum Vitas.

This is a native of the West Indies, and grows slowly to a
middling size and thickness. Its shady ever-green foliage, its
numerous azure flowers, and flat yellow pods, make a pleas-
ing contrast.

The trunks are commonly crooked ; the bark is furrowed,
and tears of the gum exude. All the parts of this tree are
acrid and disagreeable to the taste ; and as they contain more
or less resin, are purgative, diaphoretic, or diuretic.

Besides the tears found on the trunk, a gum is obtained in
fhe following manner: — The trunk and larger limbs being

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 215

sawn into billets of about three feet long, an auger hole is
bored lengthways in each, and one end of the billet so placed
on a fire, that a calabash may receive the melted resin which
runs through the hole as the wood burns.

Gum guaiacum may be obtained in small quantities by boil-
ing chips, or sawings, of the wood in water and common salt.
The resin swims at the top, and may be skimmed off".

It may also be got by means of ardent spirits, in the way
Jalap and Peruvian bark are treated ; but this mode is expen-
sive and tedious.

The venereal disease makes terrible havock amongst the
Negroes in Jamaica, and shews itself in all its hideous
forms. This is owing to their ignorance or neglect. Amongst
this class of mankind it is too common to stop virulent
gonorrhoeas with astringent gums, resins, or barks, so that
the master or overseer knows nothing; of their situation till the
spongy bones of the nose, the palate, or the throat, are great-
ly affected ; or their limbs distorted by nocturnal pains, pains
of the bones, nodes, and carious ulcers.

The yaws, though a very different disease from the lues
venerea, often produces the same direful effects in the limbs,
nose, and throat : happily, however, these are curable by mer-
curial alteratives and diaphoretic decoctions.

Of all the preparations of mercury, the corrosive sublimate
appears to me to be the best for curing such inveterate dis-
orders, especially when accompanied with such medicines as
promote its natural tendency to the skin. Of this sort is guai-
acum and sarsaparilla. I have found the following formula
the best :

(ium yuaiacum, ten drachms.

Virginia snake root, three drachms.

Pimento, two drachms.

Opium, one drachm.

Corrosive sublimate, half a drachm.

Proof spirits, two pounds.

216 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

To be mixed and digested for three days, and then strained.
Two tea-spoonfuls of this tincture given in half a pint of sar-
saparilla decoction twice a day, will, in general, remove every
symptom of lues or yaws in four or five weeks.

(Decoctions of the wood are often used for ordinary drink ;
and a fermented liquor, under the name of mably, is sold to the
sailors about Port Royal, which is a mixture of a little ginger
and muscovado sugar, with the decoction.)

55. HiEMATOXYLUM CAMPECHIANUM. Log/VOod.

JDr Bahham introduced the seeds into Jamaica from Hon-
duras about the year 1715. It is at this time too common, as
it has overrun large tracts of land, and is very difficult to root
out.

This is generally planted for hedges, and it makes a beau-
tiful and strong fence against cattle or stock. If pruned from
the lower branches, it grows to a sizeable tree, and, when old,
the wood is as good as that from Honduras.

The trunks and branches have long, sharp spines; the leaves
are heart-shaped ; the flowers, on a spike, are yellow, tipped
with crimson, smell sweet, and are exceedingly beautiful.
The pod is flat, and contains two or three smooth long seeds.

Logwood trees are cut up into billets or junks, the bark
and white sap of which are chipped off, and the red part, or
heart, sent to England for sale.

As a dye and a medicine, it is well known.

(A person just arrived from Britain would be apt to call
this a white thorn ; and indeed it has a great resemblance to
it in its leaves and branches, but when in blossom their ap-
pearance is very different. It may perhaps have been origi-
nally brought from Honduras, but it grows so luxuriantly in
Jamaica that it maty be regarded as a native plant. It serve

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 217

better for the protection of the sugar cane than the penguin,
which harbours rats ; and better also than lime bushes, which
are liable to mildew, and afterwards to communicate the dis-
ease to the canes.

Logwood trees seldom grow thicker than a man's thigh. A
clear amber coloured gum is found on the trunks, which is in-
sipid to the taste, and may, I believe, have similar virtues with
the gum-arabic.)

56. Hibiscus esculentus. — Okra.

This is cultivated in gardens and inclosures as an article of
food. It rises to five or six feet ; has broad leaves, and yellow
large flowers. The pod or okra is from two to six inches long,
and one inch diameter. When ripe, it opens longitudinally in
five different places, and discharges a number of heart-shaped
seeds.

The whole of this plant, like others of the columnifera, is
mucilaginous, especially the pods. These are gathered green,
cut into pieces, dried, and sent home as presents, or are boiled
in broths or soups for food. It is the chief ingredient in the
celebrated pepper-pot of the West Indies, which is no other
than a rich olla : the other articles are either flesh meat or
dried fish and capsicum. This dish is very palatable and
nourishing.

As a medicine okra is employed in all cases where emol-
lients and lubricants are indicated.

(The trunk of the okra is thicker than a walking-stick, and
it sometimes grows ten or twelve feet high. The trunk is
woody, and has a large pith in the middle. The leaves are
broad, of a deep green colour. The pods are long and fur-
rowed ; and when ripe they open at the grooves and discharge
their black seeds. All ranks are fond of this vegetable, and
it is justly reckoned nourishing and restorative.

218 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA,

The fresh green sticks put in water for a week yield a
white strong hemp, and that in no small quantity.)

57. Jatropha Janipha — Sweet Cassada.
Manihot. — Bitter Cassada.

Both these are cultivated as articles of food. It is difficult
to distinguish the bitter from the sweet cassada by the roots ;
but it will be best to avoid those of the cassada that bears
flowers, as it is the bitter which is poisonous when raw.

The root of bitter cassada has no fibrous or woody filaments
in the heart of the root, and neither boils nor roasts soft. The
sweet cassada has all the opposite qualities, and is daily served
up at table as bread.

Cassada bread is made of both the bitter and sweet, thus :
— The roots are washed and scraped clean ; then grated into
a tub or trough ; after this put into a hair bag, and strongly
pressed, and the meal or farina dried in a hot stone-basin
over the fire : lastly, made into cakes. These make most ex-
cellent puddings, equal to millet.

The scrapings of fresh bitter cassada are successfully ap-
plied to ill-disposed ulcers.

Cassada roots yield a great quantity of starch, which the
Brazilians export in little lumps, under the name of Tapioca.

(Sweet cassada grows three or four feet high. The stem
is as thick as a walking stick, knotted and jointed. The leaves
are like those of the cotton tree or ceiba, and of a dark green
colour. This sort of cassada seldom or never blossoms. The
plant is propagated from the stem, by laying a few joints in
the earth. The roots are large, and grow spreading like a
bird's foot. These roots roasted or boiled, are very good to
eat.

The bitter cassada grows ranker than the sweet ; and tin
trunks and roots are much thicker. The plant is generally

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 619

cultivated in the French islands, and by many also in Jamaica.
The roots in their natural state are a very virulent poison, and
without speedy relief death soon ensues. It has long been ob-
served, and the fact is curious, that hogs rooting up this plant,
and eating it with the mud about it, suffer no injury ; but if
the roots are washed and given to them, it presently kills them.

As soon as it is known that bitter cassada has been eaten,
the poison must be expelled by vomit and stool, and either
may be promoted by repeated draughts of warm muddy water.

The bitter cassada, although it proves so destructive in a
recent state, yet, by a little art, it becomes a wholesome food-
It is the juice of the roots alone that is poisonous. The fresh
washed roots are grated over a tub of water ; and are after-
wards repeatedly washed in fresh supplies of water. The
meal is then dried in the sun, or in a stone basin over the fire,
and made into broad thin cakes. This bread tastes like oat-
cakes ; and, when toasted and buttered, forms an excellent
tea-bread.

The water employed in washing the grated roots is not to
be thrown away, but suffered to settle. The sediment makes
a fine clear starch.)

58. Jatropha gossypifolia. — Belly-ache Bush.

Curcas. — English Physic Nut.

multifid'a. — French Physic Nut.

The first grows wild ; the second is planted around Negro
gardens ; and the third is cultivated as an ornamental shrub.

A decoction of the leaves of the two first is often used with
advantage in spasmodic belly-ache, attended with vomiting.
It sits easier on the stomach than any thing else, and seldom
fails to bring about a discharge by stool.

The seeds of all of them are drastic purgatives and emetics.
They yield, by decoction, an oil of the same uses and virtue-
as the Oleum ricini ; of which hereafter.

220 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

(The belly-ache bush is low and jointed. The stem is her-
baceous, and it sends off several branches, which spread along
the earth. The small blossoms are red ; the pods as large as
nutmegs, containing three grey seeds. The leaves are succu-
lent, and of a deep green. The common people boil them,
and give them with butter for the cure of belly-ache.

The English physic nut is of speedy growth. It grows to
the height of from five to ten feet. The trunk is grey and
knotted ; the leaves of a lively green. The yellow blossoms
are small, and grow in clusters. The nuts are as large as wal-
nuts, and of a yellowish cast. When ripe they contain three
kernels. The drastic and emetic qualities of the nut are said
to be owing to a thin membrane which divides the kernels
and that it may safely be eaten when the membrane is removed.

The French physic nut, or castor-oil nut-tree, is a beauti-
ful plant, and grows in the gardens of the curious to the height
of three feet. The trunks are knotted. The leaves are deep
green, and finely compounded. The cluster of red flowers is
terminal. The fruit is of the bulk of a walnut, and contains
three seeds. These nuts are sweet and purgative.)

59. Laeti a apetala.— Gm?w- Wood.

This tree is common in woodlands and copses ; it rises to a
considerable height and thickness. The trunks are smooth
and white ; the leaves are three inches long, a little serrated,
and somewhat hairy. The stamina are yellow, without petals ;
the fruit is as large as a plum, and, when ripe, opens and shews
a number of small seeds in a reddish pulp.

Pieces of the trunk, or branches, suspended in the heat of
the sun, discharge a clear turpentine, or balsam, which con_
cretes into a white resin, and which seems to be the same as
gum sandarach.

Of this we make pounce ; and it appears to me that this
turpentine or gum might be useful in medicine, like others of
the same nature.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. -— 221

CO. Lantana camara. ) *»,.,,*

> n ltd Sage.
aculkata. j °

involucrata. — Sea-side Sage.

The first grows wild amongst the bushes, and is remarkable
for the beauty of its flowers, which are yellow, tinged with
red.

The second has small white flowers, and dark-coloured
rough leaves ; it also grows wild.

The third species is found near the sea. It is a low plant ;
has small ash-coloured leaves, and a most agreeable smell.

The leaves of all these lantanas, and particularly of the sea-
side sage, are used by the black people in teas, for colds,
rheums, and weakness of the stomach. They are also used
with alum in gargles.

61. Laurus Cinnamomum — Cinnamon Tree of Ceylon.

This Noble plant, with other valuable ones, was taken in a
French ship, and Admiral Rodney, ever attentive to the pros-
perity of Jamaica, presented them to the assembly of that
island.

One of the trees was planted in the botanic garden in St Tho-
mas in the East ; the other by Hinton East, Esq. in his noble
garden at the foot of the Blue Mountains. From these parent
trees some hundreds of young trees are already produced
from layers and cuttings, and dispersed to different parts of
the country, in all which it thrives luxuriantly, with little
trouble ; we may therefore hope it will soon be a valuable
addition to our commerce.

The smallest bit of the bark is quite a cordial. The cin-
namon we have from Holland is often inert, and gives room
to suspect that it has been subjected to a slight process in dis-
tillation.

222 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

62. Laurus camphora.

This tree is another of the captured plants given to the in-
habitants of Jamaica. It is common enough in greenhouses
in Britain.

If cultivated with care, it will also be an acquisition. Cam-
phor, though solid, is the essential oil of this tree, and is ob-
tained by distillation in the East Indies.

63. Laurus Sassafras.

This is .a native of North America, and grows luxuriantly
in Mr East's garden. When propagated, it will also be an
article of trade from Jamaica.

The roots, and their bark, are used in medicine, and the
flowers are made into tea, in America, as the rasping of the
wood is with us. The sassafras roots and bark are an excel-
lent ingredient in the decoction of woods.

64. Laurus Persea. — Alligator Pear.

This tree has neither the habit nor sensible qualities of the
genus Laurus : the flowers, however, have all the generic
characters of it.

The alligator pear-tree is cultivated universally by all ranks
of people. It runs speedily to twenty-five or thirty feet in
height. The leaves are long, oval, and pointed ; the flowers
yellow and small. The fruit is pear-shaped, and from one
to two pounds in weight.

On removing a green skin or covering, we come to a yel-
low, butyraceous substance, and in the heart find a large
round seed or stone. It is unequal in the surface, and ex-
ceedingly hard and woody.

This fruit is ripe in August and September, and consti-
tutes one of the most agreeable articles of diet, for six or
eight weeks, to the Negroes. These pears, with a little salt

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. ^ 2$3

and a plantain or two, afford a hearty meal. They are also
served up at the tables of white people as a choice fruit.
When the pear is ripe, the yellow or eatable substance is
firmer than butter, and tastes somewhat like butter or mar-
row : hence it is called by some the vegetable marrow. But,
however excellent this fruit is when ripe, it is very dangerous
when pulled and eaten before maturity. I have repeatedly
known it to produce fever and dysentery, which were removed
with difficulty.

The leaves of this tree, and those of the bead-vine or wild
liquorice * are made into pectoral decoctions by the common
people.

The large stone is used for marking linen. The cloth is
tied or held over the stone, and the letters pricked out by a
needle through the cloth and into the seed. The stain is a
reddish-brown, which never washes out.

(The trunk is covered with a grey bark. The leaves are
shining, numerous, and of a lively green colour. What is
uncommon, the flowers are proliferous, for, after the first
blossoms appear, young leaves shoot out from the middle of
the flowers. The fruit is of two kinds, the green and the
red. The former is preferred. It is eaten with bread, salt,
and pepper. Its taste is like that of butter or marrow, but
is considerably more palatable. Europeans at first do not
generally like it ; but they soon acquire a relish for it. It
constitutes a principal part of the food of all classes ; and it
is eaten greedily by the lower animals, from horses, cattle,
and poultry, to lizards and insects.)

65. Malvaceje (Ordo naturalis.)

Under this title we may comprehend the whole tribe of
plants in the sixteenth class of Linnaeus, and the natural or-
* Abrus precatorius.

224 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

der Columnijerce. All of them are mucilaginous, sapona-
ceous, and emollient, and may safely be employed where mu-
cilaginous and emollient medicines are indicated.

A decoction of the common broomweed * in the West In-
dies, or of the various species of Sida, may properly be sub-
stituted in the room of marshmallow roots.

Many of them yield gums, which are of a similar nature
to that of the cashew. Some are used as food, and are highly
restorative. We spoke of this above, under the name of Hi-
biscus esculentus, Okra.

66. Maranta arundinacra. — Indian Arrow Root. — The Starch

Plant.

This is cultivated in gardens and in provision-grounds. It
rises to two feet, has broad pointed leaves, small white flowers,
and one seed.

The roots, when a year old, are dug up, well washed in
water, and then beaten in large deep wooden mortars to a
pulp. This is thrown into a large tub of clean water. The
whole is then well stirred, and the fibrous part wrung out by
the hands, and thrown away. The milky liquor being pas-
sed through a hair-sieve, or coarse cloth, is suffered to settle,
and the clear water is drained off. At the bottom of the ves-
sel is a white mass, which is again mixed with clean water,
and drained : lastly, the mass is dried on sheets in the sun,
and is pure starch. (The starch or flower is often baked into
cakes, with eggs and butter, or boiled into pap or gruel.)

A decoction of the fresh roots makes an excellent ptisan in
acute diseases.

(The leaves are broad, smooth, pointed, and of a lively
green colour. The flowers are small and white. The roots
are white, and jointed like the arrows of the Indians. The

" Sirla alnifolia and rhombifolia.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. ^ 225

plant is propagated by dividing the roots, and is fit to be dug
up in nine or ten months from the time of planting. The
roots send out numerous branches, and are thicker than a
man's thumb.)

67- Mimosa tortuosa. — Poponax Bush.

NlLOTICA. )

V {jUHi-ambic 1 rees.

SENEGAL, j

The first of these has probably been imported, and at pre-
sent grows too abundantly, as it is a thorny troublesome
bush.

The others have been lately introduced from Guinea.
They are trees of about twenty feet high. I saw them in the
garden of Dr Paterson, at Green Island, Jamaica. The Ni-
lotica, on being cut a little, yielded a good deal of transpa-
rent gum.

These several species have small pinnated leaves, which
are nearly as sensible, on being touched, as those of the Mi-
mosa pudica. The flowers are yellow buttons, which, when
rubbed, are very fragrant. All of them afford gum-arabic
in lesser or greater quantities, and more or less transparent.

68. Mirabilis Jalapa. — Four o Clocks.

This is frequently met with in the gardens of the curious
in Great Britain. It grows wild in Jamaica, and is a trouble-
some weed. Some have red flowers, some yellow, and others
flowers finely variegated.

It has a large tap-root, which, when cut across, is not un-
like that of jalap ; but when dried, is white, light, and
spongy. It requires to be given in a great quantity to ope-
rate as a purge, and is probably the mechoacanna of the an-
cients, but not the jalap, which belongs to the genus Convol-
vulus.

c226 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

69. Musa paradisiaca. — Plantain Tree.

Sapientu.m. — Banana.

troglodytarum. — Wild Plantain.

The plantain tree is cultivated on a very extensive scale in
Jamaica. The fruit is the chief support of the inhabitants.

The leaves are six or eight feet long, and from two to three
feet broad. The flowers are from a spatha, and are covered
with purple deciduous calyces. The fruit or plantains are
about a foot long, round, and a little bent. When ripe, they
grow yellow, soft, and sweet. The seeds are larger than
mustard, dark coloured, and numerous ; they never vegetate ;
the tree is propagated by shoots.

Plantains are cut when full grown, but before they are
ripe. The green skin is pulled off, and the heart is roasted
in a clear fire for a few minutes, and frequently turned : it is
ihen scraped, and served up as bread. Boiled plantains are
not so palatable.

The banana-tree bears a smaller fruit than the plantain.
It is never eaten green ; but when ripe it is very agreeable,
either eaten raw, or fried in slices as fritters.

Plantains and bananas are eaten by all ranks of people in
Jamaica ; and but for plantains the island would scarcely be
habitable, as no species of provision could supply their place.
Even flour, or bread itself, would be less agreeable, and less
able to support the laborious Negro, so as to enable him to
do his business, or to keep in health.

Plantains also fatten horses, cattle, swine, dogs, fowls, and
other domestic animals.

The wild plantain has no fruit eatable. The leaves of all
the species are nearly alike ; and as they are smooth and
soft, they are employed as dressings after blisters.

The water from the soft trunk is astringent, and employed
by some to check diarrhoeas.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. ^27

Every other part of the tree is useful in different part- of
rural economy.

(Towards the base of the trunk, its diameter is about ten
inches. It tapers to the height of ten or fifteen feet, where
it sends off' leaves. The young leaves are rolled up in a cu-
rious cylindrical manner. They are very soft, and seem to
be intended by nature as a cooling dressing in scalds, and af-
ter blisters. The tree is truly foliaceous. On pulling a leaf,
you may strip the tree from top to bottom. The blossoms
are in rows, covered by a thick purple spatha. Jtipe plan-
tains sliced and fried, resemble pancakes.

On stripping the shreds of plantain-bark, we get a fine fila-
mentous substance like silk, which has been found to be ca-
pable of being wrought into various stuff's. On cutting the
pith, a portion of this cotton adheres to the knife.)

70. Myrtus Pimknto. — Allspice, Jamaica Pepper, or Pimento

Tree.

This is a native of Jamaica, and grows in all the wood-
lands on the north side.

Pimento-walks are upon a large scale, since they contain
at times some hundred acres of ground. This is one of the
staple articles of Jamaica.

This tree has bay-leaves ; the flower resembles that of the
elder. The fruit is a black berry, as big as a black currant
when ripe, and contains two grey smooth seeds.

As soon as the berries are of the proper size, and just before
they begin to be ripe, a number of hands are employed to
gather them. They are then dried on platforms or sheets,
and afterwards put up in bags of one hundred weight, for the
European market.

Pimento possesses the flavour and qualities of all the eastern

P 2

228 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

spices : it enters into many of the officinal preparations, and
is the chief ingredient in the marischal hair-powder.

71. Passiflora HEXANGULARis. — Granadilla.

maliformis — Water Lemon.

Laurifolia. — Sweet Calabash.

All these species are cultivated in Jamaica. They are all
eatable ; but the pulp of the ripe granadilla is very delicious.
Their taste is sweet and subacid, and relished by almost every
body, particularly by the sick in acute continued fevers.

The thick rind of unripe granadilla is often made into
pickles, or preserved with sugar as sweetmeats.

72. Passiflora rubra. — The Dutchman's Laudanum.

This is a strong woody vine that mounts the tallest trees,
and sends forth vast numbers of crimson flowers. The fruit
is black, and of the size of a cherry.

A Dutch physician, who lived in Hanover Parish, per-
formed some remarkable cures in fevers, by the use of the
flowers and berries ; but opium has superior virtues ; and
the other is now laid aside as an anodyne of less advantage.

(When the berries are ripe, they split open like a star, and
discharge a sweet pulp, with many small seeds.

On breaking the stalks, a white milky juice runs out. The
slip, when eaten with other plants, is poison to hogs.

By some persons this vine is held in great esteem, as a
mild and safe opiate in fevers, where opium would be unsafe.
Twenty-four of the blossoms infused in hot water, and drank
at twice, is a dose ; or twelve of the berries eaten are said to
have the same effect. Great caution, however, is required in
its use, as it proves so pernicious when eaten by the brute
creation.

Gentlemen of the faculty who reside in warm climates, are

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. ^ 229

greatly obliged to our countryman Dr Lind, for his essay on
the disorders incident to strangers in warm climates. Lau-
danum is recommended to remove the hot fits of intermittents,
and to promote sleep and perspiration. Fresh air in all dis-
orders is insisted on ; and this method is attended with amaz-
ing success. Thousands of lives will annually be saved by
these salutary admonitions.)

73. Picrania amara *. — Bitter Wood.

This is a tall and beautiful timber tree, which is common
in the woods in Jamaica. Sir Joseph Banks had sprigs of
the flowers and seeds in spirits, from me, and we found it a
new genus, belonging to the Pentandria Monogynia of Lin-
naeus. The name is expressive of its sensible qualities.

Every part of this tree is intensely bitter ; and even after
the tree has been laid for floors many years, whoever rubs or
scrapes the wood, feels a great degree of bitterness in their
mouths or throats. Cabinet work made of this wood is very
useful, as no insect will live near it.

This tree has a great affinity to the Quassia amara of Lin-
naeus ; in lieu of which it is used as an antiseptic in putrid
fevers. When used, less of it will do than of the Quassia
amara of Surinam.

74. Piper Amalago. — Black Pepper of Jamaica.
in^quale. — Long Pepper of Ditto.

These, and some other species, are indigenous, and known
by the names of Joint Wood, or Peppery Elders.

The first bears a small spike, on which are attached a
number of small seeds of the size of mustard. The whole
of the plant has the exact taste of the East India black pep-
per.

The long pepper-bush grows taller than the amalago. The

* Quassia excelsa.

230 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

leaves are broad, smooth, and shining. The fruit is similar
to the long pepper of the shops, but smaller.

The common people in Jamaica season their messes with
the black pepper.

To preserve both, the fruit may be slightly scalded when
green, then dried, and wrapped in paper. Perhaps hereafter
they may be deemed worthy of attention.

(The Piper amalago must be gathered before it is quite
ripe, and dried in the sun like pimento.

The blossoms of the Piper inaequale are disposed on a
spike of two inches, beset with small and almost imperceptible
florets, of a duskish white hue. The fruit is of the size, and
every way like, the long pepper brought from the East Indies.
When green it is very hot, but loses its pungency on drying.
We have not the method of curing it properly ; for, when
dried ever so often, it again grows moist.)

75. PoRTLANDIA GRANDIFLORA.

Dr Browne has described this plant, and given a good
figure of it. It has frequently flowered in the King's garden
at Kew, and in Dr Pitcajrn's at Islington.

The external bark is remarkably rough, furrowed, and
thick : it has no taste. The inner bark is very thin, and of a
dark brown colour. Its taste is bitter and astringent, and its
virtues are the same as those of the Jesuit's bark. Infused
in spirits, or wine, with a little orange peel, it makes an ex-
cellent stomachic tincture.

76. Ricinus communis. — Palma Chrlsfi. — Castor-oil Nt/t
Tree.

This tree is of speedy growth, as in one year it arrives at
its full height, which seldom exceeds twenty feet. The trunk
is subligneous ; the pith is large ; the leaves broad and pal-

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 23.1

mated ; the flower spike is simple, and thickly set with yel-
low blossoms, in the shape of a cone ; the capsules are tri-
angular and prickly, containing three smooth grey mottled
seeds.

When the bunches begin to turn black, they are gathered,
dried in the sun, and the seeds picked out. They are af-
terwards put up for use as wanted, or for exportation.

Castor oil is obtained either by expression or by decoctiom
The first method is practised in England ; the latter in Ja-
maica. It is common first to parch the nuts or seeds in an
iron pot over the fire ; but this gives the oil an empyreumatic
taste, smell and colour ; and it is best prepared in this man-
ner : —

A large iron pot or boiler is first prepared, and half filled
with water. The nuts are then beaten in parcels, in deep
wooden mortars, and, after a quantity is beaten, it is thrown
into the iron vessel. The fire is then lighted, and the liquor
is gently boiled for two hours, and kept constantly stirred.
About this time the oil begins to separate, and swims on
the top, mixed with a white froth, and is skimmed off till no
more rises. The skimmings are heated in a small iron pot,
and strained through a cloth. When cold, it is put up in
jars or bottles for use.

Castor oil, thus made, is clear and well flavoured, and, if
put into proper bottles, will keep sweet for years.

The expressed castor oil soon turns rancid, because the
mucilaginous and acrid parts of the nut are squeezed out with
the oil. On this account I give the preference to well prepared
oil by decoction.

An English gallon of the seeds yields about two pounds of
oil, which is a great proportion.

Before the disturbances in America, the planters imported

train oil for lamps and other purposes, about sugar works.

2

232 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

It is now found that the castor oil can be procured as cheap
as the fish oil of America : it burns clearer, and has not any
offensive smell. This oil, too, is fit for all the purposes of
the painter, or for the apothecary in ointments and plasters.

As a medicine, it purges without stimulus, and is so mild
as to be given to infants soon after birth, to purge off the
meconium. All oils are noxious to insects, but the castor oil
kills and expels them. It is generally given as a purge af-
ter using the cabbage-bark some days.

In constipation and belly-ache this oil is used with remark-
able success. It sits well on the stomach, allays the spasm,
and brings about a plentiful evacuation by stool, especially if
at the same time fomentations, or the warm bath, are used.

Belly-ache is at present less frequent in Jamaica than for-
merly, owing to several causes. The inhabitants, in general,
live better, and drink better liquors ; but the excessive drink-
ing of new rum still makes it frequent amongst soldiers, sail-
ors, and the lower order of white people. I have known it
happen too, from visceral obstructions after intermittents, or
marsh fevers, in Jamaica.

(There are three kinds of the Palma Christi, which can
only be distinguished by the fruit. 1st, The rough, large
and prickly skinned oil- nut. M, The small prickly oil-nut ;
and, 3d, The smooth skinned oil-nut. The two first-are the
best ; the last being often useless.

The castor-oil nut-tree grows wild in the West Indies. It
is cultivated in the gardens of the curious in Europe. In
Jamaica it is triennial. The leaves are broad, shining, and of
a deep green colour. The berries when dry, open in three
compartments, and contain three rounded seeds, of the size,
shape and colour of a tick ; hence its Latin name.

On exposure to the sun, the pericarpium splits open, and

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 233

the seeds [i\y out. The oil is best obtained by expression,
although the method by decoction is more in use. If the
pounded nuts are boiled in salt water, they will yield more
oil, and more speedily, than in fresh.

A medicine of this sort was long wanted. Without heating
or stimulating the intestines, it sheaths them, while it evacu-
ates their contents.

I give two spoonfuls every two hours in belly-aches or con-
stipation of the bowels. In diarrhoeas and dysenteries at-
tended with pains, bloody stools and tenesmus, this medicine
commonly gives relief. It may also be given with safety in
bilious and inflammatory disorders.)

77- Saccharum officinale. — Sugar Cane.

This is a native of Africa, the East Indies, and of Brazil ;
from whence it was introduced into our West India islands
soon after they were settled.

The sugar cane is the glory and the pride of those islands.
It amply rewards the industrious planter, enriches the British
merchant, gives bread to thousands of manufacturers and sea-
men, and brings an immense revenue to the crown.

It is not meant here to say any thing of the process for
making sugar. This has been done by several hands, and
particularly by Colonel Martin, of Antigua, and by Dr
Grainger, late of St Christopher's, in his elegant poem of
the Sugar Cane.

(It is sufficient here to observe, that in twelve months
from the time of planting, the yellow ripe canes are sent to
the mill. The juice squeezed out runs in gutterings to the
boiling house, mixed with a due quantity of the ley of white
lime and ashes. Boiled, skimmed, and shifted from one cop-
per to another, till at last,- being of a thick consistence, it is

234 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

cast into broad flat troughs to cool. The sugar next day is
put into conical pots to drain, and afterwards into hogsheads
for the European market.

The skimmings from the coppers and drainings from the
pots and hogsheads run in gutterings to the still-house, where,
after being fermented in cisterns, they are distilled into rum.

Nor is any part of this plant useless. The tops are fine
food for cattle, or, when dry, an excellent thatch for houses.
Even the refuse from the mill is dried, and makes good fuel
for boiling sugar. The ashes taste very strong, and with
little trouble might produce a great deal of fixed salt.)

Sugar, formerly a luxury, is now become one of the neces-
saries of life. In crop time every Negro on the plantations,
and every animal, even the dogs, grow fat. This sufficiently
points out the nourishing and healthy qualities of sugar. It
has been alleged that the eating of sugar spoils the colour of,
and corrupts, the teeth : this, however, proves to be a mistake,
for no people on the earth have finer teeth than the Negroes
in Jamaica.

Dr Alston, formerly professor of botany and materia
medica at Edinburgh, endeavoured to obviate this vulgar
opinion : he had a fine set of teeth, which he ascribed solely
to his eating great quantities of sugar.

In medicine I need say little of the use of sugar. Ex-
ternally it is often useful : mixed with the pulp of roasted
oranges *, and applied to putrid or ill-disposed ulcers, it
proves a powerful corrector.

(The culm or stalk is of the gramineous kind, and from
fifteen to sixteen feet high ; the joints are two or three inches
apart, and the trunk is thicker than a walking stick.

• Vide Citrus.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 235

The leaves are long, feel rough, and are of a fine green
colour. Sometimes a tall, spiry, and grass-like panicle of
flowers appears, known by the name of arrows. The seeds
never come to perfection. The plant is propagated by lay-
ing a few joints of the cane in the earth.)

78. Sesamum indicum. — Vanglo.

The oil seed, or vanglo plant, was first introduced into
Jamaica by the Jews as an article of food. It is cultivated
in gardens and provision grounds.

The plant is annual and herbaceous, rising to about three
feet. The flowers are numerous, white, and belono- to the
class Didynamia of Linn.*us. The pods are about the
thickness of one's little finger, and contain a great number of
small white seeds.

In diet the Negroes boil this in soups and broths, instead
of flesh meat. The Jews, besides this, make cakes of it to
eat as bread. The expressed oil is as clear and sweet as oil
of almonds, and keeps better. The Behen's oil, so useful for
the finest varnish in coach painting, is probably no other than
that of the vanglo. The proportion of oil in this seed is
great, nine pounds yielding two pounds of oil.

79. Smilax Sarsaparilla — Sarsaparilla Root.

Several species of smilax have roots nearly similar : but
that from Honduras and Campechy is the best.

This species has stems of the thickness of a man's finder:
they are jointed, triangular, and beset with crooked spines.
The leaves are alternate ; smooth and shining on the upper
side ; on the other side are three nerves or costse, with sundry
small crooked spines. The flower is yellow, mixed with red.
The fruit is a black berry, containing several brown seeds.

Sarsaparilla delights in low, moist grounds, and near the
banks of rivers. The roots run superficially under the sur-

236 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

face of the ground. The gatherers have only to loosen the
soil a little, and to draw out the long fibres with a wooden hook.
In this manner they proceed till the whole root is got out. It is
then cleared of the mud, dried, and made into bundles. The
sensible qualities of sarsaparilla are mucilaginous and farina-
ceous, with a slight degree of acrimony. The latter, however,
is so slight as not to be perceived by many ; and I am apt to
believe that its medicinal powers may fairly be ascribed to its
demulcent and farinaceous qualities.

Since the publication of Sir William Fordyce's paper on
sarsaparilla in the Medical Observations and Inquiries, vol. i.
sarsaparilla has been in more general use than formerly.

The planters in Jamaica supply their estates with great
quantities of it ; and its exhibition has been attended with
very happy consequences in the yaws and in venereal affec-
tions, as nodes, tophi, and exostosis, pains of the bones, and
carious or cancerous ulcers.

Sir William Fordyce seems to think sarsaparilla a speci-
fic in all stages of lues ; but from an attentive and careful ob-
servation of its effects in some thousands of cases, I must de-
clare I could place no dependence on sarsaparilla alone. But
if mercury had formerly been tried, or was used along with
sarsaparilla, a speedy cure was soon effected. Where the
patients had been reduced by pain, disorder, and mercury,
I prescribed a decoction of sarsaparilla, and a table spoonful of
the powder of the same, twice a day, with the greatest success
in the most deplorable cases of lues, ill cured yaws, and cari-
ous or ill disposed sores, or cancers.

There are only a few sarsaparilla plants in Jamaica ; but
it might be cultivated there, and save the planter an immense
expence.

We have also the China root growing wild in Jamaica ; but
it is seldom used in practice.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. -** 237

80. Spigelia anthelminthica — Worm-Grass.

Worm-grass grows wild in some parts of Jamaica, but is
commonly planted in gardens. It grows sometimes to two
feet in height. Dr Browne gives a very just figure of this
plant.

The flowers are small and white ; the capsules are round,
and contain a great quantity of small seeds.

Worm-grass has long been in repute as a vermifuge, and
is in daily use as such in Jamaica. Its action is similar to
that of the Spigelia marilandica. Most vegetable anthelminthics
have less or more of a narcotic effect ; and this genus, in a
full dose, brightens the coats of the eyes, and distends their
vessels : it also occasions sleep, and hence is useful in worm
fever. After its use for some days, a dose of castor oil is gene-
rally ordered. Let me here again be permitted to repeat the
uncertainty of the signs of worms, especially in fever, and to
caution the public against depending on anthelminthics alone in
their cure. The Jesuit's bark should be given in all doubtful
cases, or where worm medicines fail in their effects.

81. Swietenia Mahagoni. — The Mahogany Tree of Jamaica.

This tree grows to a most majestic size and height. It is of
slow growth, and great hardness. The wood is well known
in Britain.

Mahogany was formerly very plentiful in Jamaica, but is
now only in the high hills, and difficult of access.

The trunk is generally straight ; the bark rough, scaly, and
brown ; that on the boughs and twigs is grey and smoother.
The bark of the boughs and twigs, when dried, is very like
the Peruvian bark in colour, as well as in taste, but has more
bitterness, and none of its virtues.

Mahogany bark, infused in wine or spirits, makes an ele-
gant tincture, which resembles the tincture of the best Jesuit's

238 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

bark, for which it is often substituted ; and I have seen the
powder administered in intermittents with success, when the
Peruvian bark could not be had.

(Towards the top it sends off long spreading branches, hav-
ing; light coloured and sometimes red or withered like leaves.
The blossoms are numerous, small and yellow. The fruit
is an oval pod, about the size of a goose's egg ; when ripe the
hard pericarpium splits open on the tree, and the seeds fall to
the ground.

The quality of the wood varies according to the soil and
situation. That which grows on mountainous or rocky places
is generally of a closer texture than what is found on low sa-
vannahs and swamps. This may account for the Spanish ma-
hogany being of coarser grain, and therefore of less value, than
the Jamaica wood. The people who go from Jamaica to Cuba
cut their mahogany near the sea, and bring it away by stealth.
No doubt the hilly inland places produce as good timber as
ours.)

82. Tamarindus Indica — The Tamarind Tree.

This beautiful, shady, and useful tree, is cultivated all over
the West Indies. It rises to thirty or forty feet high. The
trunk is brown, scaly, and of a good size. The wood is
brown, very hard, and takes a fine polish.

The branches are spreading : the leaves small, numerous,
and pinnated. The flowers yellow, and beautifully streaked
with crimson ; they continue during the whole of June and
July, and then drop off.

The fruit is a broad, ash-coloured pod. The external cover-
ing is thin and brittle. This being removed, we find several
hard seeds, like beans, enveloped in a soft brown pulp, which
is secured by sundry longitudinal woody fibres. This fruit
is ripe about Easter, when it is picked off the trees, and put
up for use.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. «— C2W

Tamarinds are prepared or cured two ways. The com-
mon way is to throw hot sugar from the boilers on the ripe
pulp : but a better method is to put alternate layers of tama-
rinds and powdered sugar in a stone jar. By this means
the tamarinds preserve their colour, and taste more agreeably.
The seeds, too, of tamarinds, thus prepared, will vegetate
easily ; and this method conveys a hint for sending succu-
lent berries and seeds in tamarinds from abroad.

Preserved tamarinds are kept in most houses in Jamaica,
either as a sweetmeat, or for occasional use as a medicine.
They are cooling, laxative, and antiseptic ; hence useful in
acute and putrid diseases.

Dr Zimmerman prescribes tamarinds in putrid dysentery.
I commonly add a portion of Epsom salts, till stools are pro-
cured ; afterwards, tamarinds alone till the disorder is cured.

In obstinate dysenteries I have found five grains of calo-
mel act like a charm, whether the disorder was kept up by
bilious obstructions or worms.

(The Tamarind tree does not seem to be a native of the
West Indies, since it is only found where settlements have been
made. It continues to thrive above an hundred years.)

83. Theobroma Cacao. — Chocolate Tree.
In all the French and Spanish islands and settlements, in the
warmer parts of America, the chocolate tree is carefully cul-
tivated. This was formerly the case also in Jamaica ; but
at present we have only a few straggling trees left as monu-
ments of our indolence and bad policy. This tree delights
in shady places and deep valleys. It is seldom above twenty
feet high. The leaves are oblong, large, and pointed. The
flowers spring from the trunk and large branches : they are
small and pale red. The pods are oval and pointed. The
seeds or nuts are numerous, and curiously stowed in a white
pithy substance.

240 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

The cocoa nuts beinggently parched in an iron pot over afire,
the external covering separates easily. The kernel is levigated
on a smooth stone ; a little arnotto is added, and, with a few
drops of water, is reduced to amass, and formed into rolls of
one pound each. This simple preparation is the most natu-
ral, and the best. It is in daily use in most families in
Jamaica, and seems well adapted for rearing of children.

84. Verbena Jamaicensis. — Vervain.

This is a common weed about all cultivated places. The
leaves are serrated and pretty broad ; the flowers blue.

A tea or a strong decoction of vervain is in frequent use as
a cooling laxative ; and a tea-cupful of the expressed juice of
bruised vervain leaves is a smart purge.

85. Zanthoxylum clava Herculis.

TRIFOL" iUM.

The first of these is the prickly yellow wood, and is a lofty
and good timber tree. The second is called the tooth-ache
tree. It is frequent in gravelly places near the sea.

The berries of both are somewhat peppery, and a bit of
the bark from the roots is a powerful sialogogue, and gives
that sort of sensation as if the mouth was full of blood ; hence
it is so serviceable in tooth-ache.

(The leaves of the toothache tree are of a lively green. The
flowers grow in clusters ; the berries are small, and the ker-
nel is very hard.

From an incision in the tree flows a clear amber-coloured
gum, which does not dissolve in water or spirits.

The trunk is grey, and beset with prickles two inches long,
and at the base one inch in diameter. The prickles are easily
broken off.)

l

MEDICINAL PLANTS OP JAMAICA. ^2*1

}{(!. ZBA Maiz.— Indian Coin or Maise.

Indian corn, or maise, is cultivated in America as an article
of food ; as it is also in Jamaica. The maise of North Ame-
rica is white, flat, spongy, and of the si/e of a dried Turkey
bean. The maise of Jamaica is much smaller, reddish, and
compact. The grains are fastened to a light spongy substance,
called the husk, or corn stick, in longitudinal rows, about
twelve in number, round, and containing thirty grains in each.
For the most part, there are two or three such heads on every
stalk. The increase is prodigious.

Guinea corn, or Indian millet, is also cultivated to a great
extent in Jamaica. These corns do not constitute a great
part of the support of the inhabitants of Jamaica ; but are
chiefly used to rear poultry, to feed horses, and to fatten pigs,
goats, or sheep.

(The stalks grow from four to ten feet high ; are jointed
like wheat, at each of which joints grows a long flag leaf. On
the top is a cluster of blossoms like rye, the farina of which
falling, impregnates the pistilla towards the middle and foot
of the stalk.

The stigmata shoot out in a bearded form, are red, four
inches long, and are so many tubes to convey the farina or pol-
len to the germen.

In five months after sowing this corn, the ears will be dry
enough to be gathered in. They are a span long, of a coni-
cal shape, and have from eight to ten rows of yellow grains,
each of which rows contains from fifteen to thirty. I have seen
four such ears on one stalk.

Indian corn ought to be planted four feet asunder, careful-
ly weeded and moulded round the roots. When the farina
ripens, the tops and blades may be cut off as food for horses
and cattle.

Q

242 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

The maise in Jamaica is smaller than that brought from
North America, but it is a great deal better, and sells for
double the price.

Indian corn ground into meal makes a coarse bread, and,
if boiled in milk, makes a gruel called Jwmine. The Negroes
boil this corn, and eat it with salt fish or salt. In this way it
proves a very wholesome food ; but, if roasted and eaten in
any considerable quantity, it occasions constipations of the
bowels, and pains in the stomach.

The chief use of this corn is in feeding horses, hogs, and
poultry.)

PALM.E.

Of this natural order we have several in Jamaica ; some of
which are indigenous, others have been introduced.

87- Cocos Nucifera. — Cocoa Nut.
guineensis. — Prickly Pole.

The cocoa-nut tree was originally brought from the Spanish
main to Jamaica, and is now planted about settlements as an
useful and ornamental tree. It bears fruit about ten or twelve
years after it is planted. The fruit is large, triangular, about
twelve inches long, and nine inches in diameter. After re-
moving the external covering, and a fibrous substance, we find
a large, round, hard nut, in which is contained about eight
ounces of sweetish water, surrounded by a white and firm
kernel.

The rib of the leaves or pinnae is smooth and flexible, and
is used in the heart of bougies. The leaves and their stems
are useful for thatching houses, or making baskets. The cu-
rious reticular cloth, which covers the tender foot-stalks,
serves for strainers. A liquor drawn from the trunk, ferment-
ed with rice, makes arrack. The fibrous substance covering
the nut, spun and twisted, makes strong and durable ropes.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. " 243

The shell is converted into drinking cups, sugar dishes, &c.
The water is pleasant, and used to quench thirst. Before the
fruit is quite ripe, the nut is soft, and may be eaten with a
spoon ; but when ripe it is hard. Like other nuts, it is apt
to give a pain in the stomach. A sort of tarts, or cheesecakes,
is made from the dry nut-kernels, rasped or pared down.
This may also be used for emulsions, instead of almonds ; and,
by expression or decoction, these kernels yield a considerable
quantity of oil.

The prickly pole is a native of low and upland valleys ; it
rises to about thirty feet. The trunk and leaves are beset
with spines, in form of needles The fruit is of the size of hic-
cory nuts, and very hard. The black people boil the nuts in
their messes ; and, if boiled in water, a yellow thick oil, or
butter, is obtained.

88. Cocos Butvracea. — The Mackaw Tree.

This was originally brought from Guinea by the Negroes.
The trunk is straight, and guarded by numerous long spines,
or needles. The fruit is triangular, yellow, and as big as a
plum. The nut, or kernel, by decoction yields the oleum
palmse of the shops.

The fruit of this and the former serve to feed swine, and
are greedily eaten by the wild hog, of which there are still
many in the interior parts of the island.

89. Areca Oleracea. Cabbage- Tree.

This is a native of the woods. The trunk is straight, and
marked with rings at the vestigioe of the footstalks of the
leaves. These leaves spread out at the summit in form of an
umbrella, and are about three yards in length, and pinnated.
The footstalks at the bottom are broad, and form a green
trunk above the woody or true summit. As the lower leaves
drop, the broad part of the footstalks forms a hollow trough.

Q 2

244 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA.

or cradle for Negro children ; and, when cut up, makes excel-
lent splints for fractures. On the inner side of every tender foot-
stalk are tender pellicles, which, when dried, make a writing
paper. The heart is made into pickles, or, when boiled, is
served up at table. The trunks serve as gutterings ; the pith
makes a sort of sago ; and the nuts yield oil by decoction.

Of all trees in the universe, riiis is the most beautiful, and
perhaps the tallest. I have seen one an hundred and seventy
feet high, and have heard of others still taller.

(We have many kinds of palm trees in Jamaica, but none
so beautiful as the cabbage-tree. It often grows 120 feet
high ; the trunk smooth, and surprisingly straight. The
wood of the cabbage-tree is very hard, but so thin that it is
only fit for walking sticks, or gun ram-rods. In the middle
is a woody fibrous pith, which resembles sago.

At the top of the trunk it puts forth long green spathas>
which open when full grown. They contain finely branched
panicles, with innumerable blue flowers, which have eight
stamina. The berry is oblong, containing a hard woody
kernel.

The leaves are long, spreading, pinnated, and very strong
Their petioles unite with a green trunk, about six feet in
length, from whence the blossoms spring ; so that this part is
foliaceous. When the leaves are old they strip off, and the
part that envelopes this green trunk appears woody like deal.
AVhen the leaves are stripped off green, we strip off the inside
skin of each, which, when dry, looks like vellum ; this bears
ink very well on one side, on the other it seems greasy. From
one trunk we can procure twenty large sheets. This seems
to be one of the papyri of the ancients.

In the middle of the green trunk is a tender white heart,
which, when boiled, is eaten like cabbage or turnips.^)

90. The Sago Palm.
This valuable palm-tree was presented to the island by

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. -fc*2l5

Admiral Rodney, with many other valuable plants, captured
in a French ship by Captain Marshall.

This plant was but young when I saw it ; but, as it was
healthy, and carefully attended to in Mr East's garden, it is
hoped it will thrive, and in time be propagated by the seeds.

In Amboyna, and several other parts of the East Indies,
sago is made from this tree.

The pith is beaten into a stiff paste ; then granulated
through a sieve, ino the same manner as the grains of gun-
powder are formed.

The sago powder sold in the shops is merely the starch of
potatoes ; and the tapioca of the Brazils is the starch of cas-
sada.

See the. articles Jatropha and Maranta.

91. Phoenix dactylifera Date Tree.

This tree is not indigenous, but was introduced soon after
the conquest of the island by the Spaniards. There are, how-
ever, but few of them in Jamaica at this time. The fruit is
served up as a desert ; and the kernels yield an oil, or but-
ter, similar to the palm oil from Guinea.

There are several other palms growing wild in Jamaica,
viz. the mountain thatch, the palmeto thatch, the palmeto
royal, &c. The fruit is either a drupa, or a berry, and all
of them have one or more nuts, which contain a kernel that
yields oil. This circumstance, with the great resemblance in
their habit, makes them truly a natural class, or family.

( 246 )

EXTRACTS

FROM

Dr WRIGHT'S HERBARIA

[The following Extracts are taken from the herbaries prepared by
Dr Wright, during his residence in Jamaica. The whole work
extends to five volumes quarto, and from a notice in Dr Wright's
handwriting, dated Edinburgh, 1st June 1813, it appears to have
been carefully revised by him after his return to Great Britain.
Such articles have been extracted only as could be made intelli-
gible without the aid of engravings, or of the dried plants them-
selves, which have all been laid down by Dr Wright, with the
greatest care.]

MONANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

1. Boerhaavia erecta, et diffusa. — Hog-weed of the Ameri-
cans.

This plant is met with in newly cultivated grounds,
and is from one to two feet high. The leaves are few, and
of a dull green cast. The flowers are small, numerous, and
of a purple colour.

A decoction of the leaves and stalks is used in diuretic
ptisans and glysters. The whole plant is given for food to
hogs.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. — 24?

DIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

2. Salvia occidentals, Sav. — American Field Basil.

This basil grows wild in our savannahs, and has numerous
small pale red flowers. The plant smells agreeably. The
juice is often used in ophthalmias, but the plant is more fre-
quently used in fomentations.

DIANDRIA TRIGYNIA.

3. Piper nitidum, Sw. — Lesser Long Pepper,

The leaves are of a dark green colour, and very smooth
and shining, the fruit is smaller, but rather more aromatic
than that of the great long pepper.

The virtues of this are similar to those of the oriental long
pepper. It is frequently used by the Negroes in Jamaica, to
season their soups. The leaves, beaten and mixed with rum,
become an excellent detergent in ulcers.

4. Piper aduncum, L — Crooked Long Pepper.

This species of pepper is taller and thicker in the trunk
than any of the others. The bark and fruit not near so hot,
and the leaves small and furrowed.

TRIANDRIA DIGYN1A.

5. Holcus bicolor, L.— Guinea Wheat.

This beautiful gramineous plant is cultivated for the
same purposes as the Guinea corn ; but does not grow so tall.
The Guinea grass has its blossoms and seeds erect ; here they
are pendulous.

The grains in some are smooth, ponderous and brown ; in
others white.

248 EXTRACTS FR03I

6. Panicum amiliaceum, L. — Wild Wheat.

This grass is found in woods and thickets. Its seeds are
black, shining, and ponderous. Horses and cattle eat it greedi-
ly, and it would seem that the seeds might be useful in rais-
ing poultry.

7- PHARUS LATIF0L1US, L. — Wild Odl.s.

A plant, known by the name of Wild Oats, grows plentifully
in the woodlands of Jamaica. The leaves are broad, ribbed,
and of a shining green. The blossoms are small and green.
The seeds are long, small and bearded, and stick to a person's
clothes, when walking in the woods.

8. Panicum polygamuji, Sav. — Guinea Grass.

Guinea grass was introduced into Jamaica, by mere acci-
dent, about forty years ago. A gentleman got some birds
from the captain of a Guinea ship, and with them some seeds
for their support. The birds soon afterwards dying, the
seeds were cast out. In a short time a fine luxuriant grass
sprung up, which was greedily eaten, by horses and cattle.
Since that time it has been cultivated for cattle and horses
food, and is in general use.

A small root, superficially planted, produces a large stalk
or tuft of grass, which in two months runs into seeds. They
ought to be planted four feet asunder, and carefully kept
clean from weeds or slips.

When the seeds are ripe, cattle and horses are suffered to
eat it down. The stalks are then cut close to the earth, or
entirely dug out, and when dry burned off. In a short time
the seeds spring up into a thick sward of grass, so that in
future little care is necessary ; the weeds have little room to
grow.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. ^ 249

We have pastures of two and three hundred acres extent
in this fine grass : these arc divided into ten or twelve acre
pastures, and, when one is eaten down, the stock are shifted
into the other.

9. Cynosurus in'dicus, L Dutch Grass.

This is a low grass, seen only in the summer months. The
stalks are numerous from one root, and the leaves of a very
dark green colour. It is thought to be a more hearty food
for stock than Guinea grass ; when made into hay, it smells
very fine, and is used in the keeping of race horses.

10. Schoenus secans, N. — Cutting Grass.

Cutting grass is frequent in woods and thickets; the stalks
are triangular, and serrated like a file, which will cut not
only the hands and legs of the unwary traveller, but even his
clothes, as if done with a knife.

The seeds are round, shining, ponderous and farinaceous
and are like those of millet grass.

TRIANDRIA TRIGYNIA.
11. Holcus saccharatus, L. — African Millet. — Guinea Com.

This is cultivated as food for man and beast. It mav be
sown at any time of the year, and repeatedly cut down till
August, when it is suffered to grow up, and is ripe by Christ-
mas.

The stalks are as thick as a walking cane, the leaves of the
gramineous kind, and the whole plant is sometimes twenty
feet high. The blossoms are numerous, small, and grow on
a spike. There are several bunches on one stalk ; the seeds

250 EXTRACTS FROM

are round, larger than corianders, farinaceous, and heavy ;
and their increase may be as five thousand to one seed.

Guinea corn is cooked into several dishes by the poorer
white people, but particularly by the Negroes, who are re-
markably fond of it. It is also very useful in raising of
poultry.

The leaves are excellent fodder for horses and cattle.

TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

12. Rivina humilis, L. — Guinea Weed.

The Solatium lignosum, or Dulcamara, grows too plenti-
fully in shady places, has white small tetrapetalous flowers,
and shining red berries, smaller than currants. The stalks
are brown and woody, the leaves of a lively green colour.

Many fatal accidents have happened to new and ignorant
Negroes, who, mistaking this plant for guma, have, on eating
it, suddenly died, or fallen into disorders, with a train of dread-
ful symptoms, which, after some weeks or months, put an end
to their misery by death.

13. Cissus sicyoides, L. — Snake Leaf.

This troublesome climber grows in all fences, and runs on
fruit trees, and, when suffered once to get a footing, is hard to
be rooted out. The stem is often an inch or more in diame-
ter, of a green colour, slender, and jointed. The leaves are
numerous, and of a dark green hue. The florets yellow and
tetrapetalous. They contain much honey, and are generally
crowded with bees. The berries are of the size of cur-
rants, black, smooth, and shining. The juice of the berry
is sweet, and of a fine purple, but no duration.

The leaves, coiled over the fire, are applied to evil disposed
ulcers, and in the beginning of the yaws.

Dli WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. ^ 251

This wythe, dried and beaten, is very fibrous, somewhat like
horse-hair, and is probably the Old Man's Beard of the com-
mon people.

The Banana bird builds its nest of some fibrous substance
like this, and hangs it curiously like a sailor's hammock, by
the ends.

14. Cissus trifoliata. — Snake-leaf Withered Flowers.

This beautiful climbing plant runs in fences, and has nu-
merous small florets of a crimson colour.

15. Sperm acoce verticillata, L.—Wild Scabious.

This is common in moist places, and is used in fomenta-
tions by the Negroes for the cure of the itch.

16. Spermacoce tenuior, L. — Small-leaved Scabious.

In cane-piece intervals, we find this, which, like others of
the same genus, is made use of as the above.

17- Spermacoe hirta, L. — Common Scabious.

In open pastures and dry savannahs, this species of scabi-
ous grows spontaneously. The stem is woody, the plant is
bushy, and the clusters of flowers pretty large. We only use
it in the cure of the itch, by way of bath, as the preceding.

18. Spermacoce radicans, Aubl.

This is a branched kind, which grows in moist places, and
the stems run a great way, sending off fibres at every joint.
It is used with the same intention as the above mentioned.

252 EXTRACTS FROM

PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

19. Solanum torvum, Sw — Macaw Bush.

This troublesome plant is of speedy growth, as, in twelve
months, it is ten or twelve feet high, and chokes up every other
plant. The trunk, branches and leaves, are beset with short,
thick prickles ; the flowers are numerous, white, and 5-lobed.
The berries, when ripe, are of the size of a cherry, yellow,
hard, and containing many flat seeds.

No use is made of this plant. It does not appear to be
poisonous, as horses and cattle, when hungry, eat it with
impunity.

20. Solanum tomentosum, L. — Turkey Berries.

The Turkey-berry bush grows low; the stems onlyare beset
with short crooked prickles, the blossoms are small and white ;
the berries are red, soft, and less than a cherry, containing
many seeds.

Cattle or horses cannot eat this plant, on account of the
prickles, but turkeys and other fowls are very fond of the
berries.

21. Solanum mammosum, L. — Cock-roach Poison.

This bush looks like the foregoing ; the prickles on the
stems and leaves are long and straight. The flowers are a
bluish white. The fruit is of the size and shape of a pear,
of a bright yellow colour, and contains many seeds.

This seems to be' a species of the vegetable egg. No other
use is made of it in Jamaica, than by boiling it up with sugar
to poison cockroaches. Whether it has this effect is un-
certain, as these filthy insects are so plentiful.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 253

22. Datura stramonium, L. — Thorn Apple. — Fire-Weed.

The fire-weed grows on dunghills, and near dwelling-houses,
to about two feet high : it is an annual plant, and I believe
is cultivated in the gardens in Europe.

The stem is herbaceous, the leaves are broad, and of a dark
green colour ; the flowers are white, long, and funnel-shaped.
The pods, large as those of a walnut tree, are beset with
prickles, and contain many carved black seeds.

The leaves have a strong narcotic quality, and are applied
to burns and scalds to benumb the parts. With the same view
it is applied in headach, but, if too long kept on, will cause
a temporary madness. If the seeds should lie on grass, and
be eaten by stock, it will cause madness and death.

23- Cleome pentaphylla, W. W. — Cayo-caloloo.

Cayo is an African name for a plant, growing in newly
cultivated grounds and gardens. The stem is herbaceous,
the leaves of a dark green colour ; the petals of the flowers
white, the anthers and style red. These are succeeded by
long pods, which contain many seeds.

When boiled it is used as greens, and deemed equal to spi-
nach.

24. SOLANUM NIGRUM, L. Glima.

This is another Guinea name, for a plant found in cane-piece
intervals and gardens. Like the preceding, the stems are
herbaceous. It has dark green leaves, small, white pentapeta-
lous blossoms, and black shining berries of the size of a cur-
rant.

Our slaves gather and boil it with their soups, broths, and
pepper pots.

254 EXTRACTS FROM

25. Solanum verbascifolium, L. — Bermudas Balsam. — Wild
Tobacco.

Bermudas balsam is of speedy growth, and triennial; the stem
is woody, grey coloured, and has a large pith in the middle ;
the leaves are large, soft, and of the colour of sage. The
flowers are numerous, white and pentapetalous. The fruit is
a berry of the size and shape of a cherry, is yellow, and con-
tains several seeds.

The leaves are used in fomentations, or beaten into a poul-
tice, to deterge foul ulcers. In this country unctuous appli-
cations do not seem to succeed, and the vegetable dressings
are with propriety substituted in their room.

26. Cordia Gerascanthus, L. — Spanish Elm.

This is a tree of a middle size ; the bark is grey and furrow-
ed. The timber is white, hard, and useful in building.

In April, the whole tree is clothed with white, beautiful
pentapetalous flowers, which in a few days wither, but do not
drop, till the fruit is ripe, when both fall oft' at the same
time.

27- Plumeria rubra, L. — Milk Shrub.

This is called here Spanish Jessamine, and is cultivated in
gardens on account of its flowers. The tree grows as tall as
a cherry tree, and sends off several branches, which terminate
abruptly.

It has no leaves from January till May, when they are
put forth, and are of a shining green colour. The leaves and
blossoms grow from the summits of the thick branches. These
flowers are red and white, and of a luscious sweet smell.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 255

It seldom bears fruit, which is a thick round pod, contain-
ing many seeds.

Near the sea is found another species of this tree ; it grows
very tall, and generally bears plenty of pods.

It is said that a very small quantity of the inner bark of
the roots of this plant is a most virulent poison. On wound-
ing the tree, a great quantity of milky juice runs out, which
tastes very acrid, and is probably one of the poisons used by
the Indians on their arrows.

28. Ccenocarpus erecta, L Button-Tree.

In sandy places near the sea, we find the button-tree,
growing to a middle size. The bark is rough, and furrowed.
The branches are long and spreading, and well shaded with
deep green leaves. The blossoms are button-like and white,
the berries, oval and of unequal surface. The tree makes a
good building timber.

29. Chrysophyllum cainito. — Star Apple.

The star apple-tree is of themiddle size, and sends forth many
spreading branches. The leaves on the upper side are green,
on the under side of a reddish brown colour, and glisten like
silk.

The blossoms are numerous, small and yellow ; they appear
in July, and the fruit is ripe in March following.

Star apples are larger than European apples ; some are
green, others red; when ripe, they are soft, but do not drop off
the tree like other fruit, for they dry up and wither.

This is reckoned amongst our best fruits. Its jelly is rich,
and tastes very pleasant. The seeds are flat, black, smooth,
and shining.

The bark of the tree is furrowed longitudinally, and
cracked across like the Peruvian bark ; but has not its taste

c256 EXTRACTS FROM

or virtues. On tapping the tree, a thick milky astringent
liquor runs out.

30. Vitis cauibbjea, Dec. — The Water- Wythe or Wild Grape.

The trunk of this vine is of a whitish colour, and often as
thick as a man's thigh ; it runs up to the top of the tallest
trees, and sends off but few branches. The leaves are broad,
of a light green on the upper side, but white underneath.
The blossoms are like those of the common grape. The
berries are larger, and contain an austere rough juice. How
far culture would improve them, can only be determined by
experience ; but it is certain that the wild grapes that run on
fences, and, consequently, have the fruit exposed more to the
sun, are much sweeter than those that are shaded. It is
therefore probable, that, if this were planted and supported
as the common grape, and the leaves pulled off, as soon as
the berries are half grown, so that the rays of the sun
might have their full force, this native grape might !:e great-
ly improved in size and flavour. By proper management
and with little expence, a generous rough wine might be made
from it, for the consumption of the colony, and it might even
be added to our articles of exportation.

From the vast variety of climbing plants here, nature seems
to have intended this country as a nursery for the vine ;
what we planted came to great perfection. But we are so
engaged with other known staple commodities, that we can
think of no new improvement in any thing else.

About three feet of the thick fresh trunk will yield a pint
of wholesome water in the driest seasons. It is thus well
known to our thirsty hog hunters, or parties in quest of rebel-
lious Negroes.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 2517

31. Oestrum vbspbrtinuMj L. — lilne Poison Hern/.

This shrub grows wild in the woodlands, to fifteen Q*
twenty feet high. The blossoms are smaller than the com-
mon coffee, and the berries are small and black.

The juice of the berry is a fine blue, and if it could be fix-
ed, would be useful as a dye.

32. Erythroxylon areolatum, L. — Iron-Wood.

This tall and stately tree is very frequent in our woods. The
trunk is straight; the bark grey and furrowed, longitudinal-
ly and across. The wood is hard, red coloured, and pon-
derous, and is justly esteemed as one of the most useful tim-
bers for building, but, exposed to the weather, it soon decays.

The flowers are small and white ; the berries black and nu-
merous, containing several seeds.

33. Achyranthes ALTissuiA, Sw. — Basket Withe.

Chamissoa aetissima, Humb. and Bonp. Nov. Gen. et Sp.

This is found in woods and thickets, running up trees.
The trunk, seldom more than two inches in diameter, is of a
whitish-brown colour. The leaves are of a lively green ; the
blossoms are small, numerous, and green ; and the seeds are
white.

The trunk is sometimes split for hoops and baskets. The
young tops are boiled for greens.

34. Peumeria alba, L. — Spanish Jessamine Tree.

This tree is cultivated in gardens, on account of the num-
ber of its white, sweet, but luscious scented flowers. The
branches are thick, but terminate very abruptly ; the leaves

258 EXTRACTS FROM

are broad, fleshy, and of a lively green colour, falling off in
January, and again putting forth in June.

It is rarely that these trees have fruit. The pods are as thick
as a man's thumb, round, smooth, and four inches in length,
and containing four or five seeds.

On wounding the grey trunk, a thick milky juice runs out,
of an acrid taste, and caustic effect.

The inner bark of the roots is said to be in use as a poison
among the Africans.

A tall tree of this kind grows by the sea side, bearing
abundance of white flowers, and many pods.

35. Convolvulus pentaphyllus, L. — Cowilch Vine.

This small climber runs among bushes, has many dark
green narrow leaves, white flowers, round capsule, with sun-
dry seeds.

The stem of this vine is thickly set with down, which stings
like the nettle.

36. Echites umbellata, L. — White Ipecacuanha.

This is a climber, and sends forth many beautiful white,
contorted blossoms, which are soon followed by pods, jointed
in the middle, which, besides a silken down, contain many
seeds.

Some gentlemen acquaint me that the roots, when dried, are
by some used for ipecacuanha, but with such an effect that
the most thinking part of them will never try it again, for it
brought on stupor, delirium, and a train of alarming symp-
toms.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 259

.'^7- Cynanchum hirtuMj L. — Large Yellow Swallow Wbrt, or
Nightshade.

This plant is met with in shady places, climbing on the
neighbouring bushes. The stem is woody ; the leaves are
opposite, shining, and of a lively green. The blossoms are
yellow and funnel shaped, and the pods contain many seeds
imbedded in a silky down.

This is universally said to be a very destructive poison,
and to be used as such by the merciless slaves here. Hap-
pily for us we have a powerful antidote in .the bastard sen-
sitive plant.

38. Echites suberecta, L. — Lesser Yellow Swallow Wort, or
Nightshade.

The lesser yellow swallow wort, or nightshade, has woody
stalks, and small yellow contorted flowers. It twists round
bushes and trees, principallv the logwood. The leaves are
small and opposite ; on plucking them off" or breaking them,
a milky juice oozes out. The pod is small and long, contain-
ing a few seeds, with a small quantity of a silken down.

39. Echites torulosa, L. — Small Yellow Nightshade, or
Srvallow Wort.

This delights in waste lands, or waste places, and climbs
on the adjacent bushes ; it flowers in May, and its long pods
are ripe in August. Like others of its genus, it is looked on
as deleterious, and it is carefully avoided by every animal.

40. Solanum pseudo-capsicum, L. — Blue Nightshade, with
While Flowers.

This poisonous plant grows in copses, by road-sides and

r 2

260 EXTRACTS FROM

through woods. It will mount up on tall trees ; and in March
looks very pretty, having numerous white flowers with yellow
antherae. The berries are like red cherries, and contain many
seeds in a soft sweet pulp.

This plant is deemed destructive, and supposed to be
amongst the most powerful of the Negro poisons. The bas-
tard sensitive plant (Cassia Chamcecrista, L.) is a noble anti-
dote against this as well as many others.

41. Solanum Lycopersicum, L. — Love-Apple, or Tomato.

This is cultivated in gardens and provision grounds, for
culinary purposes. The plant is slender, and rises to no
height, unless supported by other plants. The blossoms are
yellow, and five-cleft. The fruit is as large as a plum,
round, soft, smooth, and shining. It contains a gelatinous
soft, pulp, and many small flattened seeds.

Tomatoes are boiled in soups and broths, to which they im-
part a rich agreeable taste and flavour.

42. Phvsalis pruinosa, L. — Pop-Berry.

This low plant grows about settlements, and in rich soils,
to about two feet high. The stem is herbaceous ; the leaves
of a light green colour ; the blossoms yellow ; and the berries
the size of a small cherry, are inclosed in an inflated calyx.

Children eat this berry with impunity, though there is an-
other species less common, that is poisonous.

43. Chrysophyllum oliviforme, L. — Wild Silver Star-apple.

This tree is frequent in woods. It is of the size of the
Chrysophyllum cainito, No. 29. The leaves are broader, and
of a darker green colour on the upper side. The under side

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 261

of the leaves is silvery and shining. The blossoms are simi-
lar to the Cainito, and of the same size.

The fruit is an oblong berry, less than a plum, black,
smooth, and shining, containing one stone, in which is a pretty
large kernel.

The fruit is sweet and agreeable.

PENTANDRIA TRIGYNIA.

44. TuRNERA ULMIF0LIA, L.

The Turnera ulmifolia is frequent in waste lands, and pi-
mento walks. It grows three feet high, has herbaceous stems,
and light green leaves, which grow in pairs. The flowers are
large, yellow, pentapetalous, and only open in the day-time.
The pods contain sundry seeds.

Whether this be poisonous or not is unknown, but no in-
sect eats the leaves ; so that it is a very suspicious plant, and
it is deemed by the natives to be of the fatal tribe.

PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA.

45. Tournefortia hirsutissima, L. — Chigre Busk.

This perennial plant grows in thickets, and twists round
the trunks and branches of trees. The flowers grow erect,
and are small, white, and numerous. The berries are white,
sweet, and as big as currants. They are eaten by children ;
but I am unacquainted with their medicinal virtues.

46. Heliotropium gnaphaloides. — Sea-side Lavender.

This grows plentifully by the sea-side, to about five or six
feet high. It is thick and bushy ; has yellow flowers, followed
by pods, which contain many round seeds.

262 EXTRACTS FROM

It has a very sweet smell, which, however, does not rise in
distillation. Its medicinal powers are not known here.
It is a shrub.

HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

47. Tillandsije species. — Wild Pine.

We have a great variety of plants under the denomination
of Wild Pine. They adhere to the thick branches, or grow in
crutches of the largest trees. In a collection of dried speci-
mens, it is impossible to convey any just idea of them, on ac-
count of their bulk, and the beauty of their flowers ; we
must be contented with the smallest, Tillandsia utriculata, L.

This grows on trees ; has short fleshy leaves, and beautiful
white and red blossoms ; these are followed by pods, which
contain many seeds.

48. Petiveiua alliacea, L. — Guinea Hen-weed.

Guinea hen-weed is found in plantain walks, and other
shady places ; it is commonly a foot high. The stalks are her-
baceous ; the leaves are of a lively green ; and the numerous
small flowers are white.

The seeds are very small, and are supposed to be some-
times swallowed by our common wasps here *. The seeds

* Wasps swarm in all parts of the West India Islands, particularly
in the roofs of old houses, where no smoke is made, and often on fruit-
trees, near settlements. Their nests are in general circular, and their
cells, which are regular to mathematical exactness, are suspended by a
small neck of hard bituminous matter.

These wasps are armed with a sting, and when any way disturbed will
attack men or beasts. Their sting is immediately attended with violent
pain, inflammation, and fever for twenty -four hours. Laudanum often

DR WRIGHTS HARBARIA. 26#

swelling, are supposed to kill the wasps, when a leaf springs
from their bodies similar to that of the Guinea hen-weed.
Others, with some plausibility, think that the seeds of the
misletoe adhering to the wasp kill it, and afterwards vege-
tate, and occasion this odd phenomenon.

On bruising the petiveria, it smells disagreeably pungent,
and volatile. It is probable that this weed is possessed of
diuretic and stimulating powers, though at present we know
nothing certain of its effects.

49. Bromelia Pinguin, L. — Wild Pinguin.

The pinguin is planted for fences, on account of the strong
hooked prickles with which its leaves are furnished on the
«dges. In appearance it resembles the pine ; it is propagated
from the shoots, and there seems no other objection to a fence
of this sort, than that it spreads too wide, and shelters rats.

About the middle of April, a beautiful stem rises from the
middle to the height of a foot, from the sides of which spring
many beautiful pale red blossoms, mixed with white. The
larger humming-bird chiefly feeds on these.

The fruit is of the bigness of a plum, the skin is yellow,
like a ripe lime, and the contents are an acid pulp, and many
seeds, &c. The pulp, eaten with sugar, is an excellent ver-
mifuge, but apt to excoriate the mouth, and even the rec-
tum, if too many are made use of at a time. Mixed with
water, it makes an agreeable and effectual gargle in fevers,
where the mouth and tongue are furred.

gives relief, when rubbed on the part, and the application of indigo is said
to be a powerful antidote.

264 EXTRACTS FROM

50. Agave Americana, L. — American Aloe.

The American aloe grows spontaneously by the sea in
rocky places.

If the thick leaves are pressed in the mill, and the juice in-
spissated in balneo mariae, till it acquires the consistence
of plaster, it becomes a vegetable soap : for the discovery of
this a person had one hundred pistoles from the Assembly.
But if clothes are not speedily rinsed in fresh water, they will
be rotted by the soap ; and on this account it is laid aside.

If the leaves are well bruised, and the pulp washed and
cleaned by water, a strong filamentous substance like silk-grass
is obtained, which might be applied to several uses.

This plant is of so enormous a size, that no part of it could
be laid down as a specimen.

HEPTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

51. Pisonia aculeata, L. — Fingrigo Bush.

This shrub grows in thickets, and has many small trunks
from the same root. In appearance and prickles it resembles
the black thorn. The leaves are small and numerous ; the
blossoms white and globular. The fruit is a small bur, of
an oval shape, which sticks to the mouths of cattle, and is
disengaged with difficulty.

It would seem that it might be made into fences. If it has
any medicinal virtues we are entirely ignorant of them.

OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.
52. Guabea trichilioides, L — Musk-Wood.

This tree is frequently met with in most of our woodlands.
It grows to a middle size ; the outer bark is rough and grey ;

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. _^ 2i$5

the inner bark and wood are red, and smell something like
musk. The wood is soft, splits easily, and is used for wat-
tling houses.

This is a shady tree ; the leaves are broad, and of a lively
green, and the flowers are white. The berry is brown, hard,
and large as a nutmeg. The seeds are red.

Decoctions of the bark are sometimes given in gravelly
complaints.

53. Coccoloba uvifeka, L. — Sea-side Grape.

This grape-tree is of the middle size, and grows by the sea-
side. The trunk is grey ; the leaves broad, round, and of a
light green colour. The blossoms are white and pendulous.
The fruit is a berry of a black or purple colour, tasting sweet
and subacid, and having a stone in the middle, in which is
contained a single seed.

The fruit is sometimes served up as a repast, and the bark
is reckoned an excellent astringent in watery purgings and in
dysenteries, after the inflammatory symptoms have been abat-
ed by bleeding, purges, and diluents.

54. Rivina octandra, L — Cooper --Withe.

Cooper-withe grows in fences, and in lands suffered to grow
up in weeds and bushes. The trunk and branches are woody,
slender, and covered with a brown coloured bark. The leaves
are of a light green colour. Many white fragrant blossoms
grow in a spike, which are followed by numerous black,
smooth, shining berries, of the size of currants, containing
many small seeds. The berries are sweet, and have a rich
purple juice.

About the time of flowering may be seen many remarkable
excrescences, out of which grow leaves and blossoms.

9,66 EXTRACTS FROM

55. Daphne Lagetto, W. W. — Alligator Bark. Tree.

This tree grows on rocky hills and places almost inaccessible,
to a middle size. The trunk is grey, the leaves green and
shining, the blossoms small and numerous.

The bark of this tree was long known to the rebellious
Negroes, under Colonel Cudjoe, before their capitulation in
1739 ; it is still procured, and sold to the white people.

A straight piece of the trunk being cut to a proper length,
is beaten with a smooth stick till round ; the bark is then
pulled off, the outer grey skin is separated as useless, and the
rest is put into a pail of clean water, where it is soaked a
few hours, and rinsed with fresh supplies of water.

Before it is quite dry, begin to separate the laminae. They
consist of about twenty or more ; these, when dry, are like fine
clear gauze.

Thus has dame Nature furnished a cloth ready woven and
bleached ; our ladies make it into caps, ruffles, and even en-
tire dresses. If carefully managed, it will bear to be several
times washed with soap and water.

I am of opinion that this bark might easily be made into
paper, as it seems to become a homogeneous mass when mace-
rated in water *.

56. Ximenia Americana, L. — Indian Date Plum.

Though this tree is seldom more than four feet, yet I have
seen it ten or fifteen feet high. The trunk and branches are
grey and prickly, the blossoms small and numerous, the fruit
like a small plum, oval-shaped and black.

• Dr Wright was the first botanist who discovered this tree [to be a
species of Daphne. He brought home the flowers, capsules, and seeds ;
and it has been since received into the Linnean system.

DB WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. _ 26?

OCTANDRIA TRIGYNIA.

57. Sapindus saponaria, L. — Soap-Berry Tree.

In low moist savannahs we commonly meet with the soap-
berry tree. It grows to a considerable height. The trunk
is straight and grey, the heart of the wood firm and useful in
small buildings. The leaves are of a particular form ; the
flowers are very small and white, and the berries are larger
than a cherry, and yellow, containing a soft pulp, which is
useful in washing clothes. It has a smooth shining black
round nut, in which is contained a sweet kernel.

58. Paullinia pinnata, L. — Supple-jack Wit he.

This delights in rocky woodlands, and runs upon trees.
The external bark is grey, and a little red. The wood is
white, and knotted, the fibres being variously contorted ; it is
very flexible, and is generally cut for walking-sticks or
switches. The leaf is compounded very prettily ; the blos-
soms are white, small, and numerous ; the berries are red, and
of the size of currants, having a scarlet pulp, and one black
seed.

Supple-jacks are cut to the length wanted ; being heated in
hot ashes, the bark easily separates, and, if rubbed with
lime-juice, become a little red.

DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

59. Parkinsonia aculeata. L. — Jerusalem Thorn.

The seeds of this beautiful tree are said to have been ori-
ginally brought from Smyrna. It grows to a middle size

268 DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA.

has long small compounded leaves, of a lively green colour.
The flowers are yellow. The pods are long and round, con-
taining several oblong seeds. The tree is planted for fences,
as it is prickly. It has no medicinal virtues.

60. Melastoma velutina, Willd. — Velvet Leaf.

This plant is about four feet high, and the leaves appear
and feel like Manchester velvet. The blossoms grow in clus-
ters, are white, pentapetalous, and have declined stamina.
The fruit is a berry, black, hairy, and oblong ; hence I sup-
pose it to be the American gooseberry. The berry tastes
sweet, and contains many small seeds.

61. Phytolacca icosandra, L. — Mountain Caliloo. Pock-Weed.

This plant is of speedy growth. The stem is herbaceous.
The leaves are of a deep green colour. The flowers, growing
in a spike, are white. The berries are red, and of the size
of a currant; on being broken, they are found to contain
many seeds, and a fine rich purple juice, which stains cloth
or paper red ; but the colour soon decays. Many attempts
have been made to fix the dye, but in vain. The leaves of
the very young plants, boiled, are excellent greens, and are
used as such by the Negroes in their diet.

62. Iresine celosioides, L — Bitter Weed.

This plant delights in shady places. The leaves are of a
dull green colour, and the numerous florets are white. The
seeds are very small, and, when ripe, are surrounded by a
down which serves to waft them with the breeze.

The leaves are very bitter, and are used by some for the
cure of that stage of gonorrhoea called Gonorrhaea virulentis,
and sanguinolenta.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. ^2$)

63. Guilandina BONDUC, L. — Xicar Tree.

This prickly bush grows chiefly by the sea-side. It is low,
and has many spreading branches. The leaves are numerous,
shining, and of a light green. The flowers are yellow. The
pods are large, brown, and prickly, each containing a round
hard nut, like the marbles used by children. The kernels of
nicars are deemed by some astringent, by others diuretic.

64. Vaccinium iueridionale, S?v. — Jamaica Bilberry.

This is frequent in savannahs. The leaves are broad and
shining ; the blossoms red and white. The berries, of the
bulk of a black currant, are first red, then black, and of an
agreeable taste, and are sometimes served as a dessert.

65. GffiSALPiNiA vesicaria, L. — Bruziletto Wood.

The Braziletto tree grows on rocky lands, rising to a mid-
dle size ; the trunk is scaly and dark-brown, the leaves
green and numerous ; the spike of yellow blossoms is very
pretty, and the brown pods contain several seeds.

The wood is hard, elastic, and fitted for several uses in
plantation utensils. Its colour is a fine red, but very little of
it is exported to Britain.

66. Melia sempervirens, Sw. — Hoop-Tree, or Bead-Tree.

It is believed that this tree was imported from America,
as its wood was supposed to be well suited for making hoops ;
but it is either too cheap, or not found to answer the inten-
tion, as it is seldom or never made use of by the planters.

270 EXTRACTS FROM

The leaves are of a lively green colour, the blossoms are a
pale red ; the stamina purple ; and, as it is always in bloom, it
is reckoned one of the prettiest shrubs we have. The berries
are round, and contain hard seeds.

Some people here think this plant poisonous, but I cannot
think so, as horses eat the berries without injury, and even
fatten on them. This, by the bye, is a good mark to judge
of plants or fruits, and I have made it a rule never to taste
any leaf or fruit which is avoided by cattle or insects.

67. Melastoma prasina, Sw. — Wild Currants.

There are several varieties of this which differ but little.
The leaves are of a dull green hue ; the blossoms are white,
and have declined stamina ; the berries are less than currants,
taste sweet, and contain sundry seeds.

This plant is frequent in moist savannahs, and is four or
five feet in height.

68. Poinciana pulcherrima, L. — Flower Fence, or Spanish
Carnation.

This shewy shrub grows wild in sandy places, and, on ac-
count of its great beauty, is planted in gardens. Its height
is ten feet, or upwards.

The leaves have a disagreeable smell, and are said to be
emenagogue, and cathartic. Some people make use of them
as such, but they are not admitted in the practice of the phy-
sician.

69. Cassia emarginata, L. — Antigua Senna.

This woody plant is perennial, and grows eight or ten feet
high. It puts us in mind of the blossoms of broom or furze.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. ^ ^71

The pods are about three inches long, and contain many
seeds, surrounded with a sweet pulp.

A double quantity of the dried leaves, infused in boiling
water, smells like the Alexandrian senna, and produces simi-
lar effects.

70. Banisteria l,aurifolia, L. — Dragon Withe, or White
Withe.

This withe twists round the trunk and branches of trees,
and is called the White Withe. Pretty switches or walking-
sticks are made of it.

In May it has many yellow blossoms, very like the mal-
pighia in structure and height.

71. Cassia mimosioides, L. — Bastard Sensitive Plant.

This small sensitive plant is found in cane-piece intervals ;
it is seldom above a foot high ; the stalks are red and prick-
ly ; the leaves are small, the blossoms small and yellow, the
pods flat, and the seeds small.

DECANDRIA TRIGYNIA.

72. Malpighia punicifolia, L. — Barbadoes Cherry.

This appears to be a native of the West India Islands.
The trunk is black and thorny ; sending off many branches,
furnished with dark green leaves. The blossoms are small,
numerous, and pale red. The berries, in size and colour, are
like a cherry. They have a fine sweet and subacid taste, and
contain three seeds.

The tree may be propagated from the seeds, but best from
cuttings of the branches, which, in two years, will bear frui^

272 EXTRACTS FROM

73. Malpighia crassifolia, L. — Locust-Tree.

The locust-tree, so called, is a native of this island, and grows
wild in the woods, to a considerable height ; yet the trees will
bear fruit when only four or five feet high.

The trunks are grey and knotty. The leaves are pretty
broad, smooth, and shining. The blossoms grow in a cluster,
are yellow, and very numerous.

The fruit is yellow, round, and as large as a cherry ; when
ripe, it is soft, and tastes very agreeably.

DECANDRIA PENTAGYNIA.

74. Spondias myrobalanus, L. — Hog-Plum.

This is a large tree, growing spontaneously. The trunk is
grey and furrowed. At certain times of the year, if chopped,
a clear insipid gum may be obtained, similar to gum-arabic.

The leaves are pretty broad, and of a light green. The
blossoms are disposed in racemes, and are small, of a whitish
yellow colour, and a fragrant smell. The fruit is of a yellow
colour.

The bark is astringent.

The wild hog feeds on these, and on many other ripe fruits
and roots, with which our forests abound. This may account
for the firmness and delicacy of its flesh, which is greatly
preferred by the knights of the trencher to any thing in the
country, turtle excepted.

75. Spondias Mombin, L. — Brasilian Plum, or Spanish Plum.

Spanish Plum does not seem to be a native of this island,
as it is only found about settlements. It grows to a middle
size. The bark is smooth and brown ; the wood soft, and of

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 273

no use. It sheds its numerous shining leaves in January ; in
April a vast number of beautiful small florets bud forth on
the trunks and small twigs, then follow the leaves, and lastly
a smooth shining purple plum, of an agreeable taste and
smell, containing a hard stone, whose surface seems woven in
a net-like manner with cross fibres.

These plums, when full grown, are stewed with sugar
into a kind of marmalade, and, if eaten with milk, make an
agreeable repast.

The specimen of florets which I examined had only four
styles, but it was not worth while to rank it differently on that
account.

76. Rhizophora mangle, L. — Mangrove Tree.

The mangrove tree grows nowhere else but in salt marshes
by the sea-side. Its height is often fifty feet. The trunk sel-
dom exceeds eighteen inches in diameter. The wood is hard,
and useful in building houses, especially if made into posts to
be sunk in the earth, which will last many years.

The bark of this tree might be useful in tanning leather.

Mangrove leaves are of a shining green colour. The blos-
soms are yellow ; the fruit long and pointed. Some of the
branches point directly down into the water, and taking root in
the earth, rise again into another tree ; so that arcades from ten
to fifteen feet high are formed, and in this manner the body
of the tree is supported.

77- Crate va gynandra, L. — Garlic Pear.

This tree is of the size of a cherry-tree. The leaves are
numerous, and of a light green colour. In March and April

S

274 EXTRACTS FROM

the flowers appear. The petals are white, the stamina long
and red. The fruit ripens in June ; they are of the bulk of a
crab-apple, and relished by some people.

The leaves, beaten up into a mass, are useful as stimulating
cataplasms, in fevers, with stupor and delirium.

78. Triumfetta rhombeafolia, Sw. — Paroquet Bur.

This delights in sunny situations by the road-side, and in
open pastures. It grows to five or six feet high. The leaves
are broad, soft, and of a lively green colour. The trunk and
branches are brown ; the blossoms small, yellow, and nume-
rous, are succeeded by many red burs, which, when ripe,
stick to one's clothes, and mat the manes of horses.

The bark, soaked for eight or ten days in fair water,
then washed and dried, makes a white strong hemp. Some
time or other this may be one of the staple articles of this
and other West India settlements.

This hemp might be manufactured at a small expence, es-
pecially where rivers are near, and would amply repay the
manufacturer for his care and ingenuity.

79- Triumfetta. — Paroquet Bur, with Small Leaves.

The leaves of this species are very small and numerous. The
trunk is grey, smooth and straight, but does not rise so high
as the preceding. In other respects the flowers, bur and
hemp, differ little or nothing.

The green paroquet feeds on the ripe burs of this and the
other two species of the plant.

DB WlilGIIT's HEKBARIA. 275

80. Triumfktta Laimtla, L. — (uiiiitti- Pa rtiqUet Bur.

This plant does not rise so high as the rhombeafblia ; its
trunk is more branched and knotty. The leaves are darker,
and of a different shape. The Mowers and burs are similar
to the preceding. But it yields a hemp of an inferior qua-
lity, on account of the knots and branches.

DODECANDRIA TKIGYNIA.

81. Euphorbia parviflora, L. — Wart-Weed.

This may be seen in cane-piece intervals; it is a foot high,
and has smooth bluish leaves. The florets are small, and grow
together, in a capitulum or button-like manner. On break-
ing the stalks, a milky juice is emitted, which is applied for
the cure of warts and ring-worms.

82. Euphorbia thymifolia, L. — Wart-Weed.

The smallest of the above grows in very barren lands, and
creeps close to the ground, the stalks are red, as are also the
leaves, inclinable to green.

The stalks and leaves, beaten up into a mass, and mixed
with rum, are excellent and safe in the cure of ring-worms.

83. Euphorbia hypericifolia, L. — Wart-Weed, or Spurge.

I am of opinion that the sundry plants of this denomina-
tion all belong to the genus Euphorbia. This sort grows in
every ground lately dug up. It is used to cat down warts.
and is applied to ringworms.

Ringworms are very troublesome, being easily got from
contact, or by lying in foul beds, but they are of difficult

s2

276 EXT It ACTS FROM

cure when of any standing, as they occasion ulcers of an ill
kind, nay, often caries of the bone, scarce curable by art. In
some parts of Spanish America, ringworms are epidemic and
incurable, as they know not the proper applications at first.

In the beginning the spurge may be bruised and applied to
the part affected, and it will put the ringworms away. I
have often cured them by a small bit of mercurial ointment,
but more frequently and radically by the application of sul-
phur, either in an ointment, or plaster. This last seems to
be the most effectual in old and inveterate ringworms.

POLYADELPHIA PENTANDRIA.

84. Theobroma cacao. — Chocolate Tree, or Cocoa.

In former days this tree was carefully and abundantly cul-
tivated in this island ; and we have at present a few scattered
remains, as monuments of our indolence and want of thought.

The chocolate tree seldom rises higher than twenty feet,
and is so shady that the trunk cannot be seen at a distance.
The leaves are broad and shining ; the blossoms grow from
the trunk and larger branches ; they are small, and pale red.
The pods are four inches long, and two in diameter, furrowed
on the outside, and of a yellowish red colour ; they contain
about twenty seeds, of the size of almonds, imbedded in a
sweet pulp.

The ripe cocoa is gathered and put into close casks, to
sweat, so that the pulp round the seeds may be rolled out.
The nuts are then dried on sheets, and put in bags, for use
or sale.

The natives are very fond of chocolate, and great quanti-
ties are yearly imported from our Spanish neighbours ; this
is often rancid : what grows here is much better.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 277

The manner of preparing the nuts, is by gently toasting
and grinding them betwixt two smooth stones, when it be-
comes a mass of the consistence of dough. The whole is
made into rolls, and, when dried in the shade, put up for
use.

ICOSANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

85. Chhysobalanus Jkaco, L. — Cocoa Plum.

This bush often grows fifteen feet high, but will bear fruit
when very low. The leaves are of a dark-green colour. The
flowers are white, small and numerous.

Cocoa plums are oval-shaped, and are as large as the Or-
leans plum. They taste sweet, and have a stone the size of
a hazel nut, in which is a white kernel, which tastes like the
almond.

86. Comocladia integrifolia, L. — Maiden Plum.

The trunk of this tree is commonly small, and of a con-
siderable height. It grows wild in woods and unfrequented
places, and sends off its branches towards the top, in form of
an umbrella.

The flowers spring from amongst the branches ; they arc
numerous, small, and red. The fruit is a berry of the size
and colour of the cherry ; they taste sweet, and are eaten by
the children.

The wood is hard, red, and ponderous ; it will take a fine
polish, but is too small for the use of the cabinet maker.

278 l.XTKAC IS FROM

87- PsiDIUJVX PYRIFERUM, L. GlldVCl Bltsh.

The guava tree or bush grows spontaneously, especially
about settlements. The trunks of the oldest trees are sel-
dom more than eight inches in diameter, so that although the
wood is hard, it can be of little use to the carpenter. On the
outside the bark is smooth and white, on the inside red and
astringent ; hence it is often made into decoctions to stop
watery pui'gings, as also to tan leather.

The blossoms are white, and have very little smell. The fruit
is, when ripe, round, yellow, and of the size of a golden pippin,
containing a red or yellow pulp, with many hard seeds. This
pulp tastes pleasant enough, but often contains worms.

An excellent marmalade is made of the fruit.

88. Psidium Wrightii, * Herb. Lamb. — Mountain Guava.

This is a large, tall, and straight tree, very frequent in
woodlands. The trunk is smooth and white. The inner
bark is red, and tastes astringent. The leaves are smooth,
shining, and of a light-green colour. The flowers are small-
er than those of the guava bush. The fruit is rather less,
falls off green from the trees, is of the same figure, smells
agreeably, and by some is imagined to be more delicate.

Mountain guava trees make excellent inside timber for
houses, but it does not last long when exposed to the weather.

POLYANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

89. Achras Sapota, L. — Naseberry Tree.
This middle-sized tree seems to be a native of the West
Indies. The bark is furrowed lengthways, and cracked acros,

* By a communication from Mr David Don, it appears that this is
regarded as a new species of Psidium, and is entered in the Lambertian
Herbarium under the name here given.

I)li WKKillLS IIKUIiAlMA. ^79

like Peruvian bark ; the tree is shady, and the leaves of a
shining deep green. The flowers are small and white. The
fruit is round, of the size and colour of a pear. W heft-ripe,
they are remarkably sweet, and reckoned one of our best
fruits. They contain a few black shining seeds. The tree
has a remarkable smell, even at a distance.

A very large tree in the woods differs from this in size,
and the bulk of the fruit, which is small, but of the same
figure and quality. The barks of both these trees were for-
merly in great vogue amongst the vulgar for the cure of inter-
mittent fevers, but are now laid aside as at best uncertain: For,
either by neglect or unsuccessful treatment, there is great
danger of intermittents continuing long, as they too often
degenerate into continual, putrid or remitting fevers, which
elude the skill of the physician ; or if the patient escapes
these, the intermittent will form obstructions of the viscera,
(and particularly in the liver), producing consequences very
difficult to remove.

In all inte'rmitting fevers, I have constantly found the state
of the blood very viscid, and sometimes buffy, and I never
attempt a cure before an evacuation is made by bleeding. An
antimonial vomit is next administered, and the cure completed
by the peruvian bark. But if the disorder is of some stand-
ing, and by the patient's having a sallow complexion and
a fixed pain at the pit of the stomach, it appears that ob-
structions of the viscera are already formed, then a few mild
mereurials will not only remove the obstructions, but the in-
termittent at the same time.

If the intermittent has turned to a continual or remitting
fever, the patient being kept cool, I give the bark immediate-
ly; nor did I ever observe it prejudicial where it lies on the
patient's stomach ; on the contrary, a fair intermission is soon
brought about, and the sick person is speedily restored to per-
fect health.

2

280 EXTRACTS FROM

90. Mammea Americana, L. — Mammee Tree.

Mammee trees grow in most woodlands, to a great thick-
ness and height. The outer bark is rough and brown : the
leaves are many, broad, smooth, shining, and of a deep-green
colour. In June and July the tree puts forth blossoms, whose
petals are white, the antherae are yellow, and are divided in-
to four equal parts ; when these drop, they leave one style
on the germen.

The fruit called the Mammee Apple, is as large as a man's
head ; the external covering is rough, and of the colour of a
winter pear. The rind is two inches thick, of the colour, and
not unlike the taste, of the carrot ; some people are fond of
eating this fruit, which contains two rough brown woody nuts.
The wild hogs of this country greedily eat of it.

It is dangerous to suffer this tree to grow near settlements,
or by the road-side, for should its heavy fruit fall on man
or beast, it would assuredly break their bones, or kill them
on the spot.

On chopping the tree, a thick yellow gum or balsam oozes
out. This being melted with fat cures the itch> and prevents
the chigres in Negroes' feet. A decoction of the bark is equal-
ly efficacious in the cure of the itch, but it is said to tan the
skin of white people, and is therefore only in use amongst the
Negroes.

Mammee gum tastes hot and acrid, and is said to be pos-
sessed of strong attenuating powers ; but this seems to be
doubtful, as the decoction of the bark is a dangerous poison;
and a gentleman who washed a flock of mangy sheep with it
blinded every one of them instantly.

Dll WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 281

91. Corchorus siliquosus, L. — Pea, or Broomtveed.

This rises to five or six feet ; has smooth \vooc!y stems,
many tea-like leaves, small yellow blossoms, and small, long,
black pods, full of many indigo-coloured seeds.

92. Bignonia PENTAFHY1.LA. — Bastard Cedar.

This kind of cedar grows in marshes by the sea-side : the
trunk is brown, and rough ; the leaves are withered-like, and
the branches are often beset with the conjugate mistletoe,
which destroys many of this species.

In July, nothing can surpass the beauty of the bastard
cedar ; the flowers are large, numerous, funnel-shaped, and
of a pale-red' colour : they last but a short time, and are fol-
lowed by long pods with many seeds.

The blossoms are said to be an antidote against the man-
chioneel poison-apple.

93. Crescentia cucurbitina, L. — Marsh Calabash.

Near the sea, and in brackish marshy places, we find this
middle-sized tree. The leaves are of a shining green : the
blossoms grow on the branches. The calabash is pointed, and
six or seven inches long.

Some think this to be the Indian dye, but by some experi-
ence I find it not to be so.

94. Verbena nodiflora, L. — Ipecacuanha of Father Labat, or
Velvet Bur.

This plant grows in cultivated lands, and in cane-piece in-
tervals. The leaves feel rough, and are covered with a kind of
down. The blossoms arc disposed in globose heads, and arc

282 EXTRACTS FKOM

small and white. These are succeeded by a smooth fiat bur,
containing many hard capsules, of a chocolate colour.

The stems of this plant are quadrangular, and jointed ;
the fresh roots are very like the true ipecacuanha, but lose
their wrinkled appearance when dry, nor have they any
emetic quality. Decoctions of the plant are said to be astrin-
gent, and are given in female complaints and dysenteries, with
good effect. For this last purpose, however, we are acquaint-
ed with more powerful medicines.

DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA.

95. Brunsfblsia Americana, L. — The Cup Berry-Bush.

This is a low shrub ; it has long, narrow pointed leaves,
of a shining green colour, growing thick on the branches.
The flowers are funnel-shaped, long and white. The berry
is yellow, soft, and agreeable to the taste, containing many
seeds.

96. Ruellia Blechum, L. — John's Bush.

The stem of this plant is herbaceous, square, and jointed ;
from each joint grow four leaves; the flowers are bell-shaped
and blue ; the seeds naked and black.

The juice of the leaves, mixed with tincture of gum guaia-
cum, is used in erosions of the palate in venereal disorders,
and in yaws.

We have many deplorable instances of the dreadful effects
of these American maladies. The loss of the palate is com-
mon, and I have made cures where several spongy bones
have been separated, and where the nasal bones have dropped
out.

These disorders in an advanced state, will yield to a simi-
lar method of cure, viz. mild mercurials, mixed with dia-

1)11 WRIGHTS lllvltlJAltlA. 283

phoretic ingredients, so as to give the mercury a tendency to-
wards the skin ; and a constant diet-drink of sarsaparilla, lig-
num-vita?, sassafras, and the like.

TETIl ADYNAMIA S1L1CULOSA.
97- Lepibium virginicum, L. — Pepper Grass.

Pepper-grass grows wild in most places of Jamaica.

It is a very pretty plant, and its taste is nearly similar to
that of the garden-cress, for which it is often substituted in
sallads.

TETRADYNAMIA SILIQUOSA.

98. Cleome triphylla, L. — Indian Cress.

Indian cresses grow in lands lately hoed, or dug into cane-
holes. The plant is annual, herbaceous, and two feet in
height. The flowers are white, pods round, and two inches
long, having many seeds. The leaves are of a deep green
colour. They taste very like the garden-cress.

MONADELPHIA PENTANDRIA.

99. Passifi.ora quadrangularis, L. — Granadilla.

There are two kinds of passion-flower, or Granadilla vine,
cultivated in Jamaica ; the leaves are broad, shining, and
green ; the flowers are most beautifully variegated, blue and
white. One has a fruit as large as a water-melon ; that of the
other is much smaller, and the smaller sort is by far the best.

Ripe granadillas have a pleasant acid taste, and are ranked
with our best fruits. In ardent fevers, these and other acid
fruits are extremely grateful and salutary.

284 EXTRACTS FROM

100. Passiflora suberosa, L.

The passiflora suberosa is a creeping small slip, growing in
fences ; the leaves are shining, and of a deep green colour ;
the blossoms yellow, and small ; the berries oblong, black,
and shining ; the juice is sweet, and stains linen black.

The seeds are small and numerous. The use of the plant
is unknown.

101. Passiflora perfoliata.

This p ant is found in logwood-thickets ; the leaves are
shining ; the flowers beautifully purple, tubular, and an inch
long ; the fruit is of the size of a gooseberry, has a sweet
purple juice, and many small seeds.

We know nothing of its use.

102. Bombax pentandruMj L. — Silk Cotton-Tree.

The cotton-tree grows quickly to a great height and thick-
ness ; like your stately oak it has branches large and spreading.
The trunk is straight, smooth, and grey. The wood is soft,
and is hollowed into canoes.

The gum is of an amber colour, but indissoluble.

Cotton-trees are amongst the few trees that shew the ap-
proach of winter, in these latitudes, by shedding their leaves
in November and December. In February, there appear an
immense quantity of flowers, of a reddish-white colour. The
petals are five, and are covered with a shining silken down.
The stamina are five, and the stile is pretty large. The pods
are larger than a pear, containing a kind of fur, and many
seeds. They dry and split on the tree, the down expands,
and each seed flies off with the breeze, with a portion of
down in a globular form.

DIt WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 285

This cottony substance seems to be rather short for making
hats, but is commonly gathered to fill beds instead of feathers.
When the fruit is full grown, the tree is cut 4pwn,*as
then the greatest quantity can easily be picked. Beds of
this kind must often be exposed to the sun, else the cotton
will get into clots.

The young leaves are again put forth, when the fruit is
almost ripe. They are often boiled as greens, and used as
tea in fevers, &c.

103. Melochia tomentosa, L. — Bastard Hemp- Agrimony.

By the road-side, in fences and waste lands, we meet with
this perennial plant. From one root spring many long,
smooth, and flexible stems, whose bark is brown. The leaves
are of a light colour, furrowed and serrated, and the white
blossoms grow in clusters, from a foot or more towards the
summit, and very thick.

The seeds are numerous.

The stems laid in water, afford a kind of hemp.

104. Ochroma lagopus. — The Down Tree.

It has before been remarked that authors confound this
tree with the ceiba ; as they are very different plants, I have
arranged each in its proper place.

The down tree grows speedily to a good height, but no
great thickness. The trunks are straight and grey. The
leaves broad, and of a light green colour. The blossoms are
the largest of the monadelphise that I have yet seen, and there-
fore not easily laid down in a dried collection. The fruit is long,
round, and furrowed ; when ripe, the outer husk falls off, and
the down, which is of a silken appearance, expands, and looks
somewhat like a hare's foot. The seeds are numerous.

The wood of this tree is soft, spongy, and so light, that

226 EXTRACTS FROIVI

fishermen use it instead of cork-wood to suspend their nets.
The leaves and blossoms are emollient, and used in fomen-
tations and cataplasms.

The bark makes a hemp of a reticular form, but of little
strength.

MONADELPHIA DODECANDRIA.

105. Theobroma guazuma, L. — Bastard Cedar.

Bastard 'Cedar grows wild in woods, particularly near the
sea. The tree is middle sized. The bark is grey and fur-
rowed ; the wood soft and useless ; the branches long
and spreading. The leaves are of a light green colour. The
flowers are small, numerous, and yellow. The fruit is black,
round, and of unequal surface, and tastes sweet.

MONADELPHIA POLYANDRIA.
106. Urena sinnata, Lr — French Barley Bur. '

This plant delights in shady places, by the road-side ; and
has been known to rise ten or fifteen feet high. The trunk is
grey^ and seldom exceeds one inch in diameter. The leaves
are broad, smooth, and shining. It puts forth white blos-
soms in autumn, and continues flowering several months.
The petals are five, and lapped over each other, agreeable to
the motion of the sun.

The ripe burs resemble linseed bows, and contain four
seeds similar to barley, hence the name. They are farina-
ceous, and are eaten by rats.

The plant is mucilaginous, and consequently emollient ; I
discovered that it, and every other of this class, make hemp,
when steeped for some time in water, as shall afterwards

DR wniiillTS HERBARIUM 287

be shewn. They require longer or shorter immersion, ac-
cording to the age of the plant : and the hemp or flax dif-
fers in quality and strength, according to its nature.; and,
in point of colour, as it may happen to be soaked in run-
ning water, clear ponds, or muddy holes. These simple hints
may induce some fit person to make experiments with the
plants of this class in Britain, whose strength depends so
much on her naval force, and whose treasures are yearly
expended in purchasing hemp and flax from foreign nations,
when she might at less expence be supplied at home, or in
her extensive colonies.

This species requires that the bark be stripped, and soaked
for four days. The flax or hemp is very strong.

107"^ Urena Amkricana, L. var. — Bur-Mallows with deep
indented Leaves.

This grows in moist places, by the highway ; having many
green stalks springing from one root, long, smooth, and slen-
der. The leaves are very pretty. The blossoms appear in
June, and the bur, which is ripe in August, is prickly,
and opens in five parts, when ripe, to discharge as many heart-
shaped seeds, of a chocolate colour.

The stalks require about eight days' soaking, when they
yield a hemp of tolerable strength.

108. Pavonia spinifex, L.var. — Jamaica Mallow, or Spur-Bur.

This grows wild in shady places, and in fences, having
many long, smooth, slender stalks, springing from one root
These have a few furrowed leaves, and pretty large blossoms,
whose petals are lapped over, contrary to the motion of the
sun.

The fruit is a bur, which sends off from each side long
prickles, and resembles a spur— hence the name.

288 EXTRACTS FROM

The stalks macerated in water, yield a pretty strong hemp,
and the plant, like other mallows, is emollient.

109. Malachra capitata, L. — Pond Mallows.

This prickly plant is frequent about ponds, and grows to
two feet high. The stem is as thick as one's finger, and fur-
nished with a vast number of downy prickles, as likewise are
the leaves. The blossoms grow on the top of the plant, are
small, numerous, and pale red ; the seeds are heart-shaped.
This plant is very mucilaginous, and no doubt possessed of
the virtues of the mallow tribe.

A kind of flax is obtained from the bark.

110. Hibiscus elatus, Sw. — Mahoe Tree.

The Mahoe tree delights in moist soils, where it rises to a
great height, and considerable thickness, sending off many
branches, well shaded with broad leaves, of a lively green
colour.

The blossoms are large, and their petals lap over each
other, agreeably to the motion of the sun. Some of these are
red, others yellow or mixed.

The pods are of the size of a walnut ; when ripe, they
split open, like a star, and drop many black heart-shaped
seeds.

The timber is only used in staves and heading for sugar
hogsheads, being soft, porous, and of a green colour, besides
smelling strongly of balsam Capivi.

The inner bark of the young trees and shoots is stripped
off, and twisted into ropes for plantation use. If these are
macerated in water, a shining hemp is obtained of consider-
able strength.

])lt WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. ^89

J 11. Achania malvaviscus, Sw. — Hal Mahoe-

This shrub grows, in copses and shady places, to nine or
ten feet high, sometimes more. The trunk is brown in the
young trees, and grey in the old ; it is seldom more than two
inches in diameter. The leaves are broad, and of a lively
green colour. The blossoms are of a beautiful crimson, and
the five petals lap over each other, agreeable to the mo-
tion of the sun. These petals never expand, but are con-
tracted round the stamina, which project a good way above.

The berry is red, and of the bulk of a small cherry; ^when
dry, it opens in sundry compartments, and contains many
heartshaped seeds.

The bark of the young trees makes a fine, white, and very-
strong hemp.

112. Hibiscus mutabilis, L. — Changeable Rose.

This shrub is cultivated in gardens. The trunk is woody
and knotty ; the leaves broad, and of a light-green colour.
The blossoms are large like a rose ; and, what is remarkable,
these flowers change from white to red, and from red to white,
two or three times in twenty-four hours. The plant after-
wards bears a round hairy pod, full of small seeds.

The bark of this, like others of the same class, yields hemp
or flax, but the knots of the bark make it good for nothing.

113. Hibiscus mosciieutos, L. — Musk-Seed, or Wild-Okra.

This grows wild^in fields and copses. The stem is some-
times four feet high, and is thick set with hairy prickles ; so
are also the dark green leaves, which resemble okra.

The pods are full of black seeds, which, when rubbed in

290 EXTRACTS FEOM

the hand, emit a strong smell like musk, and would seem to
claim a place amongst the cordial medicines.

Some Negroes boil and eat the young pods as okra. The
bark being put eight or ten days in water, makes a hemp,
but of no great strength.

114. Hibiscus sabdariffa. L. — Red Sorrel.

We plant this in gardens and inclosures. It rises to four
or five feet high. The stems are herbaceous, and red; the
leaves of a reddish green; and the blossoms of a pale red colour.
The pods are round, unequal, and pointed ; they open like
okra, and discharge many heart-shaped seeds.

The red pods, before they are quite ripe, are cut and
sliced ; gently boiled with water ; sweetened with sugar ; then
bottled up, and in a few days make a sparkling and pleasant
acid liquor, called " cool drink," which, however, does not keep
but for a short time.

The fruit also make a good ingredient in tarts.

1 15. Gossipiu3i. — Cottun-Busli.

We have three sorts of cotton cultivated in this country,
viz. the common (G. arboreum)-, bearded ( G. hirsiitum),
and the French cotton (G. barbadense). The two former
are never suffered to grow above four or five feet high, for, by
lopping the main stem, a great many branches are sent off,
and, of course, many broad leaves, and large yellow flowers,
whose petals are lapped agreeably to the suiVs motion. The
pods are of the bulk of a pigeon's egg, and of a conical fi-
gure ; at first they are green, then brovdL and at last black ;
when, if not gathered, they split in -llwRlivisions, and the
cotton expands. The seeds of the common cotton are smooth ;
those of the bearded have a little tuft of cotton fastened to
the apex ; both are black, and heart-shaped, and, as they

Dll W Kit; JITs HERBARIA. 291

easily separate, arc in common usr. Their staple is not so
fine, nor have they that glossy silken hue, that appears in the
French cotton.

The French cotton bush grows taller, and more luxuriant,
than any of the others, and bears abundance of pods, which
contain a fine cotton, as before observed. But this adheres
so close to the seeds, that they can hardly be separated, un-
less picked by hand.

Cotton-pods ought to be gathered before they split, dried
in the sun on sheets; picked from the husks ; beat with small
rods to separate the seeds ; then ground, by passing betwixt
two small grooved rollers, turned by wheels; then firmly
packed into bags, and sent home for use. Cotton should be
planted in June, and it will be ripe in March. It is a very
unprofitable plant. The bark makes a shining soft flax.

116. SlDA RHOMBIFOLIA, L. CommOh Br001)l-WCC(l.

Dr Grainger calls this species of plants the American
clock, as they expand their petals at eleven, and again shut
them by two in the afternoon. This does not hold true in
all the plants of this denomination, and seems to depend on
the weather as well as the time of the day.

There are many of the mallow kind called broom-weed,
from the similitude of their flowers ; from their being cut and
tied for broom ; and from their being in use for scouring houses
and washing Negroes1 clothes. Pounded and squeezed, they
yielda mucilaginous juice, which, on mixing with any greasy
substance in clothes, &c. answers all the purposes of soap.

117' Malva spicata., L. — White Broom-meed.

This grows in pastures, fences, and waste grounds, rising
sometimes four feet high. The leaves are of a light green co-
1 x2

29^ EXTRACTS FROM

lour ; the small yellow blossoms grow thickly in a spike ; the
pods are small, and the seeds resemble in form others of this-
genus. I suppose it to have similar virtues with other mal-
vaceous plants.

The bark makes strong white hemp.

DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

118. Erythrina corallodendron, L. — Bean Tree,

The bean-tree is cultivated in gardens, and is as tall as a
cherry-tree : as it is shady, and of quick growth, it is likewise
planted around ponds, to prevent the evaporation of the water
by the rays of the sun ; the trunk and branches are knotty and
prickly ; the leaves are broad, and of a lively green. In
May and June the tree is full of beautiful red blossoms ; the
pods and seeds very small.

Bean-trees are of speedy growth, and chiefly planted for
ornament. We are strangers to their medicinal virtues.

119. Hedysarum canescen9, L. — Fever Weed.

We find this plant in fences or thickets, either creeping on
the ground, or supported by bushes. The leaves are of a
light green colour ; the blossoms are pale red, and grow in a
spike : the pods are jointed, and feel rough ; they stick to
people's clothes : the seeds are flat.

A tea made of the leaves is said to be diaphoretic, and su-
dorific ; it is given in colds and slight fevers by the lower
sort of people here.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 293

120. Cyti6us cajan. — Pigeon Pen.

In Jamaica arc found as great a variety of the bean and
pea tribe as in any part of the world. As there is nothing-
very remarkable in these, we shall pass them over ; and in this
place only take notice of the Pigeon Pea tree or bush, grow-
ing to ten or twelve feet high. It has woody trunks and
branches, with pretty leaves, of a light green colour: the flowers
are numerous, pretty large, and of a bright yellow ; the plant,
for the most part, is continually in bloom. The pods gene-
rally contain four peas, of the size of garden peas; when
green, they are very fine ; and when ripe, make good soup.

A decoction of the leaves is deemed vulnerary and restrin-
gent, and serviceable in uterine hemorrhage and weaknesses ;
outwardly, it is often of use in ophthalmic cases.

121. Abrus pkbcatokiuSj var. melanosperma, L. — Black
Liquorice Vetch.

This grows in copses, and the leaves and blossoms are
so like the bead-vine, that the one cannot be distinguished
from the other till the seeds are ripe.

These vetches are of a shining black colour, with yellow
eyes.

122. Indigofera tinctoria, L. — Indigo Plant.

The indigo plant grows wild in many parts of this island.
It rises from four to six feet high. The stalks are woody,
the leaves are of a bluish green colour ; the blossoms grow in
a spike, and are pale red, small, numerous, and beautiful :
the pods are small, black, and curved, containing small seeds,
like the grains of gunpowder.

In former days, the indigo planters here got soon rich ;

294 EXTRACTS FROM

but a piece of bad policy took place : a heavy duty was laid ou
this commodity, and the consequence was, that the manufac-
turer found that the indigo was by no means worth his while.
The duty is now taken off, and a few adventurers have be-
gun again to make this article, which we were of late years
obliged to buy from other nations.

There seems to be no great art in making indigo. The
plant at three months old being cut, is put into a clean vat,
with as much water as will cover it for a night, or less, if the
weather is hot. The green water is strained off into a clean
vessel, and beaten two hours with a churn-staff, adding by
degrees one-sixth part of clean lime-water. The blue liquor
is allowed to settle ; the clear liquor being drained off by a
plug, and thrown away. The thick blue mass is put into Os-
naburgh bags to drain ; it is then spread on flat vessels to dry
in the shade, and is afterwards formed into shining round
cakes.

This plant ferments surprisingly soon, and becomes offen-
sive. No wonder the labourers are unhealthy, since, by the
old method, it was steeped three days.

123. Hedysarum canescens, L. — French. Honeysuckle, or Fever

Weed.

This plant has woody stems of a brown colour, ternate
leaves, and pale red blossoms growing on a spike. The pods
are rough and jointed, each joint containing a flat seed.

The country people make an infusion by way of tea, of
the leaves of this plant, and use it for a sweat in colds, and in
the beginning of inflammatory fevers ; but I am afraid to no
good purpose, since commonly in these disorders the blood is
huffy, and the patient requires large bleeding, evacuations,
and dilutions.

It is a vulgar error, and to it I believe the destruction of
many a patient i* owing, that the blood of people within tl><

Dli WRIGHTS HERBARIA. 295

tropics is thin and dissolved. From many years1 residence in
the West Indies, I can aver, that buff'y blood is just as fre-
quent here as in any other climate whatsoever ; and requires
bleeding freely and repeatedly, to conquer the viscidity.

124. Cassia Cham/ecrista, L. — Bastard Sensitive Plant.

The larger bastard sensitive plant grows in low moist
grounds, and in low, level, cane-piece intervals, rising to two
feet. The stem is herbaceous, and without prickles; the
leaves like those of the tamarinds, contract on being touch-
ed ; the flowers arc yellow, and irregularly pentapetalous ;
the cods arc brown, flat, and contain three or four veniform
black seeds.

Dr Isaiah Burgess, who practised many years in the
West Indies, discovered this plant to be a powerful antidote
against vegetable and fish poisons.

It will hardly be credited, nor do I affirm it for an entirely
established fact, that every part of this plant above ground
is poisonous, and that all below the earth is a powerful anti-
dote against all vegetable and fish poisons, as well as against
the poison of the leaves and stems of the same plant. I have
had, however, frequent opportunities of experiencing its power-
ful effects in cases where vegetable poison had been given.

The symptoms of vegetable poison, arc a loss of appetite
and colour, weariness, universal pains, soreness in the breast,
difficulty of breathing, burning at the pit of the stomach,
voiding of blood up and down and vomiting of green pora-
cious bile : followed sometimes by a sudden, but often by a
languishing, death. Some of our dexterous Africans are said
to dose out their baneful secrets, so as to poison in a few
days, months, or years ; and this they practise not on their
owners only, but on each other, of which too many melancholy
instances have happened of late years. Whenever I suspect
poison, I prepare a decoction of a handful of the washed roots

296 EXTRACTS FROM

of this plant, boiled from three to two quarts of water, and
give a large wine-glassful of it, warm, every hour, if urgent
symptoms appear, or as often as may be thought necessary, to
complete a cure. Several cases have occurred where poison
had certainly been given ; and I have had the satisfaction to
observe, that the first glass gave immediate relief; a few more
obviated every dangerous symptom, and the patient was re-
stored to perfect health. If former poison is suspected, this
pleasant decoction may be used for common drink.

SYNGENES1A POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA.

125. Artemisia similis, Ambrosia elatior, L.
Wild Wormwood.

This grows in pasture grounds, from four to six feet high ;
it has woody stems, many branches, finely compounded leaves,
and many small blossoms and seeds.

It resembles common wormwood ; has a pleasant smell, but
no bitter taste : we only use it in fomentations and poultices.

126. Partheniuim hysterophorum, L. — Wild Parsley.

This is a common weed in gardens, and other cultivated
grounds; it is two feet high, has compound light coloured
leaves, many small button-like flowers, and small black seeds.
It is used in fomentations, or beaten up with lime-juice, to
deterge foul ulcers.

127. Convsa odqrata, L. — Wild Tobacco.

The fox-leaf, or wild tobacco, grows by the road-side, or
in bushy pastures, to ten or twelve feet high : the stalks are
woody ; the leaves are broad, rough, and of the colour of

DR WMGHT's HERBARIA. 297

saae, with somewhat of its smell ; the blossoms are red, and
the ripe seeds are wafted by their down with the wind.

The fox-leaf is used in fomentations, and applied otftward-
ly in sore throats.

The putrid sore throat is at this time (July) epidemic, and
has proved fatal to many, particularly to children. I find
my neighbouring practitioners treat the disorder, by frequent
bleedings, purges, blisters, and the bark : these, instead of
relieving, generally hurry the patient off' the stage. I am
happy in being successful by a small single bleeding, very
gentle laxatives or glysters, a constant use of antimonial wine,
gargles of infusion of roses and lime-juice with common salt;
I suffer no nurse either to use the finger, or a stick with a rag,
to wash their tender throats : in a few days the white slough
separates, and the cure is finished by the bark.

SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA NECESSARIA.

128. Coreopsis bidens, L. — Spanish-Necdhweed.

This plant has herbaceous stems, compound dark-green
leaves ; flowers very like camomile, and numerous needle-like
seeds. It grows in fences, and shady places ; has a strong
turpentine smell, and is used by the common people in ptisans
and glysters for nephritic disorders, and in bellyachs attended
with strangury.

MONCECIA MONANDRIA.

129. Cynomorium Jamaicense, Sn:

This plant is found in woodlands, in the months of April

298 EXTRACTS FROM

and May only. It is four inches high, solid, thicker than a
man's thumb, and of a blood-red colour.

In a recent state, several pentapetalous florets may be ob-
served growing on the sides.

The fungus melitensis has long been recommended as a mild
and safe astringent. I have seen its good effects in checking
watery purgings and dysenteries, when the inflammatory
symptoms have first been taken off. A dose in powder, or
in decoction, from one to two drachms is sufficient. Infused
in wine or spirits, it makes a rough tincture, which, when add-
ed to tincture of Peruvian bark, becomes a noble medicine
in weaknesses of the stomach and bowels.

MONCECIA PENTANDRIA.

130- Amaiianthus sanguinkus, L. — Bleeding Hearts.

Spanish caliloo, or my love-lies-bleedings is cultivated in
gardens and in provision grounds. The plant is four feet
high, has herbaceous stems, red leaves, and beautiful purple
blossoms; the seeds are small, black, and shining, like the
grains of gunpowder glazed.

When the plant is cut young it makes excellent greens,
and the young stems are as good as asparagus.

131. Amaiianthus viitmis. — L. While Caliloo.

Caliloo is an Indian name for the sundry plants of this fi-
gure. This species grows wild in newly cultivated lands, and
cane-piece intervals. Its figure is like the former, only the
leaves and blossoms arc green. It is used in the same way,
and grows to the same height.

m; witKiirj s iikkbauia il\)\)

132. Amaranthus spinosus. — L. Cane-Piece Cdlihot

This is chiefly met with in canc-piccc intervals ; it is one
or two feet high, has red prickly stems; leaves lightly green,
and blossoms white and brown. The seeds are black as the
above.

This is the most common and readiest green in use here,
and by some is preferred to spinach. It is often an ingredient
in our celebrated pepper-pot.

MONCECIA POLYANDRIA.

133. Arum grandifolium, Jacq.— Wild Sarsaparilla, m
Cubeso Withe.

Jamaica sarsaparilla, or Cubeso withe, grows in swampy
woodlands ; it runs up trees, and clings round them by small
lateral fibres ; the leaves are broad, shining, and of a light
green colour ; the blossoms, a spadix growing out of a spa-
tha, and resembling those of the eddoes and dumb-cane \ the
seeds are numerous, and of an irregular figure.

The trunk is grey, jointed, and two inches in diameter ;
when cut, a thick white balsam runs out, which smells like
turpentine. From the lower extremity of this trunk issue
many brown roots, which reach from the tops of the highest
trees to the ground ; by these the plant is partly nourished,
and partly by the earth about its trunk, accumulated by the
rotten leaves, ants, &c.

If it is allowed that sarsaparilla decoction has any other vir-
tue, besides being a diluent, tepid and farinaceous drink, to
accompany the use of mercurial alterative medicines, — then
it will readily be allowed that this plant possesses those qua-
lities in a more eminent degree, on account of its strong smell

300 EXTRACTS FROM

and taste. In fact, we find it so, and are at no expence in
getting it.

MONCECIA MONADELPHIA.

134. CUCURBITA LAGENABIA, L. — Gourd.

We have a great variety of gourds. They differ in size,
shape, and virtue.

The large gourd, when freed of its pulp and seeds, will
hold from six to ten gallons of water. The Negroes make an
instrument of it somewhat like a guitar, which they call a
Banga, and play many tunes on it, not indeed very harmo-
niously.

Some gourds are shaped like bottles ; some are cylindrical,
and serve for powder-horns. The small round gourds are
the Cacumis colocynthis, or bitter gourd, of Linnaeus, and
grow wild in many parts of the country. Their drastic juice
is used by some people to remove obstructions of the catame-
niae. Lewd wenches have been known to procure abortion
by a large dose of the juice of these plants.

135. Cucumis Anguria, L. — Wild Pompion.

The fruit,, when ripe, is yellow, feels soft, and has an un-
common smell, resembling spirit of nitre, but not so agree-
able, for when held up to the mouth or nose, it is apt to excite
nausea and vomiting.

The vines of the wild pompion wither so soon as the fruit
is ripe.

The birds and ants eat the pulp before the fruit falls.

DR WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 301

13(5. Hura crepitans, L.— Sand-Box Tree.

The sand-box tree grows to the size of a cherry-tree. The
leaves are of a lively green. The blossoms, both male and
female, grow on one tree, and often on the same twig. The
fruit is round and flat, and its pericarpium is divided into
many regular compartments, each containing a flat seed or
kernel, which tastes like an almond, but it is said to be emetic.
The pericarpium is often converted into sand-boxes.

137. Momordica charantia, L — Sarasee Vine.

This vine is planted by, and runs in, fences and bushes.
The leaves are numerous, and of a light-green colour ; the
blossoms yellow ; the fruit shaped like a cucumber, but rough
and prickly. When ripe, it is soft and yellow, and has many
red smooth seeds.

The fruit is sweet, and anthelminthic, as are also the leaves
boiled in broth.

DICECIA MONANDRIA.
138. Brosimum Alicastrum, Sw. — Bread-Nut Tree.

This tall, shady, and beautiful tree grows on rocky lands,
principally on the north side of Jamaica. The trunk is straight,
grey, and scaly ; the leaves smooth, shining, and of a deep
green ; the blossoms pale yellow, and like a button. The
fruit is yellow, and of the size of a plum ; besides a thin
layer or sweet pulp, it contains a round nut seemingly divided
in the middle.

Of late we had three successive years of dry weather ; per-
haps a greater drought was never experienced in this or any
other country. The canes were withered and dried up, so that

3

302 EXTRACTS FROM

in several parishes hardly any sugar was made. Our ground
provisions, as plantains, yams, cocoes, cassada, ike. failed, and
a famine would, in all probability, have ensued, had we not
been seasonably relieved each year by the falling of the bread-
nuts, which were carefully gathered, dried, and put up for
use. These nuts being boiled and skinned, taste somewhat
intermediate between a potato and a bean, and eaten with
fish or salt, prove a very nourishing food.

The dry weather also burnt up our pastures ; not a pile of
grass was to be seen, except under the shade of trees and
bushes. Our cattle and stock died in large numbers and
tainted the air with noxious exhalations. In short nothing
seemed to prosper but dogs, the carrion crow, and the vulture
of Brazil.

Bread-nut leaves are excellent food for horses and cattle ;
but in dry seasons they are bitter and gummy, and do not seem
to answer without a mixture of other food.

The heart- wood of the bread-nut tree is often hollow. The
rest is red like mahogany; is very solid and ponderous, and will
take a fine polish ; it has lately come into great repute for ca-
binet work.

DICECIA DIANDRIA.

139. Ckcropia peltata, L. — The Trumpet Tree, or Snakc-ivood.

In loose lands, which have been in culture, this tree is very
common ; it grows as high as fifty feet. The trunk is grey,
and adorned with annular circles, at every six or eight inches,
which correspond with so many woody divisions in the hollow
middle part.

The leaves are broad, and white underneath, but green on
their upper part. The young buds are sometimes used as
greens.

DJ{ wkKJHT'k HERBARIA SU2

The fruit is a long fleshy calkin, not unlike long' pepper,
and disposed in clusters of from four to fifteen. The llorets
are invisible to the naked eye. The seeds are numerous, and
exactly like long pepper. The fruit is eaten by some people,
and by most birds.

The bark is tough, and is twisted into cordage, for planta-
tion use ; but it soon rots with water.

140. Viscum verticillatum, L. — Black Berried Mistletoe.

This species of mistletoe is generally found on the alligator
pear tree, which in time it destroys by its weight.

The leaves are of a light- green colour ; the flowers small
and red ; the berries oval shaped, small, black, and shining.

Mistletoe is supposed to be a specific in the epilepsy. Dr
Hillary recommends that which grows on the lime-tree as an
excellent astringent in fluxes.

141. Viscum opuntioides, L. — Mistletoe.

This is found on the highest trees, and particularly on the
bastard cedar. It has narrow conjugated branches, with
blossoms and berries as the above.

DIGECIA TET RANDRIA.
142. Morus tinctokia, L. — Fustick Tree-

Fu stick trees are sometimes of a great size, and arc very
shady ; the external bark is grey and rough ; and, on wound-
ing the tree, a bitter yellow juice runs out.

The male flowers are small and green, in long crooked
catkins. Those of the female are round. Fustick berries arc
round, and of the size of a rasp-berry ; they are soft, green,
and have a cloying sweet taste.

304 EXTRACTS FROM

The wood has long been known as a dye, and it is a very
useful timber for mill-rollers, naves for wheels, &c.

The leaves of this mulberry are of a deep-green; they might
be used for feeding silk-worms, and, were skilful people em-
ployed, would turn to good account. At present we are in_
tent on making sugar, rum, and the other staple articles al-
ready known, nor do we care to go beyond our depth.

DKECIA PENTANDRIA.

143. Antidesjia Alexiteria, L — Murjo, or Billet Bush.

The murjo or bitter bush is frequent in pastures and sa-
vannahs, and grows to ten or twelve feet high. The bark is
of a grey colour, the wood is soft, and of little use. The leaves
are numerous, smooth, shining, and of a rusty colour. The
blossoms are very small, and grow in a pendulous raceme.
The berries are at first red, afterwards black, growing in clus-
ters, and having a very good appearance. Their taste is ex-
ceedingly bitter, as is that of the leaves. Of these a decoction
is given internally in bad habits for the cure of external ul-
cers. They are no doubt antiseptic ; and, by strengthening
the stomach, good juices will be sent into the blood. They
are likewise applied by way of fomentation and poultice to
foul and ill disposed ulcers, with very good effect.

DICECIA HEXANDRIA.
144. Smilax Pseudo-China, L. — China Root.

China root grows in moist woodlands. The stem is green,
strong, flexible, and jointed every eight or ten inches. Theleaves
are of a shining green colour. The root is well known in the

mi w right's herbaria. 305

shops, and might here be employed in alterative decoctions,
did we not come at it on such moderate term-.

DKECIA DEC ANURIA.
145. Cahica Pm'.u \, L. — Fopani Tree.

This tree is of speedy growth, bearing fruit in less than
a year, and being often fifteen or twenty feet high.

The trunk is grey, has a large pith in the middle, and
when dry the wood is of a reticular form, and good for no-
thing. Towards the top it sends off long spreading leaves,
in form of an umbrella. The blossoms grow amongst the
leaves ; those of the male are long and branching, those of the
female short and fleshy.

The popaw fruit is as large, and of the same shape, colour,
and taste, as a musk melon. The seeds are enveloped in a
jelly, and, on being disengaged from it, look like the grains
of black pepper. They taste like the garden cress.

However salutary when taken into the stomach, the juice of
the fruit, or that from the body of the tree, when inoculated
into the blood, produces palsy, with obstructions of the liver.,
and of the other viscera, which are very difficult to cure.

If a piece of tough meat be washed with water in which
the popaw has been infused, it makes it very tender and deli-
cate.

POL YG AMI A MONGECIA.

146. Mimosa scanuens, L. — The Cacoon, or Mafouloo JVithet

This climber arises from a brown spongy trunk, as thick
as a man's thigh. It runs up, and covers the highest trees,
and running from one to another, extends over some acres of

u

306 EXTRACTS FROM

woodlands. The leaves are numerous, and of a shining
green. The blossoms are yellow, and grow in spikes.

The pods are very large, a yard in length, and four inches
broad, containing sundry large beans, of a hard texture, and
a smooth brown surface.

The beans are sometimes used by the Negroes ; they break
the hard shell, roast the woody kernel, then soak it some days
in water ; and, lastly, boil it in a pot, beat it into paste, and
use it as food.

The bean or nut is supposed to be an antidote against
poison, and pain of the stomach. We have before observed
how little credit is due to such assertions.

147- Mimosa. — Wild Tamarinds.

There is no tree more common in our woods than the ta-
marind tree, and few or none so beautiful in its foliage.
The height and thickness is considerable ; the outer bark is
tough and grey ; the wood is hard and solid, it takes a good
polish, and is one of the best building timbers we have in this
country ; the blossoms are white and globular ; the pods
long, crooked, and of a scarlet colour, containing five or
six, black, soft, and shining beans.

148. Mimosa. — Wild Tamarind, or Shag Bark.

This differs very little from the preceding, except in its
feaves, which are a little broader, and its wood whiter.
It is a fine timber for building.

])lt WRIGHT'S HERBARIA. 307

CRYPTOGAMIA FILICES.

149. CVATHEA AIIBOREA, 8w.

The tribe of ferns is very numerous here; none seems to
merit so much attention as the fern tire. It is found in
woody shaded places, and is twenty feel high. The trunk is
rough, jointed, and hard, and has a large pulp in the middle.
Towards the top, it sends oft' beautiful long leaves, and looks
like an umbrella.

( 308 )

BOTANICAL AND MEDICAL ACCOUNT

OF THE

QUASSIA SIMARUBA,

OR TREE WHICH PRODUCES THE CORTEX SIMARUBA.

[This paper was originally read before the Philosophical Society of
Edinburgh, August 6. 1778. It was afterwards printed in the
second volume of the Transactions of the Royal Society of
Edinburgh, Part II. page 73.]

An Historical Account of the Simaruba Bark.

Xhe first knowledge we had of the Cortex simaruba, was in
the year 1713. Some of it was sent to France to M. i.e
Compte de Porchartrafn, the Secretary of State, as the
bark of a tree, called by the natives Simarouba, which they
employed with good success in dysentery.

In 1741, M. Geoffroy, in speaking of this bark, says,
" Est cortex radicis arboris ignotae in Guiana nascentis, et ab
incolis Simaruba nuncupatae: colons est ex albo-flavescentis,
nullo odore preditus, saporis subamari, lentiscentibus fibris
constans, candido, levissimo, insipidoque, radicum, stipitum,
truncique ligno haerens, a quo facile separatur.'"

In 1753 and 1760, Linn.eus makes the simaruba to be a
species of pistacia, or the Terebinthinus major, betulse corticey
fructu triangulari, of Sloan. Jam. 289- t. 99.

OF THE QUASSIA SIMAIiUBA. 309

In 1756, Dr Patrick Browne published his Civil and
Natural History of Jamaica. At page 345, he describes the
terebinthinus, or birch and turpentine tree. The barkt>f the
roots (says he) is thought to be the simarouba of the shops.

In 1763, Linn eus makes the simaruba to be the Burscra
gummifera, and refers to the pistacia of former editions of the
Species Plantarum, and to Browne and Sloan, as above
cited. In the Appendix, a reference is made to the terebin-
thinus Americana polyphylla. Commelin, Hort. i. p. 149,
and to Catesby's gum elemi tree.

M. Jacquin visited all the West India Islands, and made
many discoveries of new plants. He examined the roots of the
Burscra gummifera, and found their bark very different from
the simaruba bark.

In 1772, I employed all my spare hours in examining the
plants of Jamaica. In this delightful walk of science, I dis-
covered and ascertained many hundreds of new plants which
had escaped the diligence of former botanists, — amongst
others, the tree which produces the simaruba bark.

In 1773, specimens of the fructification were sent in spirits,
accompanied with a botanical account of the tree, to my late
worthy friend Dr Hope, Professor of Botany in the Univer-
sity of Edinburgh ; also some dried bark from the roots.
The following year specimens, with similar descriptions, were
transmitted to my late learned and valuable friend Dr John
Fothergill, of London, who sent them to the celebrated
LiNN.KUs, at Upsal, as appears by Professor Murray's Ap-
paratus Medicaminum, vol. hi. p. 458*, article Simaruba.
Dr Fothergill caused elegant drawings to be made of this

* Qualis vera ejusdem arbor sit, jamjam Aubletii iiulagine cognosci-
raus, ut tamen ct mihi monerc incumbat, CI. Linx.i.um equitem, litteris
jam anno 1770 ineunte, mihi datis, antequam Aubletii elegantissimum
opus illi innotesceret, signifieasse, simarubam quassia- species a se haberi.
llle autem simaruba? cortex quo CI. WaiGHT, arborem in Jamaica, vrul-
garem vestitam esse innuit; pariter in alvi profluviis efficaci, &c.

310 BOTANICAL AND MEDICAL ACCOUNT

plant ; and these drawings I now have the honour of present-
ing to the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

It is here proper to remark, that this paper was read be-
fore the Philosophical Society of this place, and committed
for publication in 1778. At the time when that Society ob-
tained the Royal Charter, I chanced to be abroad. On my
return to Edinburgh, I withdrew the communication to cor-
rect, and add to my account of this important article of ma-
teria medica.

Description of the Tree.

The tree now to be described is common in all the wood-
lands in Jamaica. It grows to a great height and considerable
thickness. The trunks of the old trees are black and a little
furrowed. Those of the young trees smooth and grey, with
here and there a broad yellow spot,

The inside bark of the trunk and branches is white, fibrous,
and tough. It tastes slightly bitter. On cutting or stripping
off this bark, no milky juice issues, as has been mentioned by
various authors.

The wood is hard and useful for buildings. It splits free-
ly, and makes excellent staves for sugar hogsheads. It has
no sensible bitter taste.

The branches are alternate and spreading.

The leaves are numerous and alternate. On the upper
side they are smooth, shining, and of a deep green colour.
On the under side they are white.

The flowers appear about the beginning of April : they arc
of a yellow colour, and placed on spikes beautifully branched.

The fruit is of that kind called a Drupa, and is ripe towards
the end of May. It is of an oval shape, is black, smooth,
and shining. The pulp is fleshy and soft ; the taste a nau-
seous sweet. The nut is flattened, and on one side winged.
The kernel is small, flat, and tastes sweet.

OF THE QUASSIA SIMARUBA. 311

The natural number of these drupae is five on each com-
mon receptacle ; but, for the most part, there are only two or
three ; the rest abort by various accidents.

The roots are thick, and run superficially under the surface
of the ground to a considerable distance. The bark is rough,
scaly, and warted. The inside, when fresh, is a full yellow,
but when dry paler. It has but little smell. The taste is
bitter, but not very disagreeable. This is the true Cortex
simarubec of the shops.

This tree is known in Jamaica by the names of Mountain
Damson, Bitter Damson, and Stave Wood. The shops are
supplied with this bark from Guiana ; but now we may have
it from our own islands at a moderate expence.

On examining the fructification, I found this tree to be a
species of Quassia. Under that name I sent it to Europe,
and Linn.eus adopted it into his system.

There are male flowers on one tree and female flowers on
another ; and this is invariably the case in Jamaica.

Sensible Qualities of Cortex Simarubae.

I can discover no astringency in the Cortex simaruba?, ei-
ther by the taste or by the various tests to which I subjected
it. Nor is there any mucilaginous quality to be perceived in
the recent bark, or in the decoction of that which has been
dried.

Its Medicinal Virtues in General.

Most authors who have written on the Simaruba, agree
that in fluxes it restores the lost tone of the intestines, allays
their spasmodic motions, promotes the secretions by urine
and perspiration, removes that lowness of spirits attending
dysenteries, anil disposes the patient to sleep ; the gripes and
tenesmus are taken off, and the stools arc changed to their

312 BOTANICAL AND MEDICAL ACCOUNT

natural colour and consistence. In a moderate dose, it oc-
casions no disturbance or uneasiness ; but in large doses it
produces sickness at stomach and vomiting. Negroes are less
affected by it than white people.

Preparation of Simaruba Bark.

The simaruba bark yields its qualities to water, either in
cold infusion or in decoction. I prefer the latter. Physi-
cians have prescribed the bark in different quantities ; but it
seems now agreed that the following proportion is the best:
Two drachms simaruba bark, boiled from twenty-four
ounces of water to twelve ounces, then strained.

This is divided into three equal parts, and the whole ta-
ken in twenty-four hours.

When the stomach is reconciled to it, three drachms may be
boiled in the same quantity of water, and taken as above
mentioned. Some join aromatics to the decoction of this bark,
others give a few drops of laudanum with each dose. The
decoction is to be drank daily till the disorder is cured, which
sometimes happens in a few days, and at other times it may
require weeks to perfect a cure.

Of the eff'eets^qf Simaruba in particular Diseases.

Having thus'treated of the simaruba in general, I am now
to mention its use and effects more particularly in different
diseases, and first in the dysentery. In the years 1718 and
1 723, an epidemic flux prevailed in France, and swept off a
great number of people of all ages and of both sexes. This
disorder not only resisted all the medicines given, but was
aggravated by small doses of ipecacuanha, the mildest pur-
gatives, and all astringents. The disorder was happily cured
by the simaruba. 3

<>l THE (ilASSIA SLMARl'liA. 313

M. Jussiki used this bark for fifteen years in obstinate
dysenteries with great success : and continued its exhibition,
although the eatanienia in women, or hemorrhage frorg .piles
in men, occurred during the cure.

Modern physicians have found from experience, that this
medicine is only successful in the third stage of dysentery,
where there is no fever, where, too, the stomach is no way
hurt, and where the gripes and tenesmus are only continued
by a weakness of the bowels. In such cases, Dr D. Monro
gave two or three ounces of the decoction every five or six
hours, with four or iive drops of laudanum, and found it a
very useful remedy.

The late Sir John Pringle, Dr Huck Saunders, and
many others, prescribed the cortex simaruba in old and ob-
stinate dysenteries and diarrhoeas, especially those brought
from warm climates. Fluxes of this sort, which were brought
home from the sieges of Martinico and the Havannah, were
completely and speedily cured by this bark. The urine,
which in those cases had been high coloured and scanty, was
now voided in great abundance, and perspiration restored.
Dr James Lino, at Haslar Hospital, says, that the sima-
ruba produced these effects sooner, and more certainly, when
given in such quantity as to nauseate the stomach. Dr Huck
Saunders remarks, that if the simaruba did not give relief
in three days, he expected little benefit from its farther use ;
but others have found it efficacious in fluxes, after a conti-
nued use for several weeks. Authors have cautioned us
against the use of this bark, where the intestines are ulcerated,
and disposed to cancer after fluxes.

In diarrhoeas from absorption of pus, the simaruba has
given relief; the former discharge from such ulcers was re-
stored, and the pus meliorated.

Lientcria itself, and even hepatic fluxes, have been cured
by the simaruba, after other medicines were tried without
success. Vide Act. Natur. Curios, torn. ii. p. 80-82.

314 BOTANICAL AND MEDICAL ACCOUNT

In putrid fevers, as we are told, attended with coldness of
the extremities, colliquative sweats and stools, and great de-
jection of spirits, this bark performed wonders, and many re-
covered by its use. Vide Roupe de Morbis Navigantium,
p. 311.

Habitual colics, with bloody stools, attended with fever and
delirium, have been radically cured by the simaruba bark.

Immoderate fluxes of the menses and from piles, have been
happily stopped by this medicine; and it would appear, from
some late trials, that fluor albus has been remedied by the
same bark.

De Haen found the simaruba to be an excellent vermi-
fuge, and used it with success in diseases depending on worms,
particularly fluzes.

My own experience, and that of many living friends, are
convincing proofs to me of the efficacy of this medicine ; and
I hope the simaruba bark will soon be in more general use

QUASSIA SIMARUBA.

Flos masculus.

Cal. Perianthium monophyllum, parvum, quinquefidum, den-

ticulis ovatis, erectis.
Cor. Petala quinque, sessilia, sequalia, lanceolata, subrevoluta.,

calyce triplo longiora, calyci inserta. Ncciarium ex squa-

mis decern ovatis, villosis basi filamentorum interiori in-

sertis.

Stam. Filamenta decern, nliforniia, eequalia, longitudine co-
rollac. Antherai oblongae, incumbentes ; in centro floris
corpus carnosum, orbiculatum, decern sulcatum.

PistiUum nullum.

or THE QUASSIA SIMAUUBA. 315

Fl,09 FEMINEUS.

Calyx et Corolla ut in llore masculo.

Pistillum. Gerniina quinque subrotunda, introrsum coalita.

Stylus cylindraceus, erectus, quinque partitus longitudine

corollic. Stigmata subulata, recurvata, persistentia.
Pericarpium. Drupac quinque laterales, distantes, receptaculo

orbiculatOj carnoso insertac.
Scmina. Nux oblongo-ovata, acuminata, unilocularis. Nucleus

compressus.

Inflorescentia.

Panicula composita. Pedieellis subjicitur stipula lanceolata
petiolata. Foba alternato-pinnata. Foliola oblonga, ob-
tusa, nitida, integra, basi attcnuata, subsessilia, costis la-
teralibus nervosis.

( 316 )

ON THE

POTATO

[This paper appeared originally in the Communications to the
Board of Agriculture. It was afterwards reprinted, London,
8vo. 1795, in the Report of the Committee appointed by the
Board, to extract information from the County Reports con-
cerning the Culture and Use of Potatoes.]

Solanum tuberosum, L. — Common Potato.

History. — The potato is a native of America, and was well
known to the Indians, long before the conquest of Mexico
and Peru. Gomara, in his General History of the Indies,
and Josephus Acosta, are amongst the early Spanish wri-
ters who have mentioned the potato by the Indian names,
Opcnanch, pape and papas. Clusius, and after him Gerakd,
gave figures of the potato plant. Gerard was the first au-
thor who gave it the name Solanum tuberosum, which Lin-
n.eus and his followers adopted.

In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh, so celebrated for his
worth, his valour, and his misfortunes, discovered that part
of America called Norembega, and by him named Virginia-
Whether the Admiral was acquainted with the potato in his
first voyage, or whether it was sent to him by Sir Tiioma>
Grenville, or Mr Lane, the first Governor of Virginia, is

ON THE POTATO. 'i 1 7

uncertain. It is probable he was possessed of this root about
the year 1586. He is said to have given it to his gardener
in Ireland, as a fine fruit from America, which he desired
him to plant in his kitchen-garden in the spring. In August
the plant flowered, and in September produced a fruit, but
so different to the gardener's expectation, that, in an ill hu-
mour, he carried the potato-apple to his master, " Is this1"
(said he), " the fine fruit from America you prized so high-
ly ?" Sir AVai.teu either was or pretended to be ignorant of
the matter, and told the gardener, since that was the case, to
dig up the weed, and throw it away. The gardener soon
returned with a good parcel of potatoes.

Gerard, an old English botanist, received seedling's of
the potato about the year 1590, and tells us that it grew as
kindly in his garden as in its native soil Virginia. The plant
was cultivated in the gardens of the nobility and gentry, early
in the last century, as a curious exotic, and towards the end of
it (1684), it was planted out in the fields, in small patches,
in Lancashire : from thence it was gradually propagated all
over the kingdom, as well as in France.

In 1683, Sutherland has the Solanum tuberosum in his
Hortus Medicus Edinburgensis ; and it is probable that many
others in Scotland cultivated the potato in their gardens about
that time. It was not, however, cultivated in open fields in
Scotland till the year 1728, when Thomas Prentice, a day-
labourer, first cultivated potatoes at Kilsyth. The success
was such, that every farmer and cottager followed his ex-
ample, and for many years past it has become a staple article,
Thomas Prentice, by his industry, had saved L. 200 Ster-
ling, which he sunk for double interest : upon this he sub-
sisted for many years, and died at Edinburgh in 1792, aged
86 years.

Culture. — After the number of able reports to the Society
of Agriculture, and the notices in many of the statistical

318 OX THE POTATO.

accounts from the clergy in Scotland, nothing scarcely new
can be said on the subject. I need only remark, that this
exotic thrives as well in Europe as it does in America. In
this island particularly, it is quite at home, and there is
hardly a soil, but, with a little pains, may be made to produce
the potato. In dry seasons, when the crop of corn falls short,
the potato is most abundant *. The potato may be cultivat-
ed in every habitable part of the globe, but with various suc-
cess. The heat of the West Indies is too great for it, but
in Jamaica and other mountainous islands, where they have
all climates, I have seen the potato in great perfection.

Use.-— On account of the potato being a species of Solan um
or Nightshade, there were many who were prejudiced against
it, alleging that it was narcotic. In Burgandy, we find the
culture and use of potatoes in food, interdicted as a poisonous
and mischievous root ; amongst other effects, it was accused of
occasioning leprosy and dysentery. Potatoes exposed to the
sun and weather for a few days, acquire a green colour, a
bitter taste, and a narcotic quality. In this state they are
not fit for eating. But there is not the smallest foundation
for the other allegations. Prejudice and ignorance have long
yielded to experience and truth, and ail mankind at this day
agree that there is no food more wholesome, more easily pro-
cured, or less expensive, than the potato. It constitutes the
chief article of food to vast numbers of people, and may be
converted to the support of all domestic animals and poultry,
whether raw, boiled, or roasted.

Potato-Flour. — In the simple analysis of the potato, we
find it is composed of three distinct and essential principles, 1st,
A mucilaginous juice, which has no peculiar properties. 2dly,
A fibrous light and grey coloured matter, like that contained

* Tliis is not generally the case.

ON THE VOTATO. 319

in the roots of many pot-herbs. 3dly, A dry powder, re-
sembling starch from grain.

To obtain this powder, the process is easy. The fresh po-
tatoes must be washed clean, and grated, into a clean vessel.
This pulp is next put into a hair-sieve, and mixed with cold
water, when, by repeated affusions of water, the strainings
are no longer white or milky ; what remains in the seareli
may be piit to one side. The strained liquor is suffered to
settle, and the brown coloured water drained off, and thrown
away. Repeated quantities of cold water are poured on the
white hard mass, it is well stirred up each time, and when
settled, the water is poured off, till the sediment is perfectly
white. This matter is taken out, the lumps broken down,
and put upon paper to dry. If the potato is ground by
means of a wheel-grater or cylinder, shod with a grater, the
process will be shortened. A hopper may be adapted to one
side of the grater, in such a manner as to assist in rubbing
down the potato, without putting to the hand.

This powder of the potato is obtained in different propor-
tions, according to the goodness of the potato itself. At an
average, two ounces of the powder may be got from one pound
of potatoes.

Potato-flour or powder thus made, is no way different from
starch made from grain, and it answers many purposes in do-
mestic economy. Bowens's sago-powder is no other than
the starch of potatoes, as the tapioca from Brazil is the starch
of cassada. These articles are sold in the shops at an ad-
vanced price ; and as the sago-powder was laid in by Govern-
ment for the sick in ships of war, it may be now made in
any quantity, and at a trifling expence.

Potato-flour makes all sorts of pastry of a superior qua-
lity to common wheat-flour ; and, if mixed with sweet-milk,
eggs, and sugar, in due proportions, makes excellent custards
or puddings. About two years ago, Lord Duxdoxald had
loaf-bread and biscuit baked, from equal parts of common

320 ON THE POTATO.

Hour and potato-powder, but the bread was heavy, never rose
well, soon grew extremely hard, and was too expensive.

Bread of Potatoes, §c. — For the space of half a centuiy
at least, bread has been made in Jamaica from the several
sorts of yams, eddoes, and cassada ; the two former by means
of leaven, the latter with water, like oat-cakes.

In Great Britain, where malt is brewed into ale or beer,
yeast is preferable to leaven for baking bread. The most
mealy potatoes are to be chosen ; when boiled and peeled
they are beaten and rolled smooth on a table, with a rolling-
pin, then kneaded with an equal quantity of wheat-flour, witli
a sufficiency of yeast, water, and salt. This bakers call
spunge. The dough is set for a night in a warm place, and
by next morning (if the yeast is good), it will have risen, and
is ready to be made into loaves, rolls, &c.

Boiled yams or eddoes being reduced into a dough, are
mixed with an equal weight of common flour, a little pre-
pared leaven, and a sufficient quantity of salt, all well knead-
ed together. After some hours standing to ferment, the
dough is divided into rolls or loaves, and baked in the usual
manner, in an oven.

This bread is much lighter and sweeter than flour-bread,
and keeps moist for many days. All will depend on knead-
ing the dough well, and keeping it long enough in the oven,
till it is thoroughly baked.

Yeast. — This article at times is very scarce in this city.
To increase its quantity is an object of importance to the
bakers of bread. Several bakers of my acquaintance have
taken the hint from mc, and now are no way at a loss for
yeast. Potatoes boiled and skimmed are put into a sufficient
quantity of water, and boiled over a slow fire, till the whole
becomes smooth, and of the consistence of pap. To two
English gallons of this an English quart of good yeast is

<.\ THE POTATO. :J2l

added. The vessel is set in a warm plate, for twelve or six-
teen hours, when the whole becomes yeast of a good quality,
and fit for the purposes of the baker, as well as the brewer.

Biscuit of Potatoes. — To equal quantities of potato-pulp
and wheat-flour, add a very little yeast, diluted with hot
water, and for every pound a drachm of CO grains salt.
Knead the whole into a firm dough, and bake into biscuits
of the usual size. They must be long kept in the oven till
their moisture is exhaled, and, after some days' exposure to
dry, will keep for many months.

i\T. B. — If potato-powder is used instead of common flour,
the bread is proportionally improved in quality and white-
ness. k

( 32c2 )

ON THE

ANTISEPTIC VIRTUES OF

VEGETABLE ACID AND MARINE SALT
COMBINED,

IN VARIOUS DISORDERS ACCOMPANIED WITH PUTRIDITY.

[Communicated in a Letter to John Morgan, M. D., F. R. S. and
Professor of the Theory and Practice of Physic at Philadelphia.*]

Having experienced the virtues of vegetable acid and marine
salt when combined, I beg leave to lay before you a few obser-
vations on the use of this simple medicine in several diseases.
It is my sincere wish that it may prove as beneficial to man-
kind in general, as it has been to many of my patients in this
part of the country +.

Take of lime-juice or lemon-juice three ounces, of marine
salt as much as the acid will dissolve ; of any simple distilled
cordial water one pint ; and of loaf sugar a sufficient quantity
to sweeten it. The dose of this mixture must be proportioned
to the age, sex, and violence of the disease. A wine-glass-
ful may be given to adults every two, four, or six hours.

By Geoffroy"s table, it appears that the fossil alkali has a
oreater affinity with the marine than with the vegetable acid.
However, marine salt dissolves readily in the lime-juice, throws

" At the date of this communication the author resided in the Island of
Jamaica.

•{• This paper was originally published in the Transactions of the Ame-
rican Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, vol. ii. p. 284. It was afterwards
reprinted in the Medical Commentaries for the year 178G. Edinburgh,
1787, p. 189.

ON THE USE OF VEGETABLE ACIDS, &C. 32/,

up a white scum to the surface, and on applying the eat near

the vessel where the- experiment is made, a slight hissing may
be heard, similar to that when acids and alkalies are mixed.
It would seem probable that part of the marine salt is hereby
decomposed.

That vegetable acids and marine salt are antiseptics, has
long been known ; but their effects, when mixed, 1 apprehend
to be but lately discovered.

Without farther preface, I shall proceed to the particular
diseases in which they have been administered, prepared as
above.

Of the Dysentery. — The dysentery is a vfcry frequent disor-
der in this and other West India Islands ; and sometimes is
epidemic, particularly in the rainy seasons, or when provisions
are scarce. Amongst other causes of dysenteries, I have of-
ten known the eating of yams not arrived at maturity, as also
unripe alligator pears, produce a bloody Mux.

Dysenteries commonly begin with frequent loose stools for
a day or two, attended with gripings ; by degrees, the gripes
grow more severe; nothing is voided by stool but a small
quantity of mucus mixed with blood ; tenesmus comes on, and
is exceedingly troublesome.

The appetite fails, the patients are low spirited, and suffer
a great prostration of strength. The mouth and tongue are
much furred and slimy, and the taste is like that of rotten
butcher's meat. Thedesire of drinkissometimes excessive, but
for the most part very moderate. The pulse is very low, feeble
and undulating, and rarely rises so high as to indicate the
use of a lancet. Such was the dysentery in 1771. It proved
fatal to many people, both old and young, though treated
according to the most approved methods of cure, and the loss
of several patients of mine convinced me of the necessity of
using antiseptics early in this disease.

A vomit seemed necessary to clearthe stomach, and some

X 2

324 ON THE USE OF VEGETABLE ACIDS, &C.

gentle purge, to carry off' part of the offending matter by
stool. But the action of these, however mild, often increas-
ed the prostration of strength, and rendered the stools sooner
bloody. Nor was opium of any real use. A tea made of Si-
marouba, and given to some, had a very salutary effect, whilst,
if given to others, it would by no means lie on their stomachs.

From a consideration of the antiseptic quality of both the sal
marin, and of the vegetable acid, I was induced to make trial of
their effects, united in the manner above mentioned. It act-
ed like a charm, and I find that, from the use of it, the
frequency of stools, gripes and tenesmus, have soon worn off.
The stools gradually become of a natural consistence and
quantity; the spirits, strength and appetite returned, and the
patient has been restored to perfect health in a very few days.

When the dysentery was of long standing, starch clysters,
with a small portion of opium, abated the tenesmus.

This medicine was equally serviceable in diarrhoeas.

Diabetes. — -As I had succeeded so well in the cure of dysen-
teries, I was determined to try its effects in the diabetes : seve-
ral opportunities soon offered ; but as these cases were accom-
panied with other complaints, especially with fevers of the re-
mitting kind, it will be proper first to speak of

The Remittent Fever.

This, by far the most common fever within the tropics, is
the least understood, and consequently, for the most part,
badly treated. Strangers who walk much, or work hard in
the heat of the sun, are more subject to it than seasoned Euro-
peans or natives of the country.

Dr Cleghokn's description of this fever is accurate and
just — his method of cure simple and easy. Every physician
who would wish to practise with success, should be well ac-

ON THE USE OF VEGETABLE ACIDS, &C. 325

quainted with that valuable performance, as also with what
Dr Lind has said on the subject.

It is, then, sufficient here to observe, that remittent^fevers
are often attended with diarrhoeas, the diabetes, and some-
times with a copious discharge of saliva, as if mercury had
been previously given. In such circumstances, I never found
the bark of service ; a few glasses of the above mixture fully
answered the intention, not only by removing these symp-
toms, but the fever at the same time.

The Peruvian bark, afterwards, taken out of some of the
same mixture, effectually secured the patient from a return
of this dangerous malady.

The mixture rarely acted as an astringent in this or any
other disorder. But when this effect took place, the inter-
position of some lenient purge was deemed necessary.

Belly-Ache.

The belly-ache, with inflammatory symptoms, has fre-
quently occurred in the course of my practice. They yielded
with difficulty to bleeding, small doses of emetic tartar, a
mercurial pill, repeated doses of castor oil, diluting drinks
with nitre, fomentations and clysters. A copious discharge
of foetid excrement, for the most part, gives immediate re-
lief.

I have observed, in many cases, after most excruciating
belly-aches, that the stools were liquid, white, small in quan-
tity, and very foetid. The patients being worn out with pain,
grew despondent, did not care to speak, fell into cold clammy
sweats, and were very restless. They complained of an ill
taste in their mouths; their tongues were much furred; their
breath offensive, and they had a great propensity to vomit.

Formerly I attempted the relief of those threatening symp-

326 ON THE USE OF VEGETABLE ACIDS, &C.

toms with the bark, in various forms, as well as claret, and
often saved my patients ; sometimes, however, I failed of suc-
cess. When such cases fall now under my care, I have im-
mediate recourse to the antiseptic mixture, nor have I been
hitherto disappointed ; the stools becoming less frequent on
the use of it, and of a better consistence ; the cold sweats
also disappear, and the spirits soon return, together with an
appetite for food.

The Putrid Sore-Throat.

In June 1770, the putrid sore throat made considerable
havock amongst adults and children. It attacked those of a
lax habit, who for a few days had slight headaches, chilliness
and heats alternately, and an uneasiness about their throats,
but not so much as to hinder their swallowing.

On examination, the mouth, tongue, and gums, were foul
and slimy ; the tonsils and uvula covered with white specks
or sloughs ; the breath was hot and offensive, the skin felt
hot and pungent to the touch ; the pulse low and quick ; a
diarrhoea often attended, and the patients were in general
much dejected.

Antimonial wine, with cordials and nourishing diet, suc-
ceeded best, till the sloughs or spots were removed and sepa-
rated ; then the bark completed the cure. When a diarrhoea
accompanied this disorder, I gave the mixture with success.

In all disorders where a gargle is necessary, I make use of
the above mixture in preference to any other, and I find it
speedily cleanses the tongue, gums, and fauces, and sweetens
the breath.

Where lemons or limes cannot be had, vinegar or cream of
tartar may be substituted in their room.

ON THE USE OF VEGETABLE ACIDS, &C. 327

From what has been said, it is evident that the medicine
is possessed of considerable antiseptic powers, and its virtue
consists in correcting the peccant matter in the stomach .and
intestinal canal.

All the diseases in which I have given it had a putrid ten-
dency. I shall be happy to hear of its success in your west-
ern hemisphere.

I am, with esteem, Sir,

Your most humble servant,

William Wright.

Hie foregoing is an exact reprint of the original paper, as it appeared
in the second volume of the Philosophical Transactions of Phila-
delphia. From the distance of Dr Wright's residence, at the
period of its publication, and from the verbal inaccuracies with
which it is chargeable, he had probably no opportunity of revising
it as it passed through the press : but, as it has repeatedly appeared
in print, the Editor is restrained, by the rule he has adapted, of
leaving the papers which had been published in the author's life-
time; entirely untouched-

( 328 .)

HISTORY

OBSTRUCTION OF THE RECTUM AT BIRTH,

SUCCESSFULLY CURED BY OPERATION.

[[Communicated to Dr Hope, and first Published in the Medical and
Philosophical Commentaries, Vol. iii- p. 419, London 1775.]

On the 18th of August 1773, I was sent for to see a new-
born child at Bountyhall estate, belonging to John Simpson,
Esq. The child was a Negro boy, born the preceding day.
The midwife had given it repeated doses of castor oil, and
finding that no meconium, or any other feculent matter, was
discharged, she tried to give it a clyster ; but, upon finding
that the ivory pipe could only be introduced about a quarter
of an inch, she desisted from the attempt. When I came to
examine it, I found a firm resistance to a probe, and could
plainly discover, with my finger and thumb, a hard tumour
of a round form, nearly as large as a walnut. I concluded
this to be a callosity of the rectum ; and although I had never
heard of the success of an operation in a similar case, I told
the Negro parents and the proprietor that the child had no
other chance for life, but by an opening being made through
this obstruction. This was readily agreed to, and I called to
my assistance Mr Thomas Steel, an eminent surgeon. He
being fully satisfied of the propriety of this hazardous attempt,
we accordingly proceeded to the operation.

The child was held in a horizontal posture, with his knees
drawn up towards his belly. I first enlarged the external orifice,

ON AN OBSTltUGTION <>| THE KI'.cmai ,'J2f)

by cutting through the constrictor ani. My assistant then held
the tumour fast, and in the position in which it naturally was.
I introduced a directory to the middle and most prominent part
of the tumour, and, with a common lancet, I made an incision
quite through the resistance, in the direction of the rectum.
We had the pleasure of immediately seeing a large quantity
of meconium come away, and there was at the same time a
considerable discharge of wind. The child's belly, which be-
fore was very hard, and much swelled, soon subsided ; the
symptomatic fever abated, and a subsultus tendinum, which
had accompanied it, entirely disappeared. A clyster of milk
and sugar was then thrown up, which brought away a con-
siderable quantity of meconium and excrement.

From this operation the child's most urgent complaints
seemed to be removed. But we were farther informed, that,
from the time of its birth, it had discharged no urine. Upon
examination, we discovered that the prepuce was imperforated.
The child was directly circumcised, and the urine then flowed
in abundance We contented ourselves by dressing, at that
time, with a soft roll or dossil of lint, and a poultice external-
ly ; and we directed that these, with fomentation to the part,
should be used twice a day.

By the 25th of the month, the tumour in the rectum had
entirely collapsed ; but the train of threatening symptoms with
which the child had before been affected again made their ap-
pearance, and upon examination we found that the parts be-
fore divided were again united. In this situation we had re-
course to the lancet a second time, and not only made a
thorough perforation, but extended the incision quite through
the sides of the callosity. In other respects we proceeded as
at first. After this, nothing remarkable occurred in the cure,
which was completed in five weeks, and my patient is now a
stout healthy boy.

( 330 )

ON THE

USE OF COLD BATHING

IN THE

LOCKED JAW.

[Communicated in a Letter to John Fothergill, M. D. F. R. S.
and first published in the Medical Observations and Enquiries,
Vol. vi. p. 143. London 1784.]

Sir, Edinburgh, 20th January 1779-

I have sent you several cases of the Tetanus and Opistho-
tonos, which were successfully treated by the external appli-
cation of cold water. Since I used this method, I never fail-
ed, in one instance, to effect a cure ; and that in a shorter
time than by any other method hitherto proposed.

I have stated facts as they occurred, in those cases under
my own observation, or from the accounts of gentlemen to
whom I communicated my remarks. Truth and honour, in
practitioners, only can give lustre and excellence to the science
of physic.

And now, having fulfilled my engagements to you, and
your worthy friends of the Medical Society of London, I
hope, by your means, these papers will be given to the pub-
lic soon : and am, with great respect,

Sir,

Your most humble servant,

W. Wright.

OX THE I SK OF (.'OLD BATHING. 381

Case I. — June 7. 1776. — A Negro boy, twelve years of age,
(belonging to John Simpson, Esq. in the parish of Trelawny,
Jamaica) who was employed in looking after cattle, had, a£
eleven o'clock before noon, a stroke of the sun. He was soon af-
terwards taken up speechless, and carried home to the estate,
where he lay insensible, and at times much convulsed. He
was bled, and well rubbed with camphorated spirits ; vo-
latiles were often applied to his nostrils, and a stimulating-
clyster thrown up. But as the boy could swallow nothing,
Mr Patrick Irving, an experienced surgeon, was sent for,
who declared the case to be a locked jaw ; and ordered twenty
drops of laudanum to be given him every two hours. His
attendants forced him to take the medicine regularly, as also
some sage tea, and now and then a little gruel. He had but
an indifferent night, and the laudanum was directed to be
continued the following day and night. But as no benefit
was received from that, or any other means made use of, I
was desired to visit him on the 10th of June, and the third
day of his illness, at three in the afternoon.

He was seized with strong spasms every quarter of an
hour. During the fit, his body was bent backwards like a
bow, and he rested on his heels and head ; at such times his
jaws were closely shut. ; but when the spasm ceased, his jaws
could be opened so as to admit a spoon. He swallowed li-
quids with difficulty ; and the attempt generally brought on
a fit sooner than it would otherwise have happened : his skin
was warm, his pulse quick and small. He took no food, but
what had been forced into him ; and when a stool was sup-
posed necessary, it was procured by an emollient clyster.

The case clearly appeared to be an opisthotonos, joined
with a tetanus. The frequency and violence of the spasms
portended danger, and there seemed to be a necessity for
some speedy method of relief.

My worthy friend Dr Lind, physician to the royal hospi-
tal at Hazlar, first hinted to me the use of cold water in spas-

332 ON THE CLSE OF COLD LATHING

raodic affections. Here, then, was a fair opportunity, and
Mr Irving readily agreed to put it in practice.

The boy was stripped naked, and carried out into the open
air : his body and limbs were so stiff, that it was with some
difficulty we could place him in a sitting posture. Two large
pails of cold water were forcibly thrown on him at the same
time. The shock from the water made him start on his feet,
he recovered his senses in a great measure, and seemed sur-
prised at what was done to him. After being rubbed with a
dry cloth, a loose frock was put on, and a kindly glowing
heat succeeded. By the help of a person, he walked about
for a little while, and was then suffered to lie down. His jaws
already were greatly relaxed, and he swallowed some broth.
I ordered him to lie in a cool airy place ; that he should be
covered with a single sheet, and that the cold water should
be thrown on him once in four hours.

June 11. — He slept a good deal in the night ; the spasms
less frequent, and much weaker than before. His senses arc
returned ; he asked for drink, and took some nourishment.
He complains of a stiffness in his neck and jaws, and now
and then of a violent pain in his stomach.

I directed the cold bath every three hours, in the day time.

June 12. — He had a tolerable good night, his jaws much
freer. The pains in his neck, jaws, and stomach, greatly
abated ; he takes food seemingly with an appetite, and had
a natural stool. The cold water was thrown on him three
times this day.

June 13. — The spasms entirely gone ; the uneasiness in his
jaws, &c. so trifling that my attendance was no farther neces-
sary. The cold water was used twice a-day, and by the six-
teenth the cure was completed.

Case II. — On the 17th of March 1777, 1 was sent for to visit
a Negro man, at Rosehall estate in St James's, the property
of the Honourable John Palmek, Esq.

IN THE LOCKED JAM'.

The Negro was named Frank, aged about 22 years ; was
of a slender make, but for the most part healthy. Ten days
before I saw him, on account of some misdemeanour," his
father nave him a severe beating with a stick, and particularly
bruised his cheeks and temples. From that time he continued
to be much indisposed ; a surgeon in the neighbourhood was
sent for, who, mistaking his disorder for a sore throat, made
use of bleeding, blisters, laxatives, and gargles ; but the dis-
order daily increasing, and the patient complaining much of
his neck, and a stiffness of his jaws, a locked jaw at length was
suspected. Thirty drops of laudanum were ordered to be given
him every four hours ; he was directed to lie in bed, to be
covered with blankets, and to promote sweating by warm teas
and gruels : all this, however, without effect.

The symptoms were as follows : viz. an acute pain under
the sternum, darting through to the small of the back ; a pain
and stiffness in the neck and jaws ; every fifteen minutes he
was attacked with a spasm, which greatly aggravated the pains
and rigidity, and bent his head and shoulders backwards.
The fit lasted ten minutes, and when it was over he sweated
profusely. The jaw now gradually loosened so much that I
could see his tongue, which was most miserably torn. On ac-
count of this, and the difficulty of swallowing for the last six
days, he had taken very little sustenance.

When he stood up, his head was much retracted, nor could
he turn it to either side; his body bent a little backwards,
and the lower extremities quite rigid.

These appearances, and the little benefit he had from even
method hitherto tried, determined me to use the cold hath.
I therefore got him out of bed, and, after being gradually
cooled, he was helped out into the open air, his shirt was
taken off, and, as he could not sit down, he was laid on the
ground, with his face downwards. Three buckets of cold wa-
ter were at once thrown upon him, from a considerable height.
The effect of this was a glow all over his hotly ; he felt less

334 ON THE USE OF COED BATHING

pain and rigidity, he could open his mouth more than before ;
and although he could scarce stand or move before this, he
now, by the help of a stick, walked several yards alone. I
directed the cold water to be thrown on him every three
hours, in the day time ; that his food and drink should be
cold, and when in bed to be lightly covered. The pain in
the pit of his stomach was the most troublesome complaint,
for which I gave him two grains of solid opium at bedtime.

March 8. — Rested better last night than any since his be-
ino- taken ill. His mother thought it cold a little before day,
and covered him with bed-clothes ; she gave him also his
water-gruel warm : by these means he had several smart at-
tacks of the spasms, before eight o'clock in the morning, when
I visited him. His mother was convinced of her error, and
promised in future to observe my directions. The cold wa-
ter was applied every two hours, through the day, and the
opiate repeated at bedtime as before.

March 9. — Slept most part of the night ; the few returns
of the fits were slight, and he extends his jaws more than be-
fore ; he has less difficulty in swallowing food. As he was
costive, I ordered an injection of warm water and castor-oil, —
and that he should take a large wine-glassful of the follow-
ing decoction every three hours: that the cold water should
be thrown on him four times a-day, and that the opiate should
be omitted.

R Cinchona? Jamaieensis * gsai coque ex aq. f on tan. lib. iij. ; ad
dimidium adde Gum Assat'optid. 3 iij.; f. solutio, et cola.

March 10. — Rested well in the night ; had only a slight
attack of the spasm this morning, and finds the stiffness and
pains greatly abated ; he takes food every now and then,
and had a stool in the night. As some difficulties happened
in getting people to throw the cold water upon him, he re-

" Vide Phil. Trans, vol. lxvii. p. r>04.

IN THE LOCKED JAW, &C. .'i35

quested to be led to the back waterfall, which was distant
about 100 yards. Under this he sat down ; after ten minutes
his mother advised him to get up, but lie felt such easa from
the water, that he staid full half an hour ; he then got up,
and walked back without assistance. In the afternoon, he
again sat under the fall of water for half an hour; he took
nourishment pretty freely ; and, as I found he had used but
little of the decoction, I ordered a few glasses of claret.

March 11. — No attack of spasm these last twenty- four
hours ; he sat twice this day under the waterfall for a quar-
ter of an hour at a time ; he took several glasses of the bark-
decoction above mentioned, and also some claret.

March 12. — This morning saw my patient walking up
from the sea-side ; he told me that he had sat down in the
water for a good while, so as to let the surf of the sea beat
on his back, by which he thought himself much benefited;
his jaws now were at full liberty, he ate and drank heartily,
and took the decoction every four hours.

I recommended going into the sea twice a-day, which com-
pleted the cure by the 15th. I saw him six miles distant
from Rosehall, at work, and in good health, the beginning
of May.

Case III. — April 4. 1777. — Having occasion to be in the
parish of Westmoreland, my advice was requested for a
Negro man, belonging to Mr George Mowatt, merchant
at Savanna-la-Mar.

This man, aged about thirty, was tall, strongly made, and
till now, enjoyed an uninterrupted state of good health ; he
was employed as a labourer on a wharf. The weather at
this time was uncommonly warm ; and Unless this circumstance
occasioned his illness, he could assign no other cause what-
ever. He was taken suddenly with the disorder three days be-
fore I saw him. His complaints were a pain under the car-
tilago ensiformis, — his jaws close locked, and a stiffness of

386 OX THE USE OF (OLD BATHING

the extremities. The spasms returned every ten minutes,
and were very severe. The surgeon who attended him, on
account of his full habit, bled him pretty freely, gave him a
cooling purge, and caused him to be well rubbed with a vo-
latile liniment : he ordered him to be kept warm with flan-
nels, and supplied with plenty of warm diluting drinks.

Several ingenious gentlemen of the faculty were present,
to whom I communicated the success I had in the external
application of cold water in similar circumstances. They
agreed to have it tried in this case, every four hours in the
day-time ; and at bedtime, to give him thirty drops of lauda-
num ; and that he should lie in a cool airy place, with little
covering. This method was pursued for three days, which
entirely removed the disease.

In July, the surgeon told me that a few days after the
locked jaw left the Negro, he was seized with an acute rheu-
matism, which, however, soon gave way to bleeding, laxa-
tives, and small doses of emetic tartar.

Case IV.— June 10. 1777.— A Negro man, aged about
twenty-five years, belonging to Mr Burke at Rosegreen, had
the misfortune of a rusty nail running through the sole of
his foot. The nail was immediately extracted, a fomentation
and poultice was applied round the foot, and a dose of salts
given him next morning.

He had no ailment till the third day after the accident,
when he complained of a pain in the pit of his stomach, and a
stiffness of his jaws, so as to prevent his eating any solid food.
Mr Patrick Irvixg was called to his assistance: he dilated
the external wound made by the nail, and repeated the fomen-
tation and poultice : attention being paid to the state of his
belly, he lost no time in giving opiates, beginning with one
o-rain of extractum thebaicum, and increasing the same to
three grains every four hours.

Mr Irving had seen the good effects of cold bathing in

IN THE LOCKED .f.WW &C. 88$

the preceding cases ; and, as no mitigation of the disorder was
likely to be brought about by the means already used, he re-,
solved to try the cold water. Mr Irving treated him in
much the same way as mentioned in the first case, and with
such success, that in four days all his complaints left him.
He took the bark, the injured parts suppurated kindly, and
the man soon recovered.

Case V. — July 8. 1777. — A Negro woman, aged fifty-
seven, belonging to Rose Hall estate, after sleeping, exposed
to the cold air in the night, was soon afterwards seized with
symptoms of the opisthotonos and locked jaw. The woman
of late years had been sickly, and was much emaciated. Mr
Patrick Irving attended her, and treated this case by the
cold bath ; after which, by cool free air, a liberal use of cla-
ret, and a decoction of bark and assafoctida, she got rid of the
most urgent symptoms in a week's time, and soon afterwards
was dismissed cured.

Case VI. — On the 14th of September I received a letter
from John Drujumond, Esq. (who practises physic with
great repute in Westmoreland), dated June 21. 1778. He is
a gentleman with whose merit I am well acquainted, and
whose veracity I can fully depend upon. I shall, therefore,
give you the history in his own words :

" A History of a Locked Jaw successfully treated by Messrs
Drummond and Bewcastle, in Westmoreland, Jamaica.

" A stout made squat Negro fellow, aged about forty, had
been healthy from his youth, till about three years ago, when
he was attacked with the coccobia, or joint-evil *, which baf-
fled all the art of medicine. It produced its usual and dire-

• See Hillary on the Diseases of Barbadoes, p. 335.

Y

338 ON THE USE OF COLD BATHING

ful effects of destroying the fingers and toes ; and rendered
him of no other service on the estate, except as a watchman,
which was the duty allotted him for some years past.

In February 1778, his disease broke out with uncommon
violence in the right foot, and seized the metatarsus, with
most excruciating pains. The weather at this time was moist
and foggy, and his hut was not in good repair : it was also
situated in a valley, in the midst of woods and plantain
walks, though otherwise in a dry part of the country.

On the 28th of March we were called to his assistance.
He complained of a stiffness of his jaws, neck, and spine,
with an acute pain striking through from the cartilago en-
siformis to the spine, which at times threw him backwards
into violent spasms. These returned frequently, and great-
ly distressed the poor creature. During the spasms he
was incapable of swallowing any thing, and, at all times,
expressed a sense of great stricture and rigidity in the mus-
cles of deglutition ; as often as he attempted to swallow any
thing, or to move, the spasms were immediately brought
on. He had been in this situation some days before we
were sent for.

Speedy assistance {seemed absolutely necessary, and we re-
solved to leave no method untried, that might afford the least
prospect of relief. The following course was therefore or-
dered to be strictly followed, viz.

R Op. Thebaic. 5ss divide in Pilul. xij.
Cap. Pilul. unam 2 quaque hora.

We gave directions that he should be well soused, with
the coldest water that could be procured, every four hours ;
and twice a-day to rub his spine with mercurial ointment,
made of equal parts of hogVlard and quicksilver : emollient
oily clysters were at proper times injected.

March 29- — He took all the pills as directed, and received
great benefit from the cold water ; he generally sweated co-

IN THE LOCKED JAW, &C. 339

piously after it, and slept much in the intervals. Medicines
and cold bath to be continued as before.

March 30. — Much better : the spasms are not so frequcut ;
and he himself remarks not near so violent as before. He
speaks distinctly, and swallows better, but complains much
of his neck being Stiff, and also the hips and lower extremi-
ties. The cold bath and medicines continued.

April 2. — Free from all complaints, except the pain in
his hip, and a soreness in his mouth. He had in all ta-
ken ninety grains of solid opium, and three ounces of strong
mercurial ointment were rubbed in. The cold bath, and
every medicine, discontinued.

A gentle spitting came on, which lasted a few days ; he
perfectly recovered of his late alarming disorder, and his
foot is now (June 21.) almost well.

I leave you to make your own observations on this case ;
but, if you attend to the suddenness of relief from the
cold bath, you will be led to conclude that the mercury
had no share, as it could not so soon act.

I am of opinion that opiates, and the cold bath, will an-
swer every intention in the tetanus, and such like diseases;
for, whilst the opium diminishes the irritability, and gives
a truce from the violent symptoms, the cold bath produces
that wonderful tonic effect, so observable in this and some
other cases. Perhaps the bark joined with these would ren-
der the cure more certain. May we not, then, have failed in
many cases, by using opiates alone in large doses ; or what
probably is worse, with the warm bath instead of the cold bath?
And have we not reason to suspect that the increased doses
of opium (that seemed requisite when the warm bath was
used), may have proved pernicious ?"

J. D.
v 2

( S±0 )

ACCOUNT

OF A

CHILD WHO HAD THE SMALL-POX IN
THE WOMB.

["Communicated to the Royal Society, in a Letter addressed to John
Hunter, Esq. F. R. S. Read 21st May 1781, and first pub-
lished in the Philosophical Transactions, Vol. lxxi. Part I. p. 372.1

Sir,

X have read with much pleasure and information Mrs Ford's
case, which you published in the Philosophical Transactions,,
vol. lxx, p. 128. From the facts you have adduced, it amounts
to a certainty that her foetus had received the variolous infec-
tion in the womb.

This induces me to lay before you a singular case that fell
under my care some years ago. I am sorry I cannot be more
particular, having unfortunately lost all my books, and my
notes of practice of this case, and several others, by the cap-
ture of the convoy, on the 9th of last August.

In 1768, the small-pox was so general in Jamaica, that
very few people escaped the contagion. About the middle of
June, Mr Peter kin, merchant at Martha Brae, in the pa-
rish of Trelawney, got about fifty new Negroes out of a ship.
Soon after they landed, several were taken ill of a fever, and
the small-pox appeared ; the others were immediately inocu-
lated : Amongst the number of those who had the disease in

CHILD WHO HAD SMALL-POX IN THE WOMB. 341

the natural way, was a woman of about twenty-two years of
age, and big with child. The eruptive fever was slight^ and"
the small-pox had appeared before I saw her. They were
few, distinct, and large, and she went through the disease
with very little trouble, till, on the fourteenth day from the
eruption, she was attacked with the fever, which lasted only
a few hours. She was, however, the same day taken in la-
bour, and delivered of a female child, with the small-pox on
her whole body, head, and extremities. They were distinct
and very large, such as they commonly appear on the eighth
or ninth day, in favourable cases. The child was small and
weakly ; she could suck but little ; a wet nurse was procured,
and every possible care taken of this infant, but she died the
third day after she was born. The mother recovered, and is
now the property of Alexander Peterkin, Esq. in St
James-1 parish.

In the course of many years1 practice in Jamaica, I have re-
marked that where pregnant women had been seized with the
natural small-pox, or been by mistake inoculated, that they
generally miscarried in the time of, or soon after, the eruptive
fever ; but I never saw any signs of small-pox on any of their
bodies, except on the child above mentioned. I am, &c.

SOUTHAMPTON-BCILDIKGS, HoLBORN,

February 27- 1781.

( 342 )

ON THE

EXTERNAL USE OF COLD WATER IN THE
CURE OF FEVER.

[This paper was originally communicated to the London Medical
Society, through the medium of Dr Fothergill. It was
read for the first time before the Society, on the 7th of March
1779. It was again read on the 8th of March following, and
ordered to be printed in the Society's Transactions. After-
wards, in March 1783, and March 1784, it was read for the
third and fourth time, and on each of these occasions, it was
resolved to postpone the publication sine die. On the second
return of Dr Wright from Jamaica, in 1786, the paper was
recovered from Dr Thomson, the Secretary to the Medical
Society; and, as a communication to Dr Simmons, it was first
printed in the London Medical Journal, Vol. vii. Part 2.
p. 109.]

From the time that physicians have found fresh air and
cold watery drinks so beneficial in the small-pox and malig-
nant fevers, these diseases have been less fatal within the tro-
pics than formerly.

Having often observed how greatly people, labouring un-
der malignant fevers, were refreshed by washing the hands
and face in cold water, I was led to think that the cold bath
would answer many good purposes in obstinate malignant
and putrid fevers ; but a practice so new in Jamaica, and so
different from the common methods, could not well be pro-
posed ; and, if it had, would probably not have been submit-
ted to : on which account, I kept my opinion to myself till

ON THE EXTERNAL USE OF COLD WATER. 343

some favourable opportunity ; which did not happen till I
was on my passage from Jamaica to England.

On the 1st of August 1777, I embarked in a ship bound
to Liverpool, and sailed the same evening from Montcgo Bay.
The master told me he had hired several sailoi*s on the same
day we took our departure ; one of whom had been long at
sick quarters on shore, and was now but in a convalescent
state.

August 23., we were in the latitude of Bermudas, and
had had a heavy gale of wind for three days, when the above-
mentioned man relapsed, and had a fever, with symptoms of
the greatest malignity. I attended this person often, but
could not prevail with him to be removed from a dark and
confined situation to a more airy and convenient part of the
ship ; and as he refused medicines, and even food, he died
on the eighth day of his illness.

By my attention to the sick man, I caught the contagion,
and began to be indisposed on the 5th of September, and
the following is a narrative of my own case, extracted from
notes daily marked down. I had been many years in Jamaica,
but. except being somewhat relaxed by the climate and fa-
tigue of business, I ailed nothing when I embarked. This
circumstance, however, might perhaps dispose me more readi-
ly to receive the infection.

September 5th, 6th, 7th, small rigors now and then, — a
preternatural heat in the skin, — a dull pain in the forehead,
the pulse small and quick, — a loss of appetite, but no sick-
ness at stomach, — the tongue white and slimy, — little or no
thirst, — the belly regular, — the urine pale and rather scanty,
— in the night restless, with startings and delirium.

September 8th, every symptom aggravated, with pains in
the loins and lower limbs, and stiffness in the thighs and
hams.

I took a gentle vomit on the second day of this illness,
and next morning a decoction of tamarinds ; at bed-time, an

344 ON THE EXTERNAL USE OF COLD

opiate, joined with antimonial wine, but this did not procure
sleep, or open the pores of the skin. No inflammatory symp-
toms being present, a drachm of Peruvian bark was taken
every hour for six hours successively, and now and then a
glass of port-wine, but with no apparent benefit. When up-
on deck, my pains were greatly mitigated, and the colder the
air the better. This circumstance, and the failure of every
means I had tried, encouraged me to put in practice on my-
self^ what I had often wished to try on others, in fevers simi-
lar to my own.

September 9th, having given the necessary directions, about
three o'clock in the afternoon I stripped off all my clothes, and
threw a sea-cloak loosely about me till I got upon deck, when
the cloak also was laid aside : three bucketsful of cold salt
water were then thrown at once on me ; the shock was great,
but I felt immediate relief. The headache and other pains in-
stantly abated, and a fine glow and diaphoresis succeeded.
Towards evening, however, the febrile symptoms threatened
a return, and I had recourse again to the same method as
before, with the same good effect. I now took food with an
appetite, and, for the first time, had a sound night's rest.

September 10th, no fever, but a little uneasiness in the
hams and thighs, — used the cold bath twice.

September 11th, every symptom vanished, but, to prevent
a relapse, I used the cold bath twice.

Mr Thomas Kikk, a young gentleman, passenger in the
same ship, fell sick of a fever on the 9th of August. His
symptoms were nearly similar to mine, and, having taken
some medicines without experiencing any relief, he was de-
sirous of trying the cold bath, which, with my approbation,
he did, on the 11th and 12th of September, and, by this
method, was happily restored to health. He lives at this
time near Liverpool.

There are a number of testimonies, both ancient and mo-
dern, of the cure of putrid and malignant fever.*, by ad mi -

UATI.K IN THE CURE OF FEVER. .'>4;">

nistering cold water in large quantities, for common drink,
and applying cold water externally to the surface of the body.

The Greek physicians extinguish the intense heat of- ar-
dent fevers, at their height, by making their patients drink
large quantities of cold water, and sometimes plunging them
into a cold bath. A copious and critical sweat was always
expected to follow this practice.

Dr Cyrillus *, a learned and ingenious physician and
professor at Naples, has favoured us with a circumstantial
account of the good effects of cold water given internally in
malignant fevers at Naples, and observes, that, in obstinate
cases, powdered snow was laid on the breasts of the sick.
The success of this mode was such, that this practice was uni-
versally adopted there, and still continues till the present
time.

Dr J. G. de Hahn has given -f- us the history of a putrid
epidemic, which prevailed at Breslaw in 1737, and in which
every method of cure was ineffectual, till cold water was ap-
plied with sponges to the whole surface of the body. Among
other proofs of the efficacy of this mode of treatment, the
author mentions its successful use in his own case.

Sir John Chardin, when at Gambroon, in 1673, was
seized with a malignant burning fever, attended with deli-
rium and many other bad symptoms ; and of which, after
having had many medicines prescribed without the desired
effect, he was speedily cured by the cold bath.

" This uncommon and surprising practice" (says Dr
GlasJ), " so successfully employed in curing a burning fe-
ver, accompanied with weakness, faintness, and prostration of

* Phil. Trans, vol. xxxvi. No. 410.

•J- "Vide Acta Physico-Medica Acad. Nat. Cur. vol. x. p. 3. 4to. No-
rimbergse, 1754.

X See I)r Glas's first Letter to Dr Baker, p. 37- 8vo. London,
1767-

346 ON THE EXTERNAL USE OF COLD WATER.

strength, without any apparent cause, when duly considered,
points out a more successful method of treating our putrid,
malignant fevers than that which is at present most commonly
used*

In the West Indies fevers are less contagious than in this
country, because the same causes of contagion do, in general,
not exist there ; the sick being placed in airy and well-ven-
tilated chambers ; but in jails, in crowded hospitals and ships,
fevers, in the West Indies, are as infectious as in Europe ;
of which I have seen many examples within these last four
years. The cure, in those cases, was effected by a removal
of the sick to better air, — by cleanliness in apparel and bed-
clothes,— frequent bathing in the sea for a short time, — cold
water alone for drink, or acidulated with elixir of vitriol, — a
moderate use of wine, — and the bark.

London, )
January 2. 178C. J

( s tr )

ON Till.

EXTERNAL USE OF COLD WATER IN THE
SMALL-POX.

[This Paper, accompanied by the foregoing, was read before the
Medical Society in 1779, 1783, and 1784; but, as appears
from the following Letter to Dr Duncan, was never published
till the year 1807, when it appeared in the Medical and Surgi-
cal Journal, vol. iv. p. 123.^]

Letter to A. Duxcax jun. M. D.
Sin,

Tins paper, together with that on the external use of cold
water in malignant fever, was written in 1769-1770, and
sent to Dr John Fothergill, for the Medical Society of
London, in the beginning of the year 1779- It was read
several times ; at first ordered to be printed, afterwards post-
poned, and laid amongst their archives.

It is probable that they thought this practice so rash and
daring, that they would not give their sanction to it.

The Society was soon afterwards dissolved by the death
of Dr Fothergill, Dr Hunter, and Dr Solander ; and
I, with some difficulty, recovered my papers from Dr Thom-
son, secretary to the Society.

Dr Simmons published my paper on fever in 1786, but
this paper on the small-pox never saw the light.

I sent it, with others, to Dr Currie, at Liverpool ; it is
the same he alludes to in the second volume of his Medical
Reports.

348 EXTERNAL USE OF COLD WATER

I beg leave to present you with this copy, that, if you

think proper, you may give it a place in your useful Medical

Journal.

Edinburgh, \
1 bth September 1807- J"

" In the year 1768, the small-pox was in a manner epide-
mic in Jamaica ; it proved fatal to a number of people who
took it in the natural way, but only to a few who were ino-
culated and properly treated.

" This disease became general about the months of April,
May, and June, in the parish of St James's. Such as had the
disorder in the natural way, had a load of pustules, and often
of the confluent kind. Sydenham's cool method of treat-
ment was called to our remembrance, by the success of the
Messrs Suttons, and of Dr Dimsdale. But although a li-
beral use of cold drinks were allowed the sick, little benefit
could be expected from cool air, in such a climate and season
of the year.

" It is well known, that the quantity and quality of small-
pox depends on the duration and violence of the eruptive
fever ; — any expedient, then, to mitigate the one, would of
course render the other more favourable.

" The Maroon Negroes * in Jamaica, and some nations on
the coast of Guinea, have a custom of plastering the bodies
of such of themselves as are taken ill of the small- pox, and
especially during the eruptive fever, with xvet clay, and with
such good effects as determined me to try the cold bath.

" So soon as a person was seized with the variolous fever,
whether from inoculation or otherwise, I caused an assistant

• " Maroon Negroes — Soon after the English settled in Jamaica, a
number of runaway Negroes assembled in the mountainous places. They
became formidable, and committed such ravages and depredations on the
white inhabitants, as greatly obstructed the settlement of the country.
Governor Trelawny obliged them to capitulate in 1739."

IN THE SMALL-POX. 349

to throw cold water on their naked bodies every four or six
hours. The consequence was a truce from the fever, from
the headach, and pain in the back ; a glow succeeded, wjlh a
kindly perspiration. The eruption after this was for the most
part favourable.

" In other cases, where the small-pox had made their ap-
pearance, and by their quantity, and the continuance of the
fever, a confluent pock was apprehended, the cold bath not
only abated the fever, but diminished the number of pustules,
and the patients went through the disease easier. I do not
recollect more than one person out of five hundred, treated
in this manner, but what agreed perfectly well with the cold
affusion.

" So soon as the eruption was completed, and the fever
gone, I desisted from the external application of cold water ;
I kept my patients in cool air, and allowed them cold water
through the whole course of the disease.

" The secondary fever was prevented, or greatly mitigat-
ed, by timely purging the patient: and so soon as the pus-
tules were at the height, by discharging the contents by a
needle or some sharp pointed instrument *, by the bark, and
sometimes epispastics. But where the fever run high, anti-
monial wine, or James's powder, was given ; but in common
cooling laxatives, small doses of emetic tartar, with or with-
out opiates, were sufficient ; and, lastly, the bark and port-
wine.'1

Extract of a Letter from Dr Gairdner, dated St James's,
October 24. 1778.

" The small-pox made their appearance in this parish, and
it became necessary to inoculate the Negroes on Green Park,
and Castle Wemyss estates, and also those of the small
settlements. The practice was the same as Baron Dimsdale

* A practice common on the coast of Guinea.

350 USE OF COLD WATER IN THE SMALL-POX.

recommends, only during the eruptive fever we used the cold-
bath, that is, we dashed cold water on their head and in
their faces, which had a remarkable effect in giving imme-
diate ease ; it carried off the fever, and no doubt lessened the
eruption.

*' At Castle Weemyss estate, when the Negroes were fever-
ish, I made them go in below the spout of water. They
were so much pleased with its good effects, that they often
went below it of their own accord. All of them had the
small-pox remarkably easy. One hundred and twenty of
them were inoculated without any preparation ; they were
kept at easy work during the whole time of the disease, and
were all able to go to their usual employment in fourteen
days after being inoculated.

" The same success did not attend the Negroes on the small
settlements, which I think was owing chiefly to their not using
the cold bath."

( 351 )

AN

ACCOUNT OF A DROPSY CURED BY
BLUE VITRIOL.

[Read before the Medical Society the 9th April 1781, and first
published in the London Medical Journal, vol. i. p. 266.]

Stephen Friar, a native of the Island of Madeira, aged
about twenty-four years, was steward of a ship, from London
to Jamaica. Soon after his arrival at Montego Bay, he was
taken ill of a fever, and left ashore at sick-quarters. Captain
Mercer of Liverpool offered him a passage, and he was
brought on board July 30. 1777, in a very low condition.
The account he gave me was as follows: —

That about the beginning of June he was seized with a
fever, which, notwithstanding the many medicines given him,
did not entirely leave him till about ten days before he em-
barked. He complained of tightness about the praecordia,
and of a difficulty of breathing when he walked. He had
pains in his hips and limbs, was sometimes much griped, and
once, in three or four days, had a few watery stools, which
sensibly diminished his strength. His appetite was tolerable;
his urine high coloured, and in small quantity. I ordered
him some stomachic bitters, a nourishing diet from the cabin,
and to stir about upon deck in line weather.

352 ON DROPSY CURED BY

August 22d, he complained much of the pain in his sto-
mach, and of a difficulty of breathing when he attempted to
walk upon deck. On a supposition that he might have vis-
ceral obstructions, I gave him two grains of mere, chile, com-
bined with half a grain of extract, theb. at bed-time, two suc-
cessive nights, by which he was a little relieved, and returned
to the use of the bitters.

August 29th, a heavy gale of contrary winds came on, the
vessel shipped much water, and our patient being badly
lodged, got wet in the night : this occasioned a fever, with
headach, thirst, &c. which, however, went off by the use of
antimonial wine and laudanum ; and he again took the bitters
as before.

Sept. 1st. Although this man's appetite was for the most
part good, .yet, instead of mending, he daily felt himself
weaker, the tightness about the praecordia and difficulty of
breathing increased, and he appeared bloated in the face. I
now observed his legs swelled about the ancles, which retained
the impression of my finger for a considerable time. The
scrotum was clear and full of water, but no fluctuation could
be felt in the abdomen.

I was at a loss whether to ascribe this beginning of dropsy
to diseased viscera, or to a general debility of the system.
The former opinion prevailed : five grains of calomel, and
three grains of extr. theb. were made into pills, which being-
divided into three doses, one dose was taken every night,

Sept. 5th. The swelling in the legs and scrotum rather in-
creased, and there was now an evident fluctuation of water in
the abdomen. On searching the medicine box, I at first
found nothing that suited my purpose, either as a diuretic or
tonic.

During my residence in Jamaica, I had often heard of the
success of a nostrum in dropsy, used by a surgeon in Montego
Bay. A friend procured me some of the powder, and on ex-

BLUE VITRIOL. : ~»

amining it with the microscope, and tasting it. I tunnel it to
be composed chiefly of wild cinnamon and Roman vitriol;
the latter seeming to be in no .small quantity in a dbse. Ne-
cessity now made me determine to try this doubtful remedy,

rather than none at all.

K Vitrioli curulei, Corticis Winterani occidentals, utiiusque
9j.; f. pulvis subtilissiniis, cui adde, Mucilaginis G. Aralici
q. s. at fiat massa pilularum de qua formentur pilulaa
xxiv. Capiat j. omni nocte, hora somni.

Sept. 6th. He had been griped a little in the night, and
had two watery stools this morning, which probably would
have happened whether he had taken any medicine or not.
I gave hiin half a grain of extr. theb. with the pill.

Sept. 7tH. He passed more urine, and found himself ra-
ther easier. He continued to take a pill night and morning,
and to repeat the opiate at bed-time.

Sept. 9th. During the last two days he passed abundance
of urine, and had two loose stools a-day. The size of the
abdomen, scrotum, and legs, greatly diminished. He walked
upon deck with greater freedom, and his keen appetite was
gratified with whatever the cabin afforded. Since he began
the use of this medicine, he was directed to drink as often as
he felt himself thirsty.

Sept. 12th. The weather being stormy, he omitted his pill
at bed-time, and had four watery stools in the night, which
fatigued him a little. The swellings were entirely gone. He
had some mutton-broth for dinner, and several glasses of
mulled port-wine through the day ; at bed-time the pill and
opiate were repeated.

Sept. 15th. The weather continuing bad, he had no medi-
cine after the 12th, but the swellings had not returned ; and
as his appetite continued to be good, he discontinued the use
of his medicines.

/

354 ON DROPSY CURED BY BLUE VITRIOL.

Oct. 9th. The ship arrived safely in Liverpool harbour ;
and on the 15th, I saw the patient in good health, employed
as a waiter in a tavern.

From the success of the above medicine in this and other
cases I have heard of, I am of opinion it will succeed in all
dropsies that are not owing to a fixed cause, such as scir-
rhosities of the liver, spleen, mesentery, &c, and which, of
course, will require a different treatment.

< 35;i )

FARTHER REMARKS

ON THE EFFICACY OF

BLUE VITRIOL IN THE CURE OF DROPSY.

[Communicated in a Letter to Dr Simmons, F. R. S. and first pub-
lished in the London Medical Journal for the Year 1789, vol. x.
page 149.]

Edinburgh, \st March 1789.

Agueeably to my promise, I now send you some farther
remarks on the cure of certain species of dropsy by blue vi-
triol, which I hope you will deem worthy of a place in the
London Medical Journal.

From the number of fatal accidents that have happened
from the use of copper vessels, speculative authors have set
down all the preparations of that metal as virulent in their
effects, and of a deleterious quality ; but this depends alto-
gether on the substances with which the copper is combined.
It is indeed certain that verdigris, however formed, and taken
into the stomach in any considerable quantity, destroys ani-
mal life ; but on the other hand, cuprum ammoniacum *
(Pharm. Edinensis), in proper doses, has been found efficaci-
ous in several cases of epilepsy, and other spasmodic diseases :
and blue vitriol has long ago been found effectual in remov-
ing obstinate agues, and lately very beneficial in phthisis pul-
monalis.

The last mentioned preparation I have found not only a

* Copper combined with the volatile alkaU.
2 z 2

356 ON THE CURE OF DROPSY

safe, but successful remedy in certain species of* dropsy, even
in ascites, where there was a fluctuation to be felt in the ab-
domen, depending perhaps solely on a relaxation and debility
of the whole system. As farther proofs of its good effects in
affections of this sort, I shall relate the two following cases.

Case I. — John Maclaurin, aged fourteen years, son of a
poor Avoman in the town of Fcdmouth, on the north side of
Jamaica, from living by the side of a morass, had contracted
an intermittent, which lasted from August 1784, till April
1785, when it first degenerated into a remitting, and then in-
to a continued fever. He was rescued at length from this
dangerous state, by the skill and humanity of Dr Brown :
but after this fever had left him, he neither had appetite nor
recovered his strength.

When I visited him about the middle of April, he was
very weak ; his face was pale and bloated ; his feet swelled
towards bed-time ; and his urine was scanty and highly col-
oured.

From the duration of these fevers, I was at first led to
think that the hydropic symptoms were owing to visceral ob-
structions : I therefore ordered one grain of calomel, and
twenty drops of laudanum, to be given at going to bed. These
medicines were taken regularly for the space of a week, but
without success : for the anasarca became general ; the scro-
tum and penis were greatly distended ; the abdomen was
swelled, and there was a fluctuation of water in it to be felt.

I now began to think that the opinion I had at first enter-
tained of the cause of the symptoms might not be well found-
ed, and that what I had at first ascribed to visceral obstruc-
tions might perhaps be merely the consequence of debility :
I therefore determined to vary the mode of treatment, and
to make trial of the blue vitriol, according to the following
formula :

BY BLUE VITRIOL. .\?A

R Vitriol. Koman.
Opii, ana gr. bs.

Gorticis canellae aromfiticsa ur. j.
Mucilaginis Gummi Arabici q. s. f*. |>ilula.

Ho took this pill morning and evening, and, at the end of
a few days, the dose of the blue vitriol was increased to one
grain.

This medicine gave him no disturbance. The quantity of
urine was remarkably increased daily. The swelling soon
subsided ; his appetite returned ; and in the beginning of
May his disorder was quite gone.

Case II. — A woman, named Penny, aged thirty years,
who had in general been healthy, had for some months an ob-
struction of the menses, for which she had taken a variety of
medicines.

In May 1785, her abdomen was observed to swell, and as
there was an evident fluctuation of water, different diuretics
were administered, but without success ; so that Dr Carlyle,
who attended her, saw there was a necessity of tapping her,
and this was accordingly done in the beginning of June.

To prevent the return of the dropsy, I recommended the
use of the blue vitriol and opium. Dr Carlyle gave her a
pill, containing at first, one grain, and afterwards two grains
of blue vitriol, with one grain of opium, every night at bed-
time. This medicine sat easy on her stomach, and excited
no sort of uneasiness in the bowels. The quantity of urine
was soon remarkably increased, and she found herself consi-
derably mended.

About the middle of June, there being no appearance of
the ascites, Dr Carlyle pronounced his patient out of dan-
ger, and the pills were discontinued. The woman recovered
her wonted health; the monthly discharge returned, and she
has since continued well.

( 358 )

DESCRIPTION

OF THE

JESUITS' BARK TREE

OF

JAMAICA AND THE CARRIBBEES,

[Communicated by Joseph Banks, Esq. F. R. S., and read before
the Royal Society the 24th of April 1777. Originally pub-
lished in the Philosophical Transactions, vol. Ixvii. part 2d,
p. 504.]

This species of Jesuits"' Bark grows on stony lands near
the sea-shore, in the parishes of St James and Hanover, on
the north side of Jamaica ; and I found one small tree, at a
little distance from the fort, at Martha Brae, in the parish of
Trelawny. The tree is called the Sea-side Beech, and rises
only to twenty feet. The trunk is not thick in proportion.,
but hard, tough, and of a yellowish-white colour in the in-
side. The branches and leaves are opposite ; the leaves are
of a rusty-green, and the young buds of a bluish-green hue.
It blossoms in November, and continues in flower till Febru-
ary, having on the same tree or sprig flowers and ripe pods.
The flowers are of a duskish-yellow colour, and the pods
black. When ripe, they split in two, and are, with their flat
brown seeds, in every respect similar to those of the Cinchona
officinalis, as depicted in a plate sent out by Mr Banks.
The bark of this tree in general is smooth, and grey on the

ON THE JESUITS' BARK-TREE. 3,><)

outside, though in some rough and scabrous. When well
dried, the inside is of a dark-brown colour. Its flavour at
first is sweet, with a mixture of the taste of horse-radish, and
of aromalies of the East ; but when swallowed, of that very
bitterness and astringency which characterises the Peruvian
bark. It yields these qualities strongly to water, both when
cold, and in decoction. Half an ounce boiled, from two
pounds to one pound of water, made as strong a decoction as
three times its weight of the Cinchona vera. The colour was
brown, but not turbid.

I have had many opportunities of trying its effects, espe-
cially in remittents, which are the most common and fatal fe-
vers in these climes. A vomit, or gentle purge, if necessary,
was first given ; and then immediately this bark, as soon as
they operated. I observed that it strengthened the stomach,
checked retching and vomiting, corrected morbid humours in
prima: vice, and conquered speedily the disease. My success
in such a dangerous malady, leaves not a doubt on my mind
but that it will prove equally efficacious in every other case,
where a tonic and antiseptic medicine is indicated.

Cinchona .Tamaicensis seu Cauribbeana. — Cinchona Carrih*

ha'o, Lin. Spec. Plant. 245.
Fol. ovata, integenima, acuta, enervia, opposita.
Flor. singulares, axillares.
Cal. Periantium monophyllum, superum quinquefidum, minimum,

persistens, campanulatum, obsoletissime quinquedentatum.
Cor. monopetala, infundibiliformis. Tubus cylindraceus, longissi-

mus : Limbus quinquepartitus, tubo a3qualis : Laciniis

ovatis, oblongis, reflexis, quandoque pendulus.
Stam. Filamenta quinque, filiformia, eiccta e medio tubi, longitu.

dine corollas. Antheroe longissime, obtusa;, erecta? supra

basin exteriorem, affix* in fauce corollas.
Caps, bipartibilis in duas partes dissepimento parallelo, latere infe-

riore dehiscens.
Sem. plurima compressa, marginata, oblonga.

( 360 )

DESCRIPTION AND USE

CABBAGE-BARK TREE

OF

JAMAICA.

[Communicated by Richard Brocklesby, M. D. F. R. S. and'
read before the Royal Society, the 1st May 1777. Originally
published in the Philosophical Transactions, Vol. lxvii. Part 2d,
p. 507.]

The Cabbage-Bark Tree, or Worm-Bark Tree, grows in
most parts of Jamaica, and particularly abounds in the low
savannahs of St Mary and St George. It rises to a consi-
derable height, but no great thickness, sending ofF branches
towards the top of a straight smooth trunk. The leaves are,
when young, of a light green hue ; when full grown, of a
dark-green colour ; and before they drop of a rusty appear-
ance.

The flower-spike is long, and beautifully brancned. The
flowers are numerous ; their calyces of a dark purple ; their
petals of the colour of the pale rose ; the ncctaria must con-
tain much honey, as thousands of bees, beetles of various
kinds, butterflies, and humming birds, are continually feeding
thereon.

The pericarpium is a green hard fruit, of the size of the
smaller plum. The skin is of the thickness of a crown-
piece ; and tastes very austere. The kernel is covered with

ON THE CABBAGE-BARK TREE OF .JAMAICA. 361

a brown skin, like that of other nuts; it is very hard, and
tastes astringent.

The wood is hard, and takes a good polish. It ^/how-
ever, fit only for rafters, or other parts of small buildings ;
but this tree is valued chiefly for its bark, which externally is
of a grey colour, and the inside black and furrowed.

Fresh cabbage-bark tastes mucilaginous, sweet and insipid.
Its smell, however, is rather disagreeable, and it retains it in
the decoction ; hence by some called the Bulge-water Tree.

Mr Peter Duguid, formerly of this island, seems to have
been the first that gave any account of the virtues of this
bark, in the Edinburgh Essays, Physical and Literary, vol. ii.
The experiments he promised have never yet appeared. It
is certain it has powerful effects, and its anthelminthic quality
is established by the experience of several ages. It is at pre-
sent in general use here, and begins to be known in Europe.
No description having yet appeared, I have supplied that de-
fect as far as my abilities in botany reached. It remains now
to proceed to its exhibition, and the purposes it is meant to an-
swer as a medicine.

Cabbage-bark may be given in different forms, as in decoc-
tion, syrup, powder, and extract. I have used them all, and
shall speak of them separately.

The decoction. Take fresh dried, or well preserved cab-
bage-bark, one ounce ; boil it in a quart of water, over a slow
fire, till the water is of an amber colour, or rather of deep-
coloured Madeira wine ; strain it off, sweeten it with sugar,
and let it be used immediately, as it does not keep many

days.

Syrup of cabbage-bark. To any quantity of the above de-
eoction add a double portion of sugar, and make a syrup.
This will retain its virtues for years.

The extract of cabbage-bark is made by evaporating the
strono- decoction in balnco maria to the proper consistence ;

362 ON THE CABBAGE BANK TREE OF JAMAICA.

it must be continually stirred, as otherwise the resinous part
rises to the top, and on this probably its efficacy depends.

The powder of well-dried bark is easily made, and looks
like jalap, though not of equal specific gravity.

This bark, like most other powerful anthelmintics, has a
narcotic effect ; and, on this account, it is always proper to
begin with small doses, which may be gradually increased till
a nausea is excited, when the dose for that patient is ascer-
tained. But, by frequent use, we can in common determine
the dose, though we choose to err rather on the safe side.

A strong healthy grown person may at first take from four
table- spoonfuls of the decoction or syrup, three grains of the
extract, or thirty grains of the powder for a dose.

A youth, three table-spoonfuls of the decoction, or syrup,
two grains of extract, or twenty grains of powder.

A person of ten years of age two table-spoonfuls of the de-
coction or syrup, one grain and a half of extract, or fifteen
grains of the powder.

Children of two or three years old, a table-spoonful of the
decoction or syrup, one grain of extract, or ten grains of the
powder. Children of a year old, half the quantity.

These may be increased, as above observed, till a nausea
is excited, which will depend on the strength, sex, and habit
of body of the patient.

Care must be taken that cold water be not drank during
the operation of this medicine, as it is in this case apt to occa-
sion sickness, vomiting, fever and delirium. When this hap-
pens, or when an over-large dose has been given, the stomach
must be washed with warm-water ; the patient must speedily
be purged with castor-oil, and use plenty of lime-juice beve-
rage for common drink ; vegetable acid being a powerful an-
tidote in this case, as well as in an over-dose of opium.

The decoction is what is mostly given here, and seldom fails
to perform every thing that can be expected from an anthel-

ON TIIK CAKHAGF.-UAKK TUFF. OF JAMAICA. B&S

minthic medicine, by destroying worms in tin.- intestines, and
bringing tlieni away in great quantities l!\ !'m(iirnl uge.
however, these animals become familiarised, and we Tind it
necessary to intermit it, or have recourse to others of inferior
merit.

The writers of the Edinburgh Medical Commentaries take
notice, that the decoction of cabbage-bark always excites vo-
miting. We find no such effect from it here, and may ac-
count for it, by their receiving it in a mouldy state. A sy-
rup, therefore, is given there with better effect. They ob-
serve, also, that it has a diuretic virtue, which we have not
taken notice of here.

This bark purges pretty briskly, especially in powder,
thirty or forty grains working as well as jalap by stool ; but,
in this way, it does not seem to kill worms so well as in de-
coction.

Five grains of the extract made a strong man sick, and
purged him several times ; but, by frequent use, he took ten
grains to produce at length the same effect.

It must not be concealed that fatal accidents have happen-
ed from the imprudent administration of this bark, chiefly
from over-dosing the medicine. But this cannot detract from
the merit of the cabbage bark, since the best medicines, when
abused, become deleterious ; and even our best aliments, in
too great quantity, prove destructive. Upon the whole, the
cabbage-bark is a most valuable remedy, and I hope will be-
come an addition to the Materia Medica.

GEOKKRiEA JAMAICKNSIS TNERMIS.

Fol. opposita, oblongo-ovata, ternata, acuminata, superne glabra,

infevne enervia, petiolis brevibus.
Cal. Perianthium monophyllum, cainpanulatum, levissime quin-

quepartitura, lacinii? ovatis brevibus .

364 ON THE CABBAGE-BARK TREE OF JAMAICA.

Cor. papilionacea : Vexillum subrotundum, concavum : Alee obtu-

8se, concavae, longitudine vexilli. Carina ovata, patens, in

duabus partitus levissime divisa.
Stam. diadelpha, decern, filiformia, in calyce inserta, longitudine

alarum. Antherce subrotundse.
Pist. subulatum, filiforme. Stigma nullum. Germen ovato-ob-

longum, compressum.
Per. Drupa sub-ovata, magna.
Sem. Nux sub-ovata, sub-lignea, sulco utrinque longitudinal], bival-

vis.

The botanical reader will see how nearly this agrees with
the GeoffrcBa spinosa of Linnaeus. The genera of plants are
sufficiently multiplied, and it was thought best to make this
a species only.

( :!<>.-) )

AX ACCOUNT OF A REMARKABLE FACT

RELATIVE TO

THE SMALL-POX.

[Communicated in a Letter to Dr Simmons, F. R. S. ami first pub-
lished in tlie London Medical Journal for the Year 1786, vol. vii.
p. 63.]

Having lately read an account of a curious fact relative to
inoculation, communicated by Mr Dawson, * surgeon at Sed-
bergh, in Yorkshire, to the College of Physicians in London,
and published in the third volume of their transactions ; I
beg leave to observe to you, that, in the course of a long and
extensive country practice in Jamaica, many facts have oc-
curred to convince me that, in the case of the small-pox, a
person may have a local affection without the habit in gene-
ral being tainted by the variolous poison. I have often had
occasion to observe that the arms of patients inoculated will
inflame and discharge an ichor for a few days, and then dry
up without the infection going farther ; yet those very per-
sons inoculated afresh, have at the proper time, had the small
pox fever and eruption, although the fact related by Mr
Dawson, serves to prove that the ichorous discharge from
the first incision in those patients would have been capable
of communicating the variolous infection to other persons.

Nurses who suckle children ill of *mall-pox, frequently
have a few pustules on their breasts and arms without any
previous fever ; and any body who attends closely to, and
handles patients in that distemper, will be liable to have pus-

* The reader will find an abstract of Mr Dawson's paper in next article

366 ON THE SMALL-POX.

tiles in the same manner. This has more than once happen-
ed to myself since the year 1745, when I had the small- pox
in the natural way, and that such local affection is truly va-
riolous, the following experiment puts beyond a doubt.

In July 1768, six valuable Negroes were inoculated from
matter taken from a patient in the natural small-pox ; but
their arms dried up about the sixth day. As many Negroes
on the same estate had that disorder, there was danger of
their catching it in the natural way. They were therefore
sent to my house to be again inoculated, and to stay till the
issue was certain. At that very time I had a large variolous
pustule on my left thumb, of seven days"1 standing. No other
infection being at hand, I inoculated the six Negro men from
this pustule. The infection took place ; they had the vari-
olous fever on the seventh and eighth days, and the eruption
appeared in the usual manner. Two of these men had about
five hundred pustules, the other four had the disorder more
mildly. They returned home quite recovered in sixteen
days from their last inoculation.

London, January 20 1786.

An account of a singular fact in the practice of Inoculation of the
Small-Pox. — By Mr John Dawson, Surgeon at Sedbergh in
Yorkshire. Vide Medical Transactions published by the College
of Physicians in London, vol. iii. 8vo. London 1785.

This is the fact alluded to by Dr Wright in the preced-
ing article. Mr Dawson having inoculated two children in
one family, observed, on the third day, a slight inflammation
around the places of incision. On the fifth day the inflamma-
tion was considerably increased, and on the eighth it extend-
ed nearly to the breadth of half a crown.

With matter taken from the arms of these children at this

ON THE SMALL-POX. 3®T

period, he inoculated nineteen other persons, and every one oi
these had a fever and eruption of pustules at a proper time ;
but the two children from whom the matter had been taken
did not sicken as was expected, and, on the eleventh day, the
inflammation upon their arms was considerably abated ; and
two or three clays after this there remained nothing but a dry
scab.

In conformity to an opinion hitherto generally adopted,
our author now ventured to assure the parents, that their
children were secure from future infection of the small-pox ;
but they having insisted on their being again inoculated, a
second incision was made in the arms of each. A fresh in-
flammation succeeded around the places of incision, and went
on in the same manner it had done before, till about the ninth
or tenth day, when the patients sickened, and had a smart
fever, during three days, after which appeared a considerable
number of variolous pustules.

( 368 )

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS

TREATMENT OF ACUTE DISEASES ;

PARTICULARLY THOSE OF THE WEST INDIES.

[[Communicated by Dr Wright, in a Letter to Maxwell Garth-
shore, M. D. F. R. S. Physician in London ; and by him to Dr
Simmons. From Medical Facts and Obs. vol. vii.]

Dear Sir,

In compliance with your request, I now com-
municate to you some observations on the treatment of acute
diseases, particularly those of the West Indies.

I shall begin with the Typhus, Nervous, Ship, or Jail,
Fever, as it is differently styled by different writers.

In a former letter I remarked to you, that the application
of cold water externally had been, for some time, practised
by Dr Gregory, Professor of Physic in this University, in
cases of typhus, with remarkably good effect; but he has
never carried it to the extent I did in my own case, and in
that of others, several years ago *. Instead of dashing cold
water on the naked body, as I did, Dr Gregory orders the
bodies of his patients to be washed with a sponge, dipped in
cold water and vinegar, at least twice a-day. This operation

• Sec London Medical Journal, vol. vii. p. lOrJ.

TREATMENT OF ACUTE DISEASES. 369

I shall call the Lavatio JHgida. The earlier this mode is
practised the better ; because, in typhus, the patient grojvs
daily worse; for in the second week there is a great increase
of fever, and a proportionate loss of strength : but even then
Dr Gregory has found the application of the wet sponge act
as a charm ; nor have delirium or petechia,' been considered
by him as any bar to the adoption of this remedy ; on the
contrary, where these have been present, and the pulse much
quickened, he has, by the lavatio jrigida, speedily reduced
the pulsations from 110 to 90 in a minute, and the deli-
rium and other threatening symptoms have soon after dis-
appeared.

About a fortnight ago, a student of physic, who had been
ill for some days before Dr Gregory was applied to, had,
besides a great degree of fever and delirium, numerous spots,
or petechia?, on his breast, belly, and extremities. The lava-
tio Jng'ula was used on the day the Doctor first visited him,
and by next morning the delirium had ceased, and the pete-
chia? disappeared. The pulse, which on the preceding day
had been at 110, was now at 80; and by continuing the ap-
plication of the wet sponge now and then, the pulse became
natural on the fourth day after the Doctor first saw him.
Many similar cases might be adduced from the books of the
clinical ward of the Royal Infirmary.

Successful as this method has been in the hands of Dr
Gregory, and some others, besides mine, I am well aware
that much caution and judgment are necessary in putting it
in practice. In all cases where there are visceral obstructions,
cold bathing does much mischief; and in fevers of this sort,
with inflammatory diathesis, there is reason to suspect topical
inflammation of the viscera ; in this last case, if cold bathing
were made use of, the patient would run the risk of his life,
and the physician justly lose his character. Other methods of
treatment must therefore be had recourse to, and these I will

a a

'J70 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE

endeavour to point out, front a successful practice in the
West Indies, as well as in this country.

In fevers where there are but slight signs of inflammatory
diathesis, mild antimonials, as James\s powder, the antimonial
powder of the shops, or antimonial wine, in small and re-
peated doses, with occasional opiates, are generally sufficient
to open the pores of the skin, and occasion a gentle perspira-
tion. But where these or the like mild means are of no avail,
there is every probability to suppose that topical inflammation,
internally, has taken place.

In cases of this sort I have immediate recourse to calomel,
either by itself, or joined with antimonials or opiates. The
quantity of calomel I employ is proportioned to the violence
of the disorder, and the danger the patient is in. In this
country I have seldom exceeded five or six grains of calomel
a day ; but in the West Indies I have given twenty grains in
twenty-four hours with the most marked success.

In 1771, Dr Lysons published his Essay on the good ef-
fects of Camphor and Calomel in continual fevers. In such
cases I have found no occasion for the first of these ; and Dr
Ly'sous1 success with the latter must have been in cases
where there was a morbid and topical affection of the viscera
and alimentary canal.

About fourteen years ago, I communicated my method of
treating obstinate and acute diseases, in the West Indies, to
an eminent physician who had the care of a large hospital in
England. He gave calomel, in large and frequent doses, in
fevers that resisted the common methods of cure, and found
it to answer far beyond his expectations. It sometimes had
no other effect than occasioning a copious stool at times ; but
for the most part it acted as a mild diaphoretic and sedative :
a crisis, or favourable turn of the fever was soon brought
about, and the patient speedily recovered.

It seems hardly necessary to mention to you, that in all
cases of typhus there can be but little hope of success, unless

TREATMENT OF ACUTE DISEASES. 3?1

the patients are brought into spacious and well-aired chambers,
and are lightly covered with bed-clothes.

In the first stage of typhus, brisk small beer may be given
plentifully for common drink, or water slightly impregnated
with vitriolic acid. The strength of the patients should be
supported by giving them frequently panada, or gruel, with
wine. Attention, too, must be paid to the state of the belly,
and of the other emunctories.

Some late authors, who have written on West India dis-
eases, have roundly asserted, that in tropical countries fevers
are not contagious ; but whoever has had the care of crowded
hospitals, of jails, of ships of war, or of transports full of
troops, must have seen numerous and fatal instances of con-
tagion in the West Indies ; more especially where cleanliness
and free ventilation have been neglected.

From causes of this sort a most fatal and destructive dis-
order broke out in the West Indies in 1793, and soon after
in Philadelphia, viz. the yellow fever. Dr Hush has classed
this disorder with remittents ; but every one who has practised
in the West Indies, knows for certain, that the remittent fe-
vers of warm countries are not contagious. From Dr Hush's
book, and from the numerous letters of my correspondents,
there remains not a doubt, in my mind, of the yellow fever
being typhus, exalted to a great degree of virulence from cli-
mate, situation, and other adventitious circumstances.

The yellow fever has appeared in America at different pe-
riods, as we learn from Dr Lining's paper in the Edinburgh
Essays, Physical and Literary, vol. ii. ; and it was this same
disorder that committed such havock amongst the troops un-
der Admiral Vernon, in 1741.

The commencement of this fever, in Grenada, is dated
from May 1793, soon after the arrival of a Guinea ship from
Sierra Leone, the crew of which had been so sickly, that most
of the sailors died of the yellow fever, either in the voyage,
or soon after the arrival of the ship. It suddenly spread over

Aa2

372 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE

the other Leeward Islands, and from thence was carried to
Philadelphia, Hispaniola, and Jamaica.

The first account I received of this fever was from Dr
James Ci.ark, a physician of eminence in Dominica; his
letter to me is dated July 23, 1793, and runs as follows: —
" I have been harassed night and day, for a month past, by
attendance on people ill of the yellow fever. Since its appear-
ance in this island, it has already carried off more than a
hundred sailors, new comers, and emigrants. In its progress
it has been, and still is, as quick and fatal as the plague ; it
often finishes its course in forty-eight hours ; but if the sick
get past the fifth day, they generally recover."'1

All the letters I have had from my medical friends agree
that this fever is highly contagious, and that new comers are
most subject to receive it; particularly such as are young, or
are addicted to drinking spiritous liquors. Next to these are
the nurses and attendants on the sick, who breathe the air in
their chambers, or handle their bodies or bedclothes. But
such as avoid infected houses, or keep at a distance from
people convalescent, are no way subject to the yellow fever.
It appears, also, that people of colour, and Negroes, are in a
manner totally exempted from this disease, except such as
are employed as house-servants, and fare the same as white
people.

The Creole white inhabitants, and others who have long
resided in the islands, are, it seems, seldom attacked with this
disorder, unless under the circumstances above mentioned.
But why the yellow fever should attack some, and not other?,
can only be accounted for in this way, — that, in order to re-
ceive or resist contagion, men's bodies and minds must be in
a particular state ; and that field Negroes should not be liable
to it is to me inexplicable. They, however, have their epide-
mics, from which white people are exempted.

This disorder seems to exert its direful effects on the sto-
mach, intestines, and other viscera in general, but particular-

TREATMENT OE ACUTE DISEASES. 373

lv on the liver and gall-bladder. Sometimes the lungs arc-
greatly affected ; and extravasations have been found in the
brain after death.

It is not my intention to delineate the progress and symp-
toms of this fever ; it will be sufficient to say that bilious
vomitings are amongst the concomitant and distressing symp-
toms of yellow fever ; and that what is called the Black Vo-
miting generally happens towards the fatal termination of the
disease.

I hasten to the medical treatment as practised by Dr
James Clark, and others of my friends in the West Indies.
Dr Clark, in his letters to me on this subject, regrets his
being called so late to the sick in this fever, twenty-four hours
having often elapsed before he has seen them : but even at
this late period, says he, " I have been lucky enough to save
three out of four, or four out of five, of those who had the
yellow fever.11 In cases where he has been called in on the
first day of the fever, he assures me he has seldom lost any
one. He first endeavours to purge briskly with ten grains of
jalap and ten grains of calomel every three hours. If the
vomiting continues, ten grains of calomel, by itself, are given,
till stools are procured ; and after this calomel, in doses of
five grains, with or without opium, every third or fourth
hour. In urgent cases he has recourse to mercurial friction,
till the violence of the symptoms has abated. " If,11 says he,
" I can by any means introduce a sufficient quantity of mer-
cury into the habit in time, so as to affect the mouth and
gums, I have no hesitation in declaring that my patient is
out of danger.11

Dr Clark has given sixty or eighty grains of calomel in
three days ; Dr Drummond, a learned and eminent physician
in Jamaica, has given 200 grains in the same space of time,
besides friction with strong mercurial ointment, with suc-
cess.

374 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE

With regard to bleeding, Dr Clauk tells me he lias now
and then had occasion to order it in full habits: he has re-
course to this, however, but seldom, and then very sparingly.
In Jamaica the lancet is now laid aside in the treatment of
this disease; as some young men, who were seized with the
yellow fever, and blooded on the day of the attack, died in a
few hours after. The American practice, therefore, will not
succeed in the West Indies.

In cases where the strength of the patient is much reduced,
the strongest wines, or even brandy itself, must be freely used.
Dr Deummokd tells me, that in such dangerous stages of the
the disease, even when the black vomiting has come on, he
has given the pepper medicine* with success. The use of
this medicine is continued till a generous warmth takes place,
which must be kept up so long as the delity or the vomiting
last; but, in the mean time, the use of mercury must be
pushed vigorously, till the mouth is affected, and till there
are evident appearances of a resolution of the disorder, and
an abatement of the most violent symptoms.

In such stages of typhus, where there were petechias, a
difficulty of swallowing, or a sense of choking; or where
aphthae were present, or there was a great irregularity of
pulse, I have found the use of ether -f- very beneficial.

Hitherto the black vomiting has usually been considered
as a fatal symptom ; and a remedy to obviate it has long-
been a desideratum amongst physicians +. To whom the
happy discovery of such a remedy, in the capsicum, is owing

" This is composed of three grains of powder of Cayenne pepper, made
into a pill with mucilage, and may be given every two or three hours ;
but unless the pill is well coated with dough, or while wafer, it will be
difficult to persuade the patient to swallow a second dose.

t For an account of the efficacy of the spirit us vitrioli dulcis in fevers,
see a valuable paper, by Dr Smyth, in the Medical Communications,
vol. i.

t Dr Bariiam of Jamaica, contemporary of Sir Hans Sloan.

TREATMENT 0¥ ACUTE DISEASES. .J7->

I have not yet learned; hut he merits the thanks of his
country, and of mankind !

That a medicine of so hot and fiery a nature, as Cayenne
pepper, can be given with safety and efficacy in a disorder so
evidently inflammatory, is truly surprising, and can only be
accounted for in two ways: first, by supposing that the sti-
mulus of the pepper is stronger than that of the contagion ;
or, secondly, (to use the language of my late ingenious friend
Mr John Hunter), that it induces a different action in the
stomach and first passages.

On the treatment of Intermittents I have but little or no-
thing new to offer : in such cases I have found every advan-
tage from following the advice of my late excellent friend
Dr James Lind of Haslar, by giving a large dose of lauda-
num in the hot fit : this has seldom failed to produce a plen-
tiful and kindly diaphoresis, and the disorder, in general, has
afterwards been cured by the Peruvian bark.

Where intermittents have either been neglected or impro-
perly treated, or where the bark, so far from being of ser-
vice, has served only to load the stomach, or has been reject-
ed, I have suspected that some visceral obstructions existed.
In such cases, calomel, in small doses, has had the happiest
effect, and the patients have generally recovered without any
other medicine.

Quartans and double tertians, as well as simple intermit-
tents, are occasioned by marsh miasmata. In warm coun-
tries they are frequent, and difficult of cure ; and unless the
sick are removed to better air, the disorder will baffle the
skill of the most experienced physician. Fevers of this
sort, if even continued but for a short time, occasion obstruc-
tions of the liver and mesenteric glands, which are too often
followed by jaundice, dropsy, and death.

In such cases, after clearing the stomach and prima viae,
I order mild antimonials, opiates, and calomel ; by these

376 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE

means the disorder is soon removed, as I have experienced
in a great number of cases, attended with the most unfavour-
able appearances.

The common remitting fevers of tropical countries gene-
rally yield to the methods prescribed by Drs Cleghorn and
Lixd, yiz. cleansing the prima? viae, then giving the bark,
wine, and nourishing diet ; but if they are attended with bi-
lious vomiting, and symptoms of inflammatory diathesis, ca-
lomel, in small doses (as two grains every three hours), ap-
peases the vomiting, opens the belly, and brings on a gentle
moisture on the skin. After this the bark may be tried, but
I have often seen the sick recover sooner without it.

Where fiery eruptions, with swelling and inflammation,
break out in the mouth and lips, at the decline of bilious re-
mittents, quartans, and other obstinate fevers, Dr Kirkland
justly remarks, that the whole alimentary canal is affected
with this sort of erysipelas. To that author I am indebted
for the treatment of the patient in this critical and dangerous
stage of the disease. Calomel, either by itself, or joined with
mild antimonials and opiates, in small doses, does every thing
that can be wished for. If the eruption has continued any
length of time, and degenerated into little ill- disposed ulcers
and scabs, the unguentura hydrargyri nit rati effectually cures
them in three or four days.

Remitting fevers, arising from marsh miasmata, are fre-
quently obstinate and fatal. In many cases of this kind the
tongue is furred and slimy, and the vomiting incessant, with
great headach and prostration of strength. Sometimes I have
settled the stomach with a decoction of camomile flowers ; at
other times by saline draughts, taken in an effervescing state ;
but the most effectual remedy I have ever tried, has been a
slight infusion of the quassia polygama, or bitter-wood* ; af-

* See the account of this tree bv Mr Lindsay, in the Transactions of

TREATMENT OF ACUTE DISEASES. -i~7

ter which the Peruvian bark, or Jesuit's bark of Jamaica*,
has completed the cure.

In bilious remittents I have seen a yellow BufltiSIon over
the whole body occur in the course of* the disease ; sometimes
in the first stage, but more frequently towards the end of the
fever, which too often terminated fatally.

In I78"5 a gcntleman-f- at Hampden estate, in Jamaica, was
seized with a bilious remittent, attended with constant retch-
ing and vomiting of bile. I was called to his assistance on
the fourth day of his disorder ; his skin was then of a deep
yellow colour, and his urine tinged linen cloth, as in jaun-
dice: the whole of his symptoms indicated extreme danger.
My first object was to procure stools by means of stimulating
injections, and small doses of the compound powder of jalap ;
but as the vomiting continued, and the fever remained high,
I determined to give him two grains of calomel every two
hours. On the following day he was better, but the use of
the calomel was continued till the evening, at which time his
stomach was settled. He had two copious evacuations by
stool ; the fever was greatly abated, and there was a gentle
moisture on the skin, which I encouraged by small doses of
antimonial wine, and watery tepid drinks. After this he re-
covered daily, but the yellowness of the skin continued some
weeks before it wore completely off.

There are other acute diseases, in warm countries, that are
very destructive in their nature ; among these is the hepatitis,
or inflammation of the liver. It is either acute* or chronic.
In acute hepatitis there are strong symptoms of phlogistic
diathesis ; and these I endeavour to obviate by a moderate
bleeding, gentle laxatives, and diluting drinks. The applica-
tion of a blister over the part affected is sometimes useful. If

the Royal Society oi' Edinburgh, vol. iii. and Medical Fads and Observa-
tions, vol. v.

* Philosophical Transactions, vol. lxvii.

+ Mr Alexander TiiORTtunx. at present in Scotland.

378 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE

the fever and pain continue, I prescribe small doses of anti-
monial powder or antimonial wine, to bring on a gentle per-
spiration ; should this, however, be not speedily brought
about, I lose no time in exhibiting mercury internally and
externally, till the disease is conquered ; and this I have
done with uniform success for twenty-seven years ; whereas
acute hepatitis, treated by frequent and copious bleeding, too
often terminates in phthisis pulmonalis, or some other fatal
disorder.

The chronic hepatitis is very common in Great Britain, and
is often mistaken for dyspepsia. Small doses of calomel, (as
a grain at bed-time every night for a fortnight) are in general
sufficient to remove it.

Pleurisies and acute peripneumonies are common and fatal
diseases in all tropical countries, especially amongst the Ne-
groes who live upon estates in the hilly and mountainous
parts of Jamaica.

In the cure of pleurisies, bloodletting is at first requisite ;
but a repetition of it requires much caution. Profuse and
repeated evacuations of this sort weaken the system ; and I
have seen many instances, where an improper use of the lan-
cet in such cases has been succeeded by general debility, pul-
monary consumption, and dropsy. In these diseases, after
one, or at most two moderate bleedings, I direct the belly to
be opened by clysters, or some gentle laxative ; give nitre
dissolved in the patient's common drink, and advise a thin
spare diet. A blister applied to the side affected generally
gives great relief. But if the fever is considerable, and the
pain acute, I order from three to six grains of antimonial
powder every two hours, till a plentiful sweat takes place,
which I encourage by a liberal use of warm tea, or water-
gruel. If small doses of the antimonial powder have not the
desired effect, I give ten, fifteen, or twenty grains for a dose ;
nor am I afraid of exciting full vomiting, either in pleurisy or

TREATMENT OF ACUTE DISEASES'. :>79

peripneUmony ; on the contrary, such doses have proved
highly beneficial.

When the disorder has resisted these menus, I nave or-
dered, with great success, calomel, in large and frequent

doses, as long as the violent symptoms continued.

Pleurisies and peripneumonies are often epidemic amongst
the Negroes in Jamaica, and attended with a remitting fever.
Full vomiting is here particularly useful ; in the exacerba-
tions twenty-five or thirty drops of laudanum take off the
spasm, and the bark secures the patient from a return of the
complaint.

I might have mentioned splenitis, and other internal in-
flammations, but as they give way to similar management, I
proceed to treat of the dysentery.

The dysentery has in every war carried off more of our
troops in the West Indies, than all the other diseases of that
climate. It is a melancholy truth, that this fatality is greatly
owing to the folly and intemperance of soldiers and sailors,
and not to the climate, which has been blamed for it.
Drinking to excess of new and bad rum destroys the powers
of the stomach, and debilitates their strength ; they are either
attacked by some violent inflammatory disorder, or are liable
to receive infection from human bodies, or from marsh mias-
mata.

Europeans labouring under dysentery, in the West Indies,
have more or less of remitting fever : in such patients bleed-
ing, if at all necessary, ought to be had recourse to very spa-
ringly. Negroes ill of dysentery, or other acute diseases, ad-
mit of a more free use of the lancet. In ordinary cases, an
emetic of ipecacuanha, afterwards a dose of rhubarb and ca-
lomel, and an opiate at bed-time, generally carry off the dis-
order.

In epidemic dysenteries, attended with great prostration
of strength, and other symptoms of putrescency, I am solid-

380 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE

tous to purge off the offending matter in the alimentary ca-
nal, and afterwards to eorrect the disposition to putrescency :
for this purpose I prescribe a strong decoction of tamarinds ;
in two pints of whieh I order two ounces of purging salt to
be dissolved ; an ordinary tea-cupful of this is directed to
be taken every three or four hours, till it has operated plen-
tifully by stool ; after which, at bed-time, I give an opiate.
On the following day the decoction of tamarinds, without the
salts, is given ; or the sick are allowed to eat preserved tama-
rinds, as they think proper.

In cases where this method has failed of success, I have
had recourse to a mixture of vegetable acid and purified sea-
salt, an account of the preparation and good effects of which
I several years ago communicated to the American Philoso-
phical Society, who have inserted it in their Transactions* ;
it is composed of lemon or lime juice three ounces; of sea-
salt purified an ounce, or as much as the acid will dissolve ;
of any simple distilled cordial water one pint ; and of loaf-
sugar a sufficient quantity to sweeten it ; of this a wine-glass
full may be given to adults every two, four, or six hours.

A most respectable author defines dysentery to be a fever
of the intestines, and for the cure of it prescribes antimonials
and opiates, which in slight cases I have known to answer.
This idea of the disease comes very near to my own ; but
when dysentery is attended with phlogistic diathesis, the
fever is rather the effect than the cause of the disorder. Dis-
sections of such as have died of dysentery, have evidently
shewn, that inflammation, and consequent gangrene, had ta-
ken place in the smaller intestines, as well as in the colon.

In dysenteries where the fever has been considerable, the
tongue dry and parched, the gripes severe, and the stools very
frequent, with scarcely any thing else than blood or mucus, I

" See Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, vol. ii. 4to.
Philadelphia, 17r,fi ; and London Medical Journal, vol. viii. p. 97. 8vo.
London, 1787-

TREATMENT OF ACUTE DISEASES. 3S1

have prescribed, with good edict, calomel, in doses of five
grains, every six hours, till a copious stool or two has been
procured; and afterwards in smaller doses, with occasional
opiates, while the fever and gripes have continued.

Autumnal dysenteries in this country have generally given
way to some one or other of the correctors I have mentioned
above ; but particularly to an infusion of quassia polygama*,
or bitter-wood ; after which I have prescribed the Peruvian
bark to strengthen the system.

In the treatment of the different diseases mentioned in this
paper, you have seen the liberal use I make of calomel. I
have contented myself with candidly relating to you the ef-
fects I have experienced from it, without attempting any
theory of the mode in which these effects are produced. I
think it necessary, however, to observe to you, that freely as
I have administered calomel in different acute diseases, I have
seldom, if ever, been surprised with a sudden salivation. I
indeed have paid daily attention to the state of the mouth
and gums, and as soon as I have observed the latter spongy,
and that the tongue was beginning to be moist about the
edges, I have desisted from the farther use of calomel ; be-
cause I was then certain that a resolution of the disorder was
begun, and that my patient was out of danger.

In answer to your question, how early I got the first hint
of the use of calomel in fevers ? I answer, it was my good
fortune, for many years, to enjoy the friendship and confi-
dence of the late Dr Lind of Haslar ; and it was from his
conversation, and the information contained in his excellent
work on the Diseases of Warm Climates, that I learnt the East

* There is no such thing in the shops as Quassia amara. It is the Bit-
ter-wood, or Bitter-ash, that is imported, and answers every purpose, per-
haps better than the Quassia amara. — Vide Medical Facts and Observa-
tions, vol. v.

3

.'382 TREATMENT OF ACUTE DISEASES.

India practice of giving mercury in inflammations of the liver,
and the success with which the late Sir John Eliot had
treated visceral obstructions by the same remedy, all which I
knew so early as the year 1760. But it was not before 17G4
that I began to give calomel in so free a manner as I have
done ever since, not only in hepatitis, but in all the other
acute diseases I have treated of; and I extended its use
from reasoning in my own mind, and from analogy. I have
never had cause to repent of the further trials I made ; but,
on the contrary, have had reason to consider this practice as
the happy means of saving the lives of a great number of
people.

I think it right to add, that Dr Drummond of Westmore-
land, in Jamaica, whom I have already had occasion to men-
tion more than once in the course of this letter, began to ad-
minister calomel in fevers and pleurisies as early as I did,
though without our having had any communication on the
subject with each other. I have since found that he learned
the use of it, in such cases, from Dr Smith, a physician at
Savannah le Mar, who was in the habit of giving it, in doses
of twenty grains, in acute diseases, with great success.

These observations are extended to a greater length than
I at first intended. After all, you must consider the whole
only as hints for the treatment of acute diseases, and if you
are of opinion that they will be useful, you have ray consent
to make them public.

I have the honour to be,

With the greatest esteem and regard,

Dear Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

William Wright,
Edixbuugh, I
December 10. 1794. j

I 388 )

REPORT

fON'CERNING THE

DISEASES MOST COMMON AMONG THh
TROOPS IN THE WEST INDIES.

[Extracted from the Annals of Medicine for the Year 1797.]

The following report * respecting the diseases most com-
mon among the troops in the West Indies, their symptoms,
causes, and best mode of treatment, drawn up by Dr Wil-
liam Wright, physician to the army, and director to the mi-
litary hospitals in Barbadoes, contains so much useful infor-
mation to the practitioners in warm climates, that we have
peculiar pleasure in being able to present it to our readers.

REPORT.

The disorders to which the troops in the West Indies arc
most liable are fevers and fluxes.

The fevers are either intermittent, remittent, or continued
Besides these, there are typhus or the jail-fever, ship-fever,
yellow fever, &c. which are different degrees of the same dis-
order.

Of fluxes there are cholera, diarrhoea, and dysentery, of all
of which in order.

* Annals of Medicine for 1797, p- 34G.

384 REPORT OX THE DISEASES AMONG THE

INTERMITTENTS, OR AGUES.

Of intermittents we have common tertians, quotidians, and
quartans. They differ in no respect from the agues in Great
Britain, except that they are more violent in their symptoms,
and often more fatal in their consequences, in the West Indies,
as they frequently degenerate into continued fever, or occasion
visceral obstructions, topical inflammation in the stomach, ali-
mentary canal, and other viscera ; hence jaundice, dropsy,
dysentery, &c.

Causes. — Marsh miasma, the universal cause of all interniit-
tents ; especially when conjoined with heat and moisture in
the atmosphere.

In the island of St Lucia, agues amongst the troops are en-
demic. The climate is hot, and at some seasons the rains are
heavy and incessant. The earth is wet and soaked in water
in the day-time, the exhalation by the heat of the sun is so great
that the bodies of men may be said to be in a vapour-bath. At
night the land-breeze is cold, moist, and chilly. If camps or
barracks be placed to leeward of swamps or morasses, the
stench is often intolerable, and never fails to produce ao-ues,
or other bad fevers, as well as dysentery.

The predisposing causes of agues are, whatever debilitates
the system, as fatigue in the heat of the day, getting wet with
rain, and sleeping in wet clothes, which frequently happens to
soldiers in actual service. We add to these, poor living and
intemperance in drinking spiritous liquors, particularly new
rum.

The Cure. — Before a cure can be effected with any degree
of success, the sick ought, if possible, to be removed from the
neighbourhood of swamps or morasses, to hospitals situated on
a rising ground, or dry gravelly soil.

In simple tertians, it is only necessary to cleanse the prima?
via? by gentle emetics and cooling laxatives ; and immediately

TROOPS l\T THE WEST INDIES. :i85

thereafter to give the Peruvian bark in 3ubstance, in full
doses, and at proper intervals, until the disorder be effectual-
ly stopt.

But if the ague has continued some time, and the patient
complains of the bark loading his stomach, or if the bark be
rejected, it is probable that topical affections of the alimentary
canal, and of the viscera, are about to take place ; and this
will be certain, if, at the same time, there are symptoms of
phlogistic diathesis. In this case, small doses of pulvis anti-
monialis, and saline draughts in an effervescing state, should
be given to open the pores of the skin.

When these failed, one grain of calomel, given three times
a-day, either alone or accompanied with an opiate, had the de-
sired effect. The calomel was then discontinued, and the cure
finished by the Peruvian bark.

Quotidians and quartans were treated in the same manner
as tertians, but they are more difficult of cure. When there
were signs of visceral obstructions, calomel, in small doses,
was given daily, until a copperish taste was perceived in the
mouth, and the gums were slightly affected, when it was dis-
continued. In this case the disorder generally disappears,
without the farther use of the bark. But, should the ague
recur, it may be easily stopped by a few large doses of pow-
der of Peruvian bark.

In the cold fit of agues, draughts of warm ginger-tea, or
warm water-gruel with wine, were given, and the patient was
moderately covered with bed-clothes.

When the hot fit came on, and had continued about ten
minutes, a large dose of laudanum was given with a happy
effect. The pores of the skin were opened, a gentle diapho-
resis came on, the patient was disposed to sleep, and in a little
time freed of all his complaints. The Peruvian bark was
now given with safety and success.

Accidental Symptoms. — It frequently happens in long pro-

B b

386 REPORT ON THE DISEASES AMONG THE

tracted agues, or other fevers in the West Indies, that the
patient is sick at stomach, and vomits a great quantity of
green or porraceous bile, of an acid taste and corrosive nature ;
this discharge is sometimes critical. When it was not, mag-
nesia, given in simple peppermint-water, generally put a stop
to it, and gave the offending matter a turn downwards by
stool.

A coma and delirium sometimes happened in the course of
obstinate intermittents, and other fevers. It generally yielded
to blisters on the ankles, sinapisms to the feet, cordials, the
camphorated emulsion, or the pepper medicine. But in the
advanced state of intermittents, where the powers of nature
were exhausted, these were fatal symptoms.

Profuse sweatings occurred now and then after agues were
checked, and weakened the patients greatly, disposing them to
hectic fever and pulmonary complaints. The acidum vitrio-
licum dilutum, or elixir of vitriol, thirty drops three times a-
day, in a glass of water, were then given. The sick were en-
joined to sit up in bed, as soon as they perceived the sweats
coming on, and to rub their bodies with a dry cloth ; then to
be anointed with a little sweet oil, camphorated hog's lard, or
some other unctuous substance. Port wine, eggs, and milk,
and a generous diet, greatly assisted in the cure.

Hcemorrhage from the nose. If this was to any excess, it
was an alarming and dangerous symptom, as it weakened the
powers of life, already debilitated by disease.

Keeping cool in the day-time, light covering in bed, the
elixir vitrioli, and large doses of nitre, generally checked the
haemorrhage ; afterwards, some preparations of the bark, with
a diet of milk, eggs, and vegetables, were of the greatest ser-
vice.

Hiccough is often an attendant in quartans, and other ob-
stinate fevers ; it is a very distressing, and often a dangerous
symptom, more especially if it happen at the end of acute
diseases.

tkoops in Tin: wfst indies. 387

It the tongue be moist, and the skin be open, it may be re-
moved by simple peppermint-water, the camphorated^ emul-
sion, or the pepper medicine. (See at the end of this article.)
When there were signs of phlogistic diathesis, a small blister
was applied to the pit of the stomach, and two grains of calo-
mel were given every three hours, which, in a short time,
generally removed this symptom. Where hiccough was judg-
ed merely spasmodic, musk-boluses, assafoetida in substance,
opium, ether, and the capsicum, had the desired effect.

Flatulencies after meals, or on the use of the bark, were
sometimes observed ; aloetics, in small doses, succeeded in re-
moving them.

The consequences of' intermittents are, jaundice, dropsy,
visceral obstructions, and dyspepsia. We have already men-
tioned the successful treatment of visceral obstructions.

Jaundice and yellow suffusion generally yielded to o-entle
emetics, bitter watery infusions, small and repeated doses of
aloetics, with calomel, or to kali acetatum, and a dose pulv.
ipecac, com p. at bed-time.

Dropsies often follow intermittents. If they be owino- to
visceral obstructions, mild mercurials, and infusions of quassia,
remove them ; at other times, weak solutions of crystals of
tartar, and Dover's powder, at bed-time, will accomplish a
cure.

If they arise from debility, bitters, chalybeates, aromatics,
aloetics, small doses of tincture of cantharides, and kali aceta-
tum, by turns, with the use of the flesh-brush, will cure the
patient. If with dropsical symptoms, the ague should recur,
there is a necessity to put a stop to it, by large doses of the
bark, in substance, with opium. Dyspepsia, for the most part,
gave way to proper diet, bitter watery infusions of camomile,
or quassia, with aromatics.

Dysentery, attending or following intermittents, is often ob-
stinate, and always dangerous, of which hereafter.

1jb2

388 REPORT OX THE DISEASES AMONG THE

REMITTING FEVER.

This fever varies so much in its appearance, from climate,
situation, and the revolution of seasons, that a stranger in the
West Indies would be at a loss how to class it. Sometimes
it is mild in its appearance, and regular in its form ; at other
times it is more violent, and of an unfavourable aspect.
There scarcely exists a boundary betwixt a remittent and
an intermittent fever ; the double tertian seems to be one
and the same thing, differing only, perhaps, from circum-
stances.

Symptoms. — At first the patient has uneasiness, with lan-
guor, and, as he expresses it, is neither sick nor well. He
has, afterwards, alternate heats and rigors, the heats especial-
ly in the extremities.

Headach and prostration of strength, nausea and frequent
vomiting supervene, first of the contents of the stomach, af-
terwards of bile, of a yellow or green colour. The pulse at
first is small and quick, afterwards full, but seldom hard.
For the most part, there are pains in the back and loins,
pains in the limbs, particularly the calves of the legs, and
fore-arms. Frequently the patient complains of an acute
pain at the top of the shoulder; others have universal pains
over the whole body ; and most of the sick have anxiety,
great restlessness, and frequent sighing. As the heat in,
creases, the face is flushed, and all the symptoms become
worse. The headach is greater, and the patient is drowsy,
or comatose : a sweat at last succeeds, which procures a par-
tial abatement of the disorder. The tongue at first is white
and slimy ; but, in ardent cases, both the tongue and fauces
become dry, brown, and chopt.

In most cases, at the beginning, there is little or no thirst;
but in the advanced stage it is verv great.

TROOPS IN TIIK WEST INDIES. 389

The urine is sometimes pale, but for the most part high-
coloured.

In the second stage, every symptom is aggravated ; the
eyes look wild and inflamed, a delirium comes on ; the
tongue, when put out, is tremulous, and the voice faulter-
ing.

In severe cases, there is a yellow suffusion of the skin, and
of the white of the eyes, sometimes attended with a tension
of the abdomen, and sometimes with dysentery. The most
distressing symptom is a constant retching to vomit. At last,
the patient becomes comatose, has frequent hiccough, and cold
clammy sweats, and sometimes an involuntary discharge of
stools, and of urine ; the face becomes hippocratic, and death
closes the scene.

The causes of remitting fevers arc the same as those of in-
termittcnts, particularly marsh miasma, and fatigue in the
heat of the day. This fever is dangerous at all times, more
especially if the patient continue exposed to the effluvia of
swamps or morasses.

Cure. The first step is, an immediate removal of the sick
to better air, and proper hospitals, where attendants are at
hand, and every kind of provision made for their comfort and
support.

In the beginning, or first stage of this fever, there was no-
thing else to be done, but to cleanse the alimentary canal, by
some mild cathartic, such as a solution of manna and cream of
tartar, or by small and repeated doses of natron vitriolatum,
and immediately afterwards to give the bark in substance.

In the advanced stage, where the heat was considerable,
and the vomiting frequent, early purging was practised with
good effect. This was sometimes done with compound pow-
der of jalap, in small or repeated doses, in saline draughts,
or simple peppermint-water. Ikit if these were not retained,
two grains calomel, in a bolus, were given every two hours,
which not only purged plentifully, but occasioned a copious

390 HEFORT ON THE DISEASES AMONG THE

perspiration, and a remission of all the most violent symp-
toms.

Where there was great irritability of the stomach, opium
was joined with calomel, and with the best effects. These
were assisted by warm fomentations, or the warm bath.

As soon as a remission was brought about, the bark in sub-
stance was given, either alone, or with a few drops of lauda-
num added to each dose. The great danger in all fevers is,
from the patient's falling low ; and this is too often the case,
as the sick are not sent into the general hospital when first
taken ill, but after the first stage is past, and when there is
every appearance of danger. In such cases, blisters were ap-
plied, cordials and stimulating medicines were given ; such as
camphorated emulsion, with a plentiful use of wine, which of-
ten revived the patient beyond expectation. The decoction
of Peruvian bark, with a drachm of the extract to a pound,
generally sat easy on the stomach, and brought on an agree-
able and natural warmth.

As we consider this and other fevers, as arising from some
debilitating power, we have enjoined a nourishing diet, and a
free use of wine, as soon as the most urgent symptoms have
abated ; at the same time, cleanliness, both in person and bed-
clothes, was strictly attended to.

The treatment of particular symptoms, occurring in remit-
tent fever, was the same as we have stated under intermit-
tents.

CONTINUED FEVER.

Intermitting and remitting fevers, if neglected, or ill treat-
ed, very often degenerate into continued fevers. Dangerous
symptoms supervene ; such as congestions in the head and vis-
cera, of which many instances occur in practice.

In recent cases of continued fever, much advantage has
been gained by blisters to the ankles, by a free use of cam-
phor, and of the bark.

TROOPS IN THE WEST INDIES. 391

If congestions in the head were suspected, blisters were ap-
plied to the head and back. If in the viscera, calomel and
opium were given with evident benefit. As soon as the heat
abated, the bark and port- wine had the happiest effects.

TYPHUS.

Under this head we class the nervous fever, the ship-fever,
the hospital-fever, the jail-fever, the pestilential fever, the
yellow fever, &c. All of these are different names for the
same disease, and differ only from each other in malignity or
violence, from local circumstances, the state of the atmos-
phere, or season of the year.

TYPHUS NAVIUM, SHIP-FEVER.

In transporting troops from England to the West Indies,
this fever often breaks out, and rages with great violence.

Symptoms. The patient sometimes is indisposed for a day
or two before the disease be marked, but frequently is taken
ill at once, with lassitude, prostration of strength, irregular
chills and heats, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. He has
a slight headach, is restless in bed, has confused ideas, and
troublesome dreams ; there is no great heat of the skin, it is
rather moist, cold, and sweating. The tongue at first is white,
moist, and slimy ; afterwards dry and parched. The coun-
tenance is pale and sunk, the eyes dull and languid, the belly
irregular, the urine pale, and secreted in too great a quan-
tity.

These symptoms go on increasing, a stupor comes on, the
patient sleeps with his eyes half open, often mutters to him-
self, has subsultus tendinum, and keeps tumbling and pick-
ing the bed-clothes. The tongue, when put out, is tremu-
lous ; he can scarcely articulate, and swallows with diffi-
culty.

392 HEPOllT ON THE DISEASES AMONG THE

A hiccough is extremely distressing, cold and clammy
sweats become universal, the urine is voided involuntarily, as
are also colliquative stools ; death is then at hand, and soon
closes the scene.

Causes of Ship-Fever. It is impossible to describe the hor-
rors on board transports, when crowded with men, and ne-
glected by officers. If the men be suffered to be dirty in their
persons, in their bodies and bed-clothes ; if they be permitted
to be much below, and come little upon deck to breathe the
open air ; if they be not compelled to sweep and scrape their
berths every day ; if their bedding and hammocks be not got
up, and aired every fair day ; and, above all, if the men are
not put watch and watch upon deck ; these, or any of these
causes, will produce fever; and we have seen transports ar-
rive here, who had lost eighty men on the passage, and the
rest objects for the hospital. Such officers as were attentive
to cleanliness, &c. brought their men in high health and spi-
rits, and fit for immediate service.

Cure of the Ship-Fever. — The sick, on being landed, were
washed, either with cold sea-water, or water made milk- warm;
they were completely shifted, and placed in clean well-aired
wards, with dry bedding. If the fever was recent, an emetic
was given, and then the prima? vise cleansed by a solution of
natron vitriolatum, and manna or cream of tartar. After this
the bark was given, without loss of time, and with such suc-
cess, that in less than a week the men were in general dis-
charged, quite recovered.

In the beginning of the ship-fever, the cold bath had the
best effects ; and through the day, when the sick were hot,
washing the hands and face suddenly in cold water and vine-
gar, was exceedingly refreshing. Light covering in bed was
directed, especially where there was any preternatural heat.
In the advanced stages of this fever, where there were symp-
toms of inflammatory diathesis, we had recourse to small doses
of antimonial powder alone, or mixed with a few grains of

TROOPS IN THi: WEST IN'DIKS. .'JO.'j

calomel. Where the body was costive, five grains of calomel
proved to be the best laxative or purge.

In obstinate crises, blisters to the head and ankles, anil the
emulsio caniphorata, gave great relief, and paved the way for
bark, wine, and nourishment.

Our chief dependence in the cure of this fever was on fresh
air, cold acidulated watery drinks, ami supporting the patient's
strength by proper food and wine.

What has been said of ship-fever will equally apply to the
hospital-fever, or jail-fever; and for other concomitant symp-
toms, we refer to the treatment mentioned under Intermittents.

TYPHUS ICTKKOIDES. YRLLOW 1-EVKIi.

The yellow fever appeared to be no other than the jail-fe-
ver, exalted to a great degree of malignity. In this place, we
do not pretend to account for its appearance, or to determine
from what state of the atmosphere it first had its rise, or was
afterwards kept up. It is sufficient for our purpose to men-
tion the leading symptoms, and best means of relief.

Symptoms. — This disorder began at first with alternate ri-
gors and hot fits, giddiness and dimness of sight, the patient
could not bear the light, the eyes looked dull, and half-closed
when asleep ; the white of the eyes was tinged with yellow ;
the eyes themselves seemed sunk, and the countenance fallen.
The pulse varied, sometimes it was natural, but in general it
was small and tremulous. The breathing was difficult, at-
tended with sighing, anxiety, and restlessness.

The skin in general was hot, and had that biting feel so
common in all malignant fevers ; at other times the skin was
cold and clammy.

There was uniformly a great prostration of strength, a loss
of appetite, and a constant inclination to vomit ; at first the
contents of the stomach were thrown up, afterwards an abun-
dance of bile. The tongue was dry and furred, the thirst

394 REPORT ON THE DISEASES AMONG THE

unquenchable, the body costive, the urine scanty, high co-
loured, and burning or scalding the urethra. Universal pains,
especially in the joints, calves of the legs, and tip of the
shoulder, often took place. The sleep was disturbed, and the
patient inclined to delirium. The fever was without any sen-
sible intermission at first, but afterwards there were evident
remissions and exacerbations.

The second stage of this fever commenced sooner or later,
in different cases ; and instances have occurred where it fi-
nished its course in twenty-four or forty-eight hours. Every
symptom rapidly increased, the senses were more disturbed,
delirium and coma were constant ; at times the delirium was
low, but sometimes furious.

The vomiting of bile was incessant ; at last, whatever was
brought up had the colour of coffee ; and this was denominated
the Black Vomit. Haemorrhages from the nose, the mouth,
and even from the pores of the skin, were frequent and fatal
appearances. The body now became yellow or livid, with
cold and clammy sweats, the countenance hippocratic, the pulse
sunk, and death put an end to the patient's misery.

Cure. — The Jirst intention was directed to a speedy evacua-
tion of the morbid matter ; the second intention, to prevent
the secretion and accumulation of more ; the third to relieve
the most urgent symptoms ; and the fourth to obviate the mis-
chief already done to the system.

First, early and brisk purging was put in practice. After
some trials of various cathartics, we had recourse to large
doses of calomel, repeated at short intervals, until a plentiful
discharge by stool was obtained. By this means the vomiting,
instead of being increased, was gradually abated, and at last
subdued. By calomel, the pores of the skin were opened, a
resolution of the fever was brought about, and the patient
happily recovered.

Where patients were received in the advanced stages of
yellow fever, we had still recourse to calomel, and at the same

TROOPS IN THE WEST INDIES. c3[)j

time, when it was needful, to mercurial frictions, and the warm
bath ; and we recollect of no instance where mercury had been
freely given, and persevered in till it shewed itself in the
mouth, which was not attended with the happiest conse-
quences.

In the beginning- of the yellow fever, the cold-bath succeed-
ed admirably, as in other species of typhus, but in the ad-
vanced stage much caution was necessary, Some lucky expe-
dients, however, have been practised, which success alone
could justify. Thus when the most urgent symptoms had
been subdued, the patients were wrapt up in a wet blanket, a
profuse sweat was brought on, and an immediate recovery was
the consequence. In cases of excessive vomiting, effervescing
saline draughts have at times been successful ; but calomel,
prudently administered, will in general have the desired ef-
fect. In all fevers where the stomach was irritable, and bile
was pumped up, our dependence was on calomel ; where it
failed, danger was apprehended. We did not, however, de-
spair ; we gave capsicum pills, with the most marked success;
and even where melasna, or the black vomit, had taken place,
the capsicum has snatched the patient from the most immi-
nent danger.

In all the cases of yellow fever which we have seen, we
never found those enormous quantities of calomel necessary
which are mentioned by many late writers. Ten-grain doses,
indeed, were given, for two or three turns, until it operated
by stool. If, after this, the fever was obstinate, the dose of
calomel was reduced to two grains every three hours, till
symptoms of resolution had appeared. It was then discon-
tinued.

Respecting antimonials, the stomach was in too irritable a
state to bear them in any form, and the lancet was not only
unnecessary, but dangerous in the extreme.

396 LEPORT ON THE DISEASES AMONG THE

CHOLERA MORBUF.

This may arise in the summer-solstice, without any other
evident cause ; but for the most part, it is owing to exposure
to the heat of the sun, marsh effluvia, the eating immature
fruit or improper food, or the drinking too much wine or
spiritous liquors.

It begins suddenly, with severe vomiting and purging.
The bile is secreted in too great a quantity, and much of it
is puked up, the rest descends through the intestines : hence
arise acute pains, griping and flatulencies in the bowels : and
hence also is produced great thirst, heat, anxiety, quickness
and inequality of the pulse, cramps in various parts, syncope,
Sec.

When this disease occurred, large quantities of rice-decoc-
tion, barley-water or the like, were given. These persevered
in, for the most part stopped the vomiting. The medicines
vised were saline draughts, in an effervescing state, with a
little powder of Colombo, simple peppermint-water, with some
drops of tinctura opii, at times. When every thing failed,
we had succeeded with thirty drops of the elixir of vitriol
every three or four hours.

DIARRHOEA.

Diarrhoeas, or watery fluxes, may have been occasioned
by cholera, by improper food, by catching cold, by living in
an unhealthy situation, or by some peculiar state of the
atmosphere. If diarrhoea was owing to a surfeit, or improper
food, and proved violent, the same means were used as in
cholera, viz. water-gruel, beef-tea, rice-water, or the like.
Rhubarb was given in a saline mixture through the day, and
an opiate at bed-time, joined to two grains of ipecacuanha.
When all the acrid matter was thus washed off, cinnamon-tea,
and decoction of cascarilla, finished the cure.

TROOPS IN THE WEST INDI1 - 397

DY9EN i i:n\

Diarrhoea, when continued for any length of time, often
terminated in dysentery. They seemed to be modifications
of the same disease ; for, so soon as the mucus of the intestines
is washed off", or abraded, gripes and tenesmus come on, the
stools are small, slimy, and often bloody. Unless this disease
be soon remedied, it grows worse daily; and either proves
fatal, or gets into a chronic state. In unhealthy situations,
where fevers are frequent and dangerous, dysenteries often
prevail, and partake of the reigning disorder, assuming many
of their leading symptoms. But the most common dysente-
ries among the troops are occasioned by protracted fevers,
and obstructed viscera.

At first, gentle emetics of ipecacuanha were given ; then
solutions of natron vitriolatum, of cream of tartar, or castor
oil, were employed in small doses, frequently while the gripes
and tenesmus continued ; at bed-time a dose of pulv. ipecac,
comp. to restore perspiration ; and, lastly, cascarilla decoc-
tion, with the Peruvian bark. In obstinate dysenteries, we
judged them to be owing to obstructed viscera, or topical in-
flammation of the intestines. In cither case, some gentle doses
of calomel, with occasional opiates, speedily removed every
symptom of the disease.

CONTAGION IN FEVERS.

All the fevers we have mentioned were probably owing
to heat, moisture, foul air, or marsh miasma. But they will,
under particular circumstances, be more or less contagious.

This is a well known fact in all ages, particularly in fevers
of the typhoid kind when once formed, and arrived at a
certain pitch of malignity. We have seen how rapidly in-
fection spreads amongst troops in transports, and in ships of
war. That contagion, however, is stationary in the West
Indies ; for so soon as the men, ill of fever, are landed, washed,
and shifted, not a single instance has happened, of contagion

398 ON DISEASES OF THE WEST INDIES.

in the general hospital here. The malignant, or yellow fever,
which raged in all the islands in 1792 and 1795, was exceed-
ingly contagious ; many of the attendants on the sick fell
victims to it, in Grenada, St Vincents, and Barbadoes.

CAMPHORATED EMULSION.

Take camphor sixty grains ; rectified spirits of wine
thirty drops ; magnesia twenty grains ; beat these in a stone-
mortar, add, gradually, ten ounces of water, and half an ounce
of loaf-sugar. One or two table-spoonfuls every three hours,
shaking the glass.

THE PEPPER MEDICINE.

Take genuine Cayenne pepper sixty grains, common flour
five grains, water a few drops, to make a mass of pills, which
divide into twelve equal parts, and while fresh, roll in flour.
A single pill every two hours, or as occasion may require.

The Medical Staff of Barbadoes having perused the above
report, drawn up by Dr Wright, for the Medical Board of
London, unanimously approved of the same and thereunto
subscribed their names.

(Signed) Wil. Wright, M. D. Physician to his
Majesty's Forces.
W- tr. Straghan, Garrison Surgeon.
Josh. Rocket, Surgeon to the Forces.
Wit. Hugo, Apothecary to the Forces.

( <m )

DISSEllTATIO MEDICA INAUGURAL-IS
J)E FRAMBCESIA.*

PIUKEMIUM.

Amongst the various disorders to which mankind arc liable
betwixt the Tropics, that of Yaws is the most remarkable,
whether from the horrid appearance of the persons afflicted,
or its direful effects in particular cases.

The yaws is an African distemper, and the name is pro-
bably synonymous with the generic name Frambcesia, from
the resemblance of the eruptions or funguses on the skin to
the strawberry.

In that part of Africa called Guinea, the yaws seems
endemic, and attacks people of all ages, but chiefly children,
or youth. The Negroes are predestinarians, and take no
pains to avoid this or any other infectious disorder, but con-
tinue to live in the same house with the infected.

From Guinea it has been imported to all our West India
Islands, and America, in both which it is very common, and
now and then makes its appearance in this country. The
havock this terrible disorder annually makes amongst the Ne-
groes in the West Indies is truly deplorable, and merits the at-
tention of the Statesman, the Planter, and Physician. It may
not be in our power to prevent the spreading of this disorder
amongst the Negroes, but humanity and sound policy call
aloud on us to alleviate the sufferings and distresses of this
class of mankind, when they are so unfortunate as to be in-
fected with this cruel malady.

" This Thesis was prepared by Dr Wright for the use of a ward of his
from the West Indies. It is now printed from the English draft, in I)1
Wright's handwriting, iri preference to the Latin version.

3

400 A DISSERTATION ON THE YAWS.

Before our commerce with the natives of Guinea, Euro-
peans seem to have been unacquainted with this filthy dis-
order, and we can discover no traces of it in the writings of
the ancients, sacred or profane ; unless it be that which is
mentioned as having afflicted Job.

Amongst the moderns few have treated of the yaws. The
first author who wrote on this disorder in Britain treats of it
anonymously*, in the Medical Essays of Edinburgh, Art. 7G :
after him M. Virgile, who practised as a surgeon several years
in the Island of St Domingo. Dr Hillary, an eminent phy-
sician in Barbadoes, has given an account of the nature and
treatment of this exotic disease. The next author in point of
time, is also anonymous. His paper is entitled an Essay on
the Management and Diseases of Negroes ; and on the more
common diseases in the West Indies, and the remedies which
that country itself produces -f-. The author of this humane
and benevolent essay was Dr James Grainger, physician
in St Christophers. He treats of the yaws at page 55, and in
this as well as other diseases, gives many excellent hints. The
latest dissertation I know of on Frambo?sia, is Dr Macpher-
son's Thesis published at Glasgow.

Born in an island where this disorder is exceedingly pre-
valent, and deeply interested for the honour and welfare of
my native country, I have chosen this disorder as the subject
of my Inaugural Dissertation, in hopes to throw some new
light on the nature and treatment of the yaws, and contri-
bute my mite to the general stock. The account given of this
disease is in some measure consonant to that of the authors
before mentioned. Where I happen to differ from them, it
is for the sake of truth, and from my own observation amongst

* John Hume, M. D. formerly surgeon to the Naval Hospital in
Jamaica, and late a Commissioner of Sick and Hurt, is the author.

■f In 1802, I edited Dr Grainger's essay on West India diseases, and
subjoined a few practical notes. W. W.

DISSERTATION ON THE YAWS. 401

ihe Negroes in Jamaica. But I am chiefly indebted to a va-
luable friend, who for many years practised medicine in that
Island with happy success, and who has kindly comiflunicat-
cd his remarks to me made on this disorder.

Definition. — The late celebrated Dr Culeen, in his ex-
cellent work, Synopsis Nosologic Methodical, confesses he
never had an opportunity of seeing the yaws. His definition
of it is of course taken from Sauvages, Sag ah, and the
Medical Essays.

" Fungi, mori, vel rubi ida?i fructus referentes, in variis
cutis partibus enati.r'

Dr Cullen places Frambcesia in Class iii. Cachexia?, and
order iii. Impetigines, next to Lepra. Whereas it ought to
have been arranged under Exanthemata, next to Variola,
because, like the small-pox, it has its accession, height and de-
cline ; like the small-pox it is taken by inoculation, and, when
a person once passes safely through the yaws, he cannot again
be infected by any means whatsoever. This fact is so well
established, that a Negro is valued one-third part more by
his having formerly had the yaws.

History of the Yaws. — It was formerly mentioned that this
disorder was originally brought from the Coast of Guinea to
the West Indies, where it is so very prevalent, that few Ne-
groes escape it one time or other in their lives, especially in
childhood or youth. The reason of this is obvious : Negresses
may have the yaws themselves, or others of their family may
have it, and persons living under the same roof are more liable
to catch the distemper than others ; as will be hereafter shewn.

It often happens, that the owner does not know of a
Neo-ro being infected, till the eruption of the yaws takes
place ; at other times one may foretel that this disorder
will happen, by examining the patient carefully for sores
or scratches, which, "from their surface, may easily be de-

c c

402 DISSERTATION OX THE YAWS.

termined. If with such suspicious appearance of sores,
the Negro has frequented the company of the infected, and
has for some weeks had pains in his joints and limbs, resem-
bling rheumatism, the eruption of the yaws will sooner or
later take place, according to the habit of body. In some
cases the eruptive fever is pretty smart, but in others scarcely
discernible, or at least so trifling as not to be taken into ac-
count.

The eruptions are at first about the size of a pin-head, and
scarcely rise above the level of the skin, but they soon encrease
and become protuberant like pimples. In some time after
this the cuticle falls off, leaving the parts covered with white
sordes or sloughs ; under which are small red fungi, or ex-
crescences growing out of the skin, and daily increasing to
different sizes,, some not larger than the smallest wood-straw-
berry, others as big as a mulberry. They appear indifferent-
ly on all parts of the body, but mostly on the face, the arm-
pits, the groin, the private parts, and perinaeum. The
size of these fungi, as well as their number, depend on the
state of the patient's health, and habit of body. A healthy
strong person will have few, but of a large size ; whilst those
of a thin or reduced habit, will have a vast number of small
eruptions, which scarcely exceed the size of millet. In
healthy subjects the disorder will arrive at its height in a
month's time ; in those that are sickly, not sooner than three
or four months. At length the yaws decline, a yellow scab
is formed, which falls off in a week or two, and leaves the skin
smooth, and in general without pits. One or two of these
fungi, however, increase to a greater size ; they continue some
time after the others, and are called the master yenv^ leaving
a scar behind them.

In the mean time the patient loses neither his appetite, his
flesh, nor his strength. He suffers no pain or uneasiness, ex-
cept from the nastiness of the disease, and a little soreness
when the excrescences arc rubbed or pre

DISSERTATION 0\ THE YAW s H):i

Dr Hillary and .some oth< vs have alleged tliat where the

J ,ius break out, the hair of that part turns white. But sueh
authors have either heen misinformed in this ei re u instance, or
have confounded the yaws with the lepra, where actually the
change of colour occurs.

This is a true account of the disorder when left to nature,
and neither retarded nor forwarded by medicine or outward
application to the part first infected. But if a yaw sore, for
example, on the leg or foot, is treated as a common ulcer,
or the person continues to work or stand as in health, this
sore soon becomes an ill-disposed ulcer ; the neighbouring
parts are inflamed ; the edges of the ulecr are ragged, and
turn back like those of cancerous ulcers. The surface of the
ulcer looks foul, with white small specks or sloughs. The flesh
is corroded and discharged in large blaek clots, the discharge
is ichorous, black, and extremely offensive, and the patient's
strength is wasted and worn out with pain The eruption
of the yaws is retarded, and when it appears is of long con-
tinuance ; especially if mcreurials have been given too early.

When the yaws are repelled (which has been heretofore
practised on board of Guineamen), by various external appli-
cations, as blue vitriol and solutions of corrosive sublimate,
the disorder, it is true, disappears for a short time, and the
Negro is sold as sound, the purchaser is cheated, and the
poor Negro runs the risk of his life. Abuses of such a flagi-
tious kind merit the severest punishment that the law can in-
flict. This pernicious fraud is with difficulty perceivable by
the purchaser ; but it is of consequence he should detect it
early, otherwise the constitution will infallibly be ruined.
When there is a glossy smoothness of the skin in those parts
where the yaws commonly break out, we may almost be cer-
tain that repellents have been used. The sooner, then, that
the disease is again thrown on the surface, the better chance
the Negro has to regain his health. This is best done by sul-
phur with diaphoretic drinks and thcriaca ; above all, by

ccS

404 DISSERTATION ON THE YAWS.

strengthening diet. But should the yawy matter continue
long in the habit, the worst consequences follow. The dis-
order recurs with redoubled violence. In some it breaks out
into the extremities with the most obstinate, cancerous, and
cadaverous ulcers. In others, the body swells, and becomes
as it were one abscess. The whole adipose membrane is filled
with pus, and the poor creature dies tabid.

The benign yaw, if properly managed, goes completely oft'
in a few months ; but if interrupted in its course, by me-
dicine or otherwise, it occasions either foul and carious ul-
cers in different parts, erosions of the nose and palate, bone-
ache, or distortions of the limbs, which are difficult of cure,
and sometimes resist every application.

The yaws break out also in the soles of the feet and palms
of the hands. As those parts in Negroes are callous from
walking bare-footed, or from labour, the parts affected become
swelled, inflamed, and painful, and unless skilfully treated
continue troublesome for a number of years.

Nosologists have divided the yaws into two species, viz.
the Guinea and American. This happens when the disorder
has been seen in different circumstances. Such distinctions
are no way different, and only serve to puzzle the practi-
tioner.

There is a disorder in this country and in Ireland, called
the Sivvens, which is a true species of Framboesia, but the
symptoms are not alike in all respects. The Sivvens is an
Erse word for raspberry, because, in very advanced slates of
the disease, certain spongy excrescences break out in various
parts. See an excellent account of this disease in Edinburgh
Essays, Physical and Literary, vol. iii. p. 155.

As this disorder was first brought to the Highlands of Scot-
land by the Protector's soldiers, I beg leave to denominate it
Framba?sia Cromwel liana.

This dissertation being an account of the African or Guinea
yaws, I shall not enter minutely into the history of the Siv-

DISSEK TATION OX THE YAWs. 105

vens. It is sufficient to give trie leading symptoms, .so as to

distinguish it from the African disorder!

Diagnosis. — The Sivvens at first seizes the throat and
nose ; the yaws never till after a length of time or improper
treatment. The eruptions in sivvens are watery, of a dirty hue,
and intolerant stench. Those of the yaws are small as a pin-
head, hard, and with no particular odour. In sivvens, lx>ils ap-
pear here and there, forming deep and ill-disposed ulcers. These
do not happen in the yaws. In sivvens, itchy tetters break
out, in form of ring-worms, and either occasion a deep ulcer,
or a scabby large spot, with inflammation. The Guinea yaws
have no such appearances. The sivvens rarely affect the
bones ; the yaws always, unless well managed. In the yaws,
the excrescences succeed the pimples, as well on the face and
body as in the axilla? and privities. In sivvens, the fungi ap-
pear in the groin and perinaeum, in a very advanced state of
the disorder. The sivvens is highly contagious. The yaws
arc contracted only by inoculation. The sivvens may be cured
early by mercurials, but mercurials in yaws are pernicious.
In constitutions otherwise healthy, the yaws will go off in
time ; but if speedy and effectual means are not used in the
sivvens, the patient will infallibly be destroyed.

Several authors have spoken of the yaws and syphilis at.
different modifications of the same thing. Whoever compares
the account we have given, will find them widely different.
It is true that the yaws affect the bones, the nose, and the
palate, like syphilis, and admit of similar cure ; but in syphilis
there are neither eruptions nor fungi, as in the yaws, except on
ihe privities, and then only in form of warts. The yaws at-
tacks the same person only once in his lifetime; and we all
know that lues venerea may be and is contracted repeatedly.
Persons who have the yaws may contract gonorrhoea, and
even lues venerea. The former may be cured independent of
the yaws, but the latter cannot till the yaws are on the decline.

406 DISSERTATION ON THE YAWS.

Prog?wsis. — When the yaws are on a person of sound con-
stitution, and when that person is properly clothed, fed, and
kept clean, there is but little danger. But where the patient
has been debilitated by preceding diseases, or other causes,
the event is very doubtful, and often fatal. This is particu-
larly the case where the yaws have been repelled, or mercury
given in the early stages of this disorder.

Remote Causes. — Having formerly mentioned, that the
yaws, like small-pox, attacks a person only once in their lives,
I proceed to the remote causes.

This disorder being so prevalent amongst the Negroes,
many people have entertained an opinion that the seeds of the
malady are lurlcing in their constitution, and break out at
some period without any exciting cause. This opinion, how-
ever, has no foundation in truth, as will be proved hereafter.
Nor is there any thing in the habits of Negroes that predisposes
them more to receive the infection of the yaws than in the
habit of Europeans.

It has been supposed that white people in the West Indies,
and the Negro servants about their houses, are less suscepti-
ble of the yaws than field Negroes, who live more. on vegeta-
bles, grain, and farinaceous roots. This notion is equally
groundless : For, if such were exposed to the same causes, the
same effect would as readily take place in the one as in the
other.

Before we quit this part of the subject, I must contradict
an assertion commonly made, and credited by many as an es-
tablished fact, and that is, that the diet of the Negroes, being
chiefly of vegetables and farinaceous roots, debilitates their bo-
dies and thins their blood.

The Negroes in Jamaica use very few vegetables in their
food, and these are of the nutritive and demulcent kind, viz.
Hibiscus esculentus (okia), Arum csculentum (Indian kale),
Clcome penlaphylla (eayo calaloo),and various species of Am a"

DISSERTATION ON THE YAWS. 107

ranthus (caliloo). These vegetables arc made into soups or
broths, with the addition of fish, crabs, or pork, and seasoned
with salt and capsicum. Instead of bread they have abun-
dance of plantains (Musa sapientum), the roots of the Arum
colocasia and sagittifolium (cocoes), the sweet and bitter cas-
sida (Jatropha), several kinds of yams (Dioscorea), the sweet
p statoes (Convolvulus battatas), &c. ; besides many deli-
cious fruits which they cultivate in their own gardens and pro-
vision-grounds. A simple diet of this kind makes them strong,
active, and able to perform their work with ease in their na-
tive climate, whilst white people, and their pampered domes-
tics, arc unable to stand fatigue or labour in the heat of the
sun.

The diseases of field Negroes, as fevers and pleurisies, are
of the inflammatory kind, and they bear repeated bleedings.
Those of white people mostly partake of the remitting fever,
in which, if the lancet is at all used, it ought to be very spar-
ingly. The blood drawn from a Negro is generally firm and
often buft'y ; that from a white person, loose, discoloured, and
watery.

Proximate or Exciting Causes. — Having spoken fully of
wbat have been deemed the remote causes of the yaws, and re-
futed various vulgar errors, and having shewn that no predis-
posing causes can exist, cither in the constitution, or from diet
or climate, I proceed to the proximate or exciting causes of
this disease.

1st, When the yaws are at the height, the fungi have white
sloughs, and discharge a thin ichor ; they are in this state most
infectious.

2fZ/!//, Ulcers from the yaws are at all times foul and offen-
sive, and it is by them that the contagion is commonly propa_
gated.

We know nothing more of the nature of this contagion,
than of that of the small-pox or measles. All we can say is,

408 DISSERTATION OX THE YAWS.

that it is a poison of a peculiar kind, which, when once it gets
into the habit, produces certain effects. Nor has it been well
ascertained what length of time is requisite from the receiving
the contagion to the appearance of the yaws. If any experi-
ments have been made, the result has not come to my know-
ledge.

There is no other mode of communicating the yaws but by
inoculation, or the application of the ichor from the sores of
the infected to the wounds, ulcers, or excoriations of people
otherwise in health. Some will resist the action of variolous
contagion, even by repeated inoculation ; but no habit, age,
sex, or Country, is proof against the contagion of the yaws
once in his lifetime.

There are several ways by which the yaws may be con-
tracted ; 1st, By sleeping in the same bed, and the ichor
from the yaws getting on wounds or scratches of the unin-
fected ; %dly, By handling the infected, and allowing the virus
to touch scratches or excoriations ; 3dly, Let us suppose (and
in fact it often happens), that a Negro is admitted with a
sore on his leg, into the hot-house or infirmary on an estate,
for cure, and the state of the ulcer is not attended to, till
some time afterwards it turns out to be the yaws. Other
Negroes, with common sores, will often wash their sores in
the same bowl or basin ; and if so, they will assuredly receive
the contagion ; ithly ', But the most common way this infec-
tion is propagated, is by small flies, who, gorging themselves
with the ichor of the infected, alight on the ulcers, &c. of
those who never had the disease ; and, however minute the
quantity thus applied, it will as effectually occasion the disease,
as if put on in abundance.

Ratio Symptoniatum.— -To account for the various phe-
nomena in contagious diseases, and particularly those of
the eruptive kind, seems difficult, and even impossible

nissr.u TATIOX (>X Till". YAWS. 10f)

Those who have attempted it have failed of Success, or ;it
least their hypotheses are unsatisfactory. For my part I shall
he very brief, as the nature of Contagion will probably be
ever hid from human sagacity.

The virus of the vans does not seem to he of an active na-
ture. The person who receives the infection perceives no al-
teration on the wound, ulcer, or excoriation, for some time,
except that it does not heal, and keeps foul on the surface.
In a few weeks the neighbouring parts arc inflamed, the edges
of the sore arc ragged and painful ; from this we conclude
that the ichor secreted is now of an acrid sort, and that part
of it is constantly absorbed, and passes through the lymphatics
to the subclavian vein, and so is circulated with the blood.

In the system it occasions but little disturbance, as the in-
fected perform all the functions of life as before. We suppose
that much of the contagion is carried off' by the cmunetuarics,
and particularly by perspiration.

The quantity and quality of the eruption seems to depend
on the state of the patient's health, and the state of the skin.
I suppose also, that part of the contagion, in passing through
the skin, adheres, and, by irritation, produces pimples. This
conjecture is probable ; for a man in full health, and who per-
spires freely, will have the yaws large and few in number,
whereas a person in ill health and poorly clad, will have a nu-
merous crop of small ill-disposed yaws.

We do not pretend to account for the phenomena in other
respects ; as, why the matter of yaws occasions bone-ache, dis-
tortions of the limbs, and erosions of the palate, nose, &ic like
syphilis.

We have seen, when the yaws are repelled, that the whole
adipose membrane is filled with pus. The poison, in this
case, seems to have the power of quickly assimilating the
lymph to its own nature, and converting it to pus, without
the process of suppuration and abscess.

410 DISSERTATION ON THE YAWfi.

The blood of persons with the jaws seems no way different
from that of people in health ; and a person in the yaws is as
subject to other diseases as if no such distemper was present.

Prophylaxis. — To avoid all intercourse or communication
with those infected with the yaws, is the only way to prevent its
spreading. White people are attentive in this respect, but it
is generally out of their power to prevent sound Negroes from
visiting and cohabiting with those in the yaws. Such Euro-
peans as are owners or overseers of slaves, and who must of-
ten be in company with Negroes in the yaws, should be care-
ful of having any sores or scratches uncovered, when they ap-
proach the infected. He ought frequently to examine the
state of their health, and that they keep themselves clean,
and properly clothed. He is the best planter who feeds and
clothes his Negroes well, and keeps his people in good spirits
and cheerful minds. If such people should be infected, the
yaws will be of the mildest kind, and of short duration.

Ratio Medendi. — On every well regulated estate in Ja-
maica, a house, for the reception of Negroes in the yaws is
built, in some cool and healthy situation, as in plantain
walks, and near by a rivulet or pond of good water. The
planter provides a careful and discreet matron, who has
herself formerly gone safely through the disorder. He
provides them with plenty of good food and raiment. He
takes care to make them do some easy work, as weeding
and cleaning their own provision-grounds, watching a cane-
piece, or following sheep or cattle. This prevents them
from indulging in sloth and indolence ; it diverts their at-
tention from brooding over the affliction they labour under ;
and is every way conducive to health. Lastly, He is care-
ful that the Negroes keep their persons and apparel neat and
clean.

.5

DISSERTATION ON THE SAWS, 1U

Physicians or surgeons who are employed on estates are
not understood to have tire immediate charge of Negroes in
the yaws, unless some other acute disease intervene, as fever,
dysentery, pleurisy, &c The risk such gentlemen run is
very great; for, should a medical man contract this filthy dis-
ease, his fortune and future prospects are ruined. He must
be secluded many months from society ; and if he at last es-
capes with his life it is well. From hence we may sec the
reason that the yaws is so little understood, and often so ill
treated. Lastly, We may more readily apologize for the de-
fects in most authors, as they write from the report of others,
not from their own observation.

On the coast of Guinea, the Negroes take no pains to avoid
the yaws, they rather seem to invite it, by keeping the in-
fected with the sound in the same family. On this account,
most of the Guinea Negroes brought to the West Indies
have had the disorder when children : and, surely it is the
best time of life to have it, as the juices of children are more
bland than those of adults, and their mothers can easier feed
and keep them clean.

It is probable that the natives of Africa have a better way
of treating the yaws than we have in the "West Indies. We
never see any new Negroes with distortions of the limbs, or
other ill consequences of the yaws, imported, but perhaps
this is owing to the merchants on the coast rejecting such,
when offered for sale.

The indications of cure of the yaws are,

1st, To support the patient's strength.

&%, To promote a discharge by the skin.

iidlt/, To correct the vitiated juices. And,

Uhly, To repair the injuries done to the constitution.

First, To support the patient's strength, a generous diet
of animal food, with a due proportion of wine, or diluted

412 DISSERTATION OX THE YAWS.

spirits, good lodging, clean warm clothes and bedding, bath-
ing and gentle exercise, are necessary.

Secondly, To promote the discharge of the morbific mat-
ter by perspiration, or upon the surface, this intention will
be answered by what has been already pointed out, or by
small quantities of Flor. sulphur., tea of contrayerva, de-
coction of China root, or sassafras.

Thirdly, The vitiated juices are best corrected by a conti-
nuance of the diet recommended, and by decoctions of sarsa-
parilla, contrayerva root, sassafras, &c. Towards the decline, if
the disease does not go off kindly, mild mercurials may then,
and not till then, be given, with safety and advantage. They
are best administered in small quantities, so as to act as
alteratives, and not to occasion a ptyalism. If to these, a
decoction of the woods, and sarsaparilla in powder, is added,
the cure will be more certain.

Fourthly, To repair the injury done to the constitution
by the disease itself, or by improper management in the be-
ginning. Ulcers from the yaws do not agree with unctuous
dressings, nor with warm fomentations. Washing them with
cold water, and dressing them with vegetables, have a good
effect. If they are small, it will bo sufficient to cover them
with a leaf of the Cissies Cicyoides or snake wyth, commonly
called the yaws bush, or with a leaf of the JatropJui Curcas
or English physic nut. If the ulcers are large, a poultice of
these leaves, beaten and mixed with a little sugar, or with
the pulp of roasted Seville oranges and sugar, are excellent
antiseptics.

Erosions of the nose and palate, carious ulcers, bonc-aches,
&c. are produced by a long continued use of mercurial al-
teratives and decoction of woods. The mischief done bv
the too early use of mercury, must be remedied by diet, and
by a plentiful use of sarsaparilla, both in decoction and in
powder.

DISSERTATION ON THE YAWS. 413

Before we quit this subject, another curious circumstance
must be stated, viz.

Persons in the "yaws arc liable to other eruptive diseases,
as measles and small-pox. The latter may be communicated
by inoculation. This is best done after the yaws are on the
decline, and it has a very happy effect, by superseding the
yaws, and carrying them completely off'. Or, should any of
the yaws return to the surface, they continue but for a short
time.

( 414 )
REMARKS AND OBSERVATIONS

ON

FEBRILE AND SPASMODIC DISEASES ;

AV1TH CASES.
[Communicated to James Currie, M. D. Liverpool.]

The exacerbations of most fevers, so far as I have seen,
happen in the afternoon from three to seven o'clock. Some
authors of credit (Dr James Lind of Windsor, and Dr
Francis Balfour) assert, that the moon, at full and change, is
productive of changes in the fevers of Bengal ; and that returns
of intcrmittents, and paroxysms of fever, happen to sick and
convalescent men about such phases of the moon. I have
heard that practitioners have observed the same in the fevers
in Demerara, Berbice, and Surinam, and in Dutch Guiana,
Avhere there are many canals, stagnant waters, and morass-
lands, covered with woods, and on which the sun or wind
have no influence. Never having practised much in marshy
countries, I have no experience of such changes.

I entirely coincide with Dr Currie, at page 17, in the
rules and cautions he has laid down as to the proper time
and manner of applying cold water ; and I wish they may be
deeply impressed on the heart of every practitioner. For my
part, I never succeeded better in the cure of fever, than by
making use of the coldest water I could find, in the height

ON FEBRILE AND SPASMODIC DISEASES, 415

of the exacerbation. The hotter the skin felt, and the m
the patient complained of heat, the greater benefit resulted
from the sudden dashing- of cold water. I likewise"- man
with Dr Currie, at page 34, that sea-water is preferable to
fresh. It ofteh, however, happens, that sea-water cannot be
had; but water with sea-salt may he got in all situations, and
I very often gave this a preference; as, in the act of solution,
it was colder than the temperature of the sea in the "West
Indies.

The Savages in North America have long practised the
cold bath for the cure of fever. A fire is made in their nar-
row huts, where the sick man is, and the external air shut
out. When the Indian is heated to the greatest degree, he
suddenly plunges into a cold stream of water, and immediate-
ly returns to his hut, where he falls into a profuse sweat.

Till of late, the internal use of cold water was strictly for-
bidden in ardent fevers ; I early saw the benefit of it in gra-
tifying the eager recmests of the sick.

In 1772 I was sent for to see a person ill of fever, at a
considerable distance from my house, in St James's, Jamaica.
His name was William Jewel, aged about thirty years, and by
trade a cooper. He had, by exposure to the heat of the sun,
got a fever, with the usual symptoms of remittents, and had
been attended by a person of no experience. Amongst other
remedies, he had got several drastic vomits and purges. I
found him in a hot room, with all the windows and doors
shut, a load of bed-clothes, and warm drinks by him ; his
headach was great, his thirst intolerable, his skin burning
hot, nor was it abated by the partial sweats from the warm
drinks, load of bed-clothes, and surrounding curtains. My
first intention was to cool the surrounding atmosphere; I
drew aside the curtains, and gradually removed the blankets ;
the door was opened, and the Venetian lattice in the w indows
letdown, so as to admit the external air freely, hut not to
blow in the direction of the bed. The poor man was greatly

416 REMARKS AND OBSERVATIONS ON

relieved. " Will you," said he, " indulge me with a cup of
cold water ty " Most certainly," I replied, and handed him
a half-pint tumbler of it ; he drank it hastily, with a thousand
thanks, and was much refreshed. In ten minutes he request-
ed another, which was granted. In a short while he exclaim-
ed, " You have saved my life, I am cool and comfortable."
The heat of the skin was now natural, a kindly perspiration
came on, and my patient was inclined to sleep : next morn-
ing he was perfectly free of all complaints ; and recovered
without the use of any other medicine.

The effects of large draughts of cold water, and the sud-
den application of cold water to the surface, when well timed,
were uniformly to abate the heat of fevers immediately; to
lower the action of the heart and arteries ; to bring on a ge-
nial glow, and kindly perspiration.

I have seen a few instances of the anomalous fever, de-
scribed by Dr Cuurie at page 46, in this country. He has
accurately described the symptoms and general appearances*
I have marked it by a bright white appearance of the papil-
l;e on the middle of the tongue, which in general had no
slough or great dryness. This fever was obstinate, but at
length yielded to calomel.

In other fevers, a violent headach resisted every other
means, and was judged by some practitioners to be hydroce-
phalus. Calomel persevered in at length gave relief, with-
out any sensible operation, except by the skin.

In regard to what Dr Curkie says, page 68, as to the te-
pid bath or affusion, or sponging the body with Avarm vinegar
and water, I have to remark, that the first was generally
practised by me on sick men landed from crowded transports,
when their skins felt sweaty, and below the natural tempera-
ture of heat ; and sponging with warm vinegar and water
was in daily use in the general hospital, when men could not
be lifted out of bed. At other times, flannel cloths, wrung

FEBRILE AND SPASMODIC DISEASES. H7

dry out of hot water, and applied of such a degree of heal as
to hf pleasing to the patient, afforded sensible relief.

Dr Cukkik, at page 1G1, says, k; Medical science lias not
ascertained the various remote pauses which may produce lo-
ver.'" To confine the remote causes of fever to human efflu-
via or marsh miasma, may strictly he tine ashore in the West
Indies; but it is well known, that a malignant fever may be
contracted in dark and confined chambers, and any other ill-
ventilated places, whether on shore or aboard a ship; and al-
though the experiments of l)r Mitchell. of New York are
not conclusive, it is to be hoped that the air in dungeons,
&c. will be minutely examined, and its effects on the human
body soon ascertained by some able hand.

I coincide in what Dr Cukiue says on the treatment of
the plague at page 186, and Appendix, page 54. We have
the best grounded hopes that the cold affusion will prove suc-
cessful in the plague, as well as in all cases of malignant fe-
ver; and this will be insured by careful and effectual friction
with oil or other unctuous substances. Oily frictions were
used by me on a small scale, and chiefly to prevent the inor-
dinate waste by sweatings in fevers ; as also in fluxes, where I
suspected that there were constrictions of the extreme vessels
and pores of the skin.

Dr Cuurie, at page °,10, thinks the cold affusion improper
in local inflammations. I never enter the house of the mid-
dling ranks, or of the poor, where I see small children, but it
immediately occurs to me to caution the mother against burns
and scalds ; and if it should unfortunately happen that
any of the children should be scalded, to keep pouring the
coldest water on the scalded part, for half an hour at least,
and then to lay a wet linen rag over the part, to be renew-
ed often. By this means the blistering of the part is effectu-
ally prevented, and the beginning inflammations soon dis-
appear.

i)d

418 REMARKS AND OBSERVATIONS ON

Of Tetanies. — While I was last in Jamaica 1784, three
more cases of tetanus occurred, and were cured by the cold
affusion ; see my paper on tetanus in the 6th volume of Lond.
Med. Obs.

The first was a Negro child, whose parents were very young,
and were belonging to myself. From the mother lying in at
her own house, and kept too warm, the infant began to be dis-
ordered, about the seventh day from the birth. I caused
the mother and child to be removed to the dwelling-house,
and immediately gave the child a tea-spoonful of castor oil,
and, so soon as possible, an injection with sea-salt. These
had their due effect. On the following day the child could
not suck, and it was frequently affected with spasms. The
jaws at times were close locked, and the trismus infantum
strongly marked. In the West Indies this disease is fre-
quent, and always fatal to new born children. It rarely hap-
pens to infants after the ninth day.

I acquainted the mother that there were little hopes of
saving her child, and delivered the like opinion to the mid-
wife, a sensible woman of colour, then in the house. In this
hopeless case, I proposed the cold affusion, stating, that the
child, in the way it was, must soon die, and that, if my scheme
failed, there was no other. With some difficulty I got the
better of her prejudices ; the child was stripped, but in the
mean time had a strong fit on the midwife's lap. So soon as
it was over, she gave it to me, and I plunged it suddenly in
a small tub of cold well-water. Respiration was stopt for a
minute, the child was as stiff as a board. The midwife said,
" You have killed the child." I made her dry the skin with
a cloth, and rub the body briskly with oil. It began to
breathe, and the stiffness by degrees was got the better of.
About an hour afterwards it was put to the breast, and suck-
ed heartily. The spasms never returned, and the midwife
took all the merit of the cure to herself. The child lived two
years, and died of worm fever.

1'KHlMl.i: AND M'ASMODK DISK ASKS. 419

The second case happened in 1784-. A young Negro wo
man. twenty years of age, was seised (.lul\) With a paiji. m
her jaws, and at times she could not open her nioulli to take
in any solid food. I found that two or three times ft day sin:
had spasms iu her jaw and neck*, hut to no great height. She
had taken a purge, and afterwards twenty drops of laudanum
three times a day. Suspecting the locked jaw, I asked her
if she had suffered any hurt ; she said she had not, hut that
she had carried a heavy basket of her own provisions to mar-
ket on a very hot day. Without loss of time I ordered the
cold affusion, and repeated it three times a day. This had
the desired effect, and in a week's time she was completely
cured, and is now the mother of many children.

The third case was a chronic tetanus, and the only one I
saw. A new Negro boy, about ten years of age, belonging to
the late Dr Ukown at Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica, was
employed as a waiting-boy. He was observed to start fre-
quently, and make faces as boys do sometimes by imitation.
After some time the spasms increased, and in the fits his jaws
were shut. In common his mouth was drawn backwards;
he could not walk or stand up without the help of a stick,
and looked very like an orang-outang. I chanced to be at
my relation Dr Brown's house, and pronounced the case to be
locked jaw. Two buckets of cold water were suddenly dash-
ed on his naked body, when the fit was on him. He was in-
stantly relieved. This was repeated in the evening. Next
morning the boy was missing. He had walked down to the
sea, and threw himself from the wharf into the water. He was
a good swimmer, was called out, and rubbed dry with a cloth,
and walked briskly home. He was permitted every day to
plunge into the sea, morning and evening ; and in five days
was perfectly free of all complaints.

I subjoin a memorandum of a case of tetanus cured by me
by the cold affusion many years ago. It was drawn up by

Dd2

420 REMARKS AND OBSERVATIONS ON

Mr Peter Reid, an ingenious student of medicine here,
from the mouths of the boy's parents, who are near relations
of mine ; the boy is at present in the best health.

In August 1787, Bosweli, Douglas, a boy of two years
of age, fell upon the corner of a chair, by which the back
part of his head was slightly injured. The child, however,
appeared to suffer no inconvenience from it the rest of that
day, but romped about as usual. Next day, when he was
raised from bed, he was observed to be affected with violent
sickness and retching, which his mother attributing to some
pudding, of which he had eaten rather heartily the preceding
day, gave him a vomit, which did not operate, and the sick-
ness continued unabated for the rest of that day. About two
o'clock next morning, his father going to see how he was,
found him, as he thought, apparently dead ; his whole body
was in a state of the most violent contraction, his hands
clenched, his head twisted to one side, and his neck rigidly
retracted ; his visage pale, his eyes dead and fixed, and his
jaws so completely locked that it was impossible to introduce
any thing into his mouth ; and, as his parents expressed them-
selves, his whole body so stronglv stiffened, that, when they
moved him, he appeared as if he had no joints. In this des-
perate condition, he continued for two or three hours, his pa-
rents struggling in vain to procure assistance, as it was the
middle of the night, when a person present, who had been
much benefited by Dr Wright, in different circumstances,
requested that his advice might be obtained. He was accord-
ingly sent for, and, when the Doctor arrived, the child still
continued in the same hopeless state. He immediately or-
dered a pail of cold water to be procured. The parents at
first opposed the use of it, thinking that it would accelerate
the fate of their child. They were at last persuaded to allow
it to be tried, by the Doctor assuring them that it was the
only chance the boy had for life. The Doctor then dashed

FEBRILE AND SPASMODIC DISEASES. 421

cold water on him, and afterwards plunged him into the pail.
Tile effect was instantaneous, and almost miraculous : the
child immediately opened his eyes, the spasms relaxed, and
he called for a drink. From that moment he continual 1.1-
pidly to recover ; the spasms now and then recurred, and
were as often relieved by the application of cold water. He
got likewise wine to drink, and some mixed with his food.
In a few days he was restored to his ordinary health.

( 422 )

DR WRIGHTS DIRECTIONS TO OFFICERS
GOING TO THE WEST INDIES.

[From Sir John Sinclair's Code of Health, Appendix, Page 7.]

1. Take your passage in a packet , a frigate of war, or in
an armed ship with convoy, and let your berth or cabin be
in a free and well ventilated part of the ship. Transports
are often crowded with soldiers, and incumbered with wo-
men and children ; and unless the most strict and rigorous
observance of cleanliness is in the persons as individuals, and
in the berths of the men between decks, the ship or jail fever
will soon break out, first amongst the troops, then the sea-
men, and, lastly, among the officers themselves.

%. If you have not before made a voyage any where, it is
probable you would get sea-sick, which, while it lasts, is very
distressing. I advise you at all times to sit in good air, and
to be much upon deck throughout the day, and frequently to
bathe the face in a basin of cold salt water. After each fit
of vomiting, take a small basin of tea, water-gruel, or broth.
Take sparingly of solid animal food, and abstain from spirits
or fermented liquors for some days.

3. Here it is proper to take notice, that salt beef and pork
are drained of all their nutritive juices. Living on such food
exhausts the power and action of the stomach, and no proper
supply of chyle enters the circulation. This, with lying in
confined parts of the ship, never fails to produce sea-scurvy,
with all its direful consequences.

DIRECTIONS TO OFFICKKs. 423

4. Costiveness must be prevented by attention to diet. Eal
moderately of flesh meat, but with it plenty of vegetables.
There is not a better nor more wholesome mess at sea than
pease soup, when seasoned with onions or eelery-seed ; exer-
cise upon deck is conducive to health in general ; it strengthens
the stomach and bowels ; it promotes digestion, and enables
every organ to perform its functions. Some mild laxative
medicine may be taken now and then, as the aloetic pill of
the shops.

5. While at sea, make a hearty breakfast of tea or coffee,
with plenty of biscuit and butter. The same at five or six
o'clock in the afternoon. Take nothing between breakfast
and dinner, nor be prevailed on to partake of the meridian
bowl. This palls the appetite, weakens the stomach, and oc-
casions a confusion in the head.

6. Care must be taken that the live stock be regularly fed
and kept clean, otherwise they will soon be in a diseased state,
and die ; or, if killed, not fit to be brought to the table.

7. Dinner, when on board of ship, or on shore, should
consist of a due proportion of animal food and vegetables ;
no rich sauces, or highly seasoned food. Eat moderately,
and always rise from the table with an a/ppetite.

8. During dinner, take a glass of water, or good brisk
small-beer. The absurd practice of drinking several glasses
of wine, while eating, should be abolished : Three glasses of
wine after dinner may be taken, or a draught of porter or
ale ; but a mixture of liquors never fails to disorder the sto-
mach and head.

9. Supper. A slice of cold meat, and a draught of porter.
Go to bed soon, and rise early. Wash your face and hands
in cold salt water.

A person who observes temperance, sleeps sound, rises re-
freshed, and is fit for any exertions of body and mind through-
out the day. But the intemperate and luxurious are soon
fatigued and debilitated ; they are unfit for labour or exer.

424 DIRECTIONS TO OFFICERS

tion ; they become peevish and fractious in their tempers ; a
burthen to themselves, and a curse to all around them.

10. On landing, keep out of the heat of the sun ; or, when
out of doors, wear an umbrella. For some time, walk at
leisure, and use no violent exercise in the heat of the day-
When a man is fatigued, sickness is at hand. In other
words, he is liable to a remitting fever ; to receive contagion
from human subjects, or from marsh miasma of salt marshy
grounds by the sea.

11. As forts and garrisons in the West Indies, are on the
low lands by the sea, they are generally unhealthy. If you
have a choice, take a house on a rising ground, remote from
swamps, and well clothed with timber trees, and succulent
plants.

12. Hiding is a healthy exercise, especially before break-
fast : and sea-bathing is salutary, but remember never to
bathe tchen you perspire, or zvhen cold ; and you ought not
stay above one minute in the water at a time.

13. If at any time you are caught in a shower, keep in
motion until you get to your own house, or that of a friend.
Then get a complete shift of clothes to hand ; alter stripping,
let your skin be well wiped with a dry towel : I by no means
approve of rubbing the body with rum, as by it the pores
are constricted, and a fever may be the consequence. The
best cordial, in this case, is a warm basin of tea, coffee, cho-
colate, or broth, according to the time of the dav- As vou
value your life, abstain from warm toddy, punch, or negus,
unless this last is very weak.

14. There are a number of excellent fruits in all the islands ;
take care they are full ripe ; and eat a little of them at a
time, in the morning or afternoon.

15. Strangers are much tormented with mosquitoes, but,
after a while, pay no attention to them. Be sure to draw
down the mosquito-net close all around, and brush well in-

GOING TO THE WEST INDIES. 425

side with a large towel, to kill such mosquitoes us may still
be there.

J 6'. Chigres — a speeies of flea that burrows into the feet
and toes ; at first they occasion an itching, and then a little
red lump, which becomes painful. A Negro is the best hand
to pick them out ; and a little snuff' may be put into the

cavity.

17. In a well regulated regimental mess, no one sits long
after dinner ; his duty will not admit of it ; he is either on
guard, or at the evening paivade. An officer need never want
amusement or exercise ; in his quarters he may have books,
musical instruments, or employ himself in drawing ; and if he
has a turn for natural history, so much the better, — he will
find ample subjects for his purpose ; in all the islands the
scenery is new and beautiful, often magnificent and grand *.

It may be proper to add two receipts, one for preserving
cream for several weeks or months, and the other for making
egg-tea, both of which may be useful in sea voyages.

Mode of preserving Cream for several weeks or numtfis, par
ticularly calculated for Sea Vogages.

Take 12 ounces of white sugar, and dissolve it in some
ounces of water, over a moderate fire. After the sugar is
dissolved, boil it for about two minutes in an earthen vessel ;
after which, add, immediately, 12 ounces of fresh cream, and
mix the whole uniformly over the fire ; then suffer it to cool,
pour it into a quart bottle, and cork carefully. Keep it in a
cool place, and it will continue fit for use for several weeks,
or even months.

* Great colds succeeding great heats, are productive of diseases ; even
cold nights after hot days. Many of the acute diseases of Europeans in
hot countries, are occasioned by their exposing themselves incautiously to
the serene or nightly dew.— A rbuthnot on Ah.

426 DIRECTIONS TO OFFICERS.

Mode of Making Egg Tea.

It is well known how difficult it is to procure cream, or
even milk, at sea, for making tea ; but eggs, which may be
preserved in a fresh state, by being buttered, or put up in
salt, form a most excellent substitute. The mode of using-
an egg is this. Put in the whole egg, yolk and all, in a raw
state, into a bowl, and unite the whole thoroughly, by working
it together with a table-spoon ; then pour in the tea gra-
dually from a tea-pot, constantly stirring the mixture, so as
to make it one uniform and homogeneous mass. It is hardly
possible to distinguish this mixture, when properly prepared,
from tea and rich cream. It is a very nourishing substance
also, and may, with that view, be recommended to invalids
on shore. An egg thus prepared, may likewise answer for
coffee.

( 427 )

INSTRUCTIONS

I'RKPARED BY I)H WRIGHT,

FOR A PERSON ABOUT TO SAIL FOR THE
EAST INDIES AND CHINA.

1. Mark the thermometer daily during the whole voyage,
especially in passing and repassing the Line, for at least 15
degrees.

2. Preserve any birds that may be shot in the voyage,
particularly any land-birds that may come on board.

3. Preserve flying-fish by drying ; also the heads, jaws
and teeth of any large fishes caught in the voyage.

4. Take up, by the bucket, any sea-weeds on the surface
of the sea. Amongst these are often found cancers, asterias,
shells, &c. which should be carefully preserved. Mark the
latitude and longitude where found.

5. Mark the latitude where you first see the tropic bird,
the albitross, the Cape petrel, and other birds which inhabit
particular tracts of the ocean.

6. Preserve carefully in spirits, medusae, cancers, or other
sea animals, or animalcula?, that are luminous in the dark, and
the latitudes where found.

7. Wherever the sea is discoloured, endeavour to ascer-
tain the cause of it, by examining the water, and the animal-
cula? found in it.

8. Preserve whatever plants you find in fructification. The
plants in most request are those of the class Cryptogamia,
being also the easiest, viz. all the fern tribe, lichens, and mus-

428 INSTRUCTIONS.

ci, whether on the ground, trees, rocks, or stones, or in wa-
ter. All kinds of submarine plants, or corallines, whether
growing in shallow water beds, on rocks, or thrown ashore by
the tide.

9. Omit no opportunity of preserving all birds, fishes, or
singular quadrupeds that may come in your way.

10. Also the different serpents, lizards, or frogs; toads,
which require to be put in spirits ; a specimen of the Cobro
de cappella, or hooded snake, wanted.

11. Provide yourself with fly-flappers, pins, and proper
boxes or drawers, for putting up insects. Preserve, also, as
many of the butterflies, moths, and libellulas, as you can, in
books, which is the best way of preserving them.

12. Take care to get ashore at every place you touch at ;
collect shells, corals, corallines, sponges, sea-weeds, &c. Pur-
chase, also, shells or corals from the natives.

FOSSILS.

13. Gather specimens of all remarkable stones, on the
shore, and especially of all the fixed rocks.

14. Inquire what is to be sold in the lapidaries1 shops in
Canton or China, where you will find great varieties of chal-
cedonies, cornelians, mocho stones, &c.

15. Procure two specimens of tourmaline from Ceylon.

16. Procure at Canton any of the stones or earths used in
the manufacture of porcelain.

ADDITIONS.

17. Procure at Canton a specimen or two of the Phasianus
Jrgus, Lin. or Luen Pheasant.

18. Wherever you have access to springs, take the heat of
them accurately, by the thermometer in the shade.

INSTRUCTIONS. 429

19. Purchase at Canton such drawings of plants as are
clone after nature.

20. Write as exact an account as you can of the monsoons,
and of every thing respecting the productions of China.

21. Obtain good samples of native borax, saltpetre, cam-
phor, or gum lac, or other articles of materia medica.

( 430 )

DIRECTIONS

REGARDING

TROOPS EMBARKED FOR FOREIGN SERVICE.

A ton and three quarters to each man is the least propor-
tion which ought to be allowed for a voyage of a month ; but
if longer, and to a warm climate, two tons, or two tons and
three-quarters, ought to be given.

The greatest care must be taken to keep every part of the
ship sweet and clean below, by scraping, washing and sweep-
ing the berths, as well as by ventilators.

The hammocks should be daily carried on deck in dry
weather.

Fumigations should often be made with pitch, tar, &c.

The decks should be washed in the morning only.

The troops should be mustered on deck three or four times
every day ; and women and children should be kept on deck
most part of the day, that the air may sweeten their berths
below.

The men should walk much about ; and amusements should
be devised for them, to induce them to take exercise.

Diet. — Fresh meat should be allowed every day to troops
on board of transports. Beef and pork, alternately, once or
twice a week ; other articles in greater proportion.

As the ships enter into a hot climate, the diet should be
varied from animal to vegetable food, with subacid fruits.

DIRECTIONS. 431

Sobriety ought to be in forced by severe discipline.

Barracks serve many good purposes. The men ban t>*
more regularly messed, their diet and persons more easily in-
spected, and spiritous liquors more perfectly restrained.
They ought to be built on rising grounds, at a distance from
marshes. The ceilings should be lofty, and the rooms well
ventilated.

Military Hospitals. — The director should be a physician,
with power from the commander-in-chief to form a well-di-
gested plan for its management^ by a medical board, com-
posed of a physician-general, surgeon-general, a principal sur-
geon, and purveyor.

INDEX.

( 4,33 )

INDEX

PERSONS, PLACES, AND MATTERS REFERRED TO.

Abercrombie, Sir Ralph, 95, 90, 99,

104-106, 108, 11!, 137-
Abernethy, Mr, 156.
Acosta, Josephus, 316.
Aiton, Mr, of Kew, 44.
Alison, Rev. Archibald, 89.
Alston, Dr, 234.

Aberdeen, 114.
Africa, 399.
Algarve, 61.
Alresford, 66.
Ambovna, 245.
America, 399.
Andalusia, 55.
Antilles, 13, 17-
Arcos, 55, 56, 58, 60.

Abrus precatorius, 213, 223, 293.
— — melanosperma, 293.
Abortion, 300.
Achania malvaviscus, 289.
Achras sapota, 278, 279.
Achyranthes altissima, 257.
Acids and salt, 115, 134, 203, 322-

327, 380.
Acidulated drinks, 393.
Acute diseases, 368-382.
Affusion of cold water, 27, 38, 40,

41, 109, 113, 117, 140, 166, 167-

African millet, 249.

slave trade, 14, 15, 16.

Agave Americana, 264.

Agriculture, Board of, 154, 316.

Ague, 355, 384, 385, 386.

Albatross, 427.

Alcohol, 123, 124.

Alimentary canal, 370, 376, 380,

384, 389.
Alkali, 322, 323, 355.
Alligator apple, 187.

bark, 207, 266.

pear, 222.

Allspice, 22.

Aloe, American, 264.

perfoliata, sempervivum, 184.

spicata, 185.

Aloes hepatic, cabaline, Barbadoes,
184.

succotrine, 185.

Aloetics, 387, 423.
Alpinia racemosa, 185.
Alteratives, 305, 412.
Amalago, 229.
Amaranthus, 406.

sanguineus, 298.

spinoaus, 299.

viridis, 298.

Ambrosia elatior, 296.
American field-basil, 247.

hog-weed, 246.

E e

434

INDEX.

American medical museum, 128.

phil. societies, SI, 34, 74,

201, 322, 380.

war, 20.

Amomum zerumbet, 185.

zinziber, 185.

Amyris balsamifera, 186.

Anaeardium oceidentale, 18G.

Analysis of water, 1 26.

Anasarca, 35G.

Andropogon littorale, 187-

Anecdote, juvenile, 2.

Ani constrictor, 329.

Animalcula, 427.

Animal food, 422, 423.

Annals of medicine, 383.

Annona muricata, squamosa, reti-
culata, palustris, 187.

Anodynes, 228.

Anthelminthics, 210, 212, 237, 301,
361.

Antidesma alexitaria, 304.

Antidotes, 199, 211, 259, 262, 295,
305.

Antigua senna, 270.

Antimonials, 92, 140, 273, 297, 326,
345, 357, 370, 375-380, 385, 392,
395.

Antiseptics, 201, 202, 203, 214,
229, 304, 322-327, 359, 412.

Anxiety, 393.
Aphthae, 374.
Appetite, 393.

Apple, custard, water or alligator,
187-

love, 260.

mammee, 280.

star, 255.

thorn, 253.

wild silver star, 260.

Apprenticeship of I)r Wright, 3.
Arachis hypogea, 189.
Argemone Mexicana, 189.

Aristolochia triloba, odoratissima,

con tray erva, 189.
Army medical board, 98, 109, 112.
Arnotta, 240.

bush, 192.

Aromatics, 194, 195, 247, 387.
Arrack, 242.
Arrowroot, 224.
Artemisiae similis, 296.
Arum arborescens. 192.

colocasia, sagittaefolium, 190,

407-

divaricatum, 190.

esculentum, 406.

grandifolium, 299.

macrorhizon, 190.

Ascites, 195, 357-
Asclepias curassavica, 191.
Ash, bitter, 381.
Assafoetida, 334, 337, 387.
Asterias, 427-

Asthma, 201, 205.

Astringents, 215, 226, 230, 265,

269, 298, 303.
Atmosphere, 393, 396.
Autumnal dysentery, 381.

B

Baker, Sir George, 87, 89, 95, 96,

155.
Baker, Sir Frederick, 155.
Baker, Dr, 345.
Baird, Sir David, 82.
Balfour, Dr Francis, 414.

Lieut. Col, 51, G7.

Banks, Sir Joseph, 31, 42, 43, 50,

51, 64, 73, 77, 86, 90, 92, 94, 95,
130, 138, 156, 157, 176, 183,
200, 207, 229, 358.

Barclay, Dr John, 152.

Barham, Dr, 216, 374.

Barrere, 93.

Baxter, Mr, of Odiham, 66,

1 N I ) I v

435

Bell, Johrij Esq, '.).'>, 134, 135.

Berry, Dr Andrew, 83.

Bewcaatle, Dr, 3:57-

Black, Dr, 49, 78, 80, 95, 17':-

Blagden> Sir Charles, l"»<i, L57<

Ulanej 106.

Boscawen, Admiral, 11.

Bowens, 319.

Braedalbane, Earl of, 7-

Brocklesby, Dr Richard, 300.

Brown, Dr, 35G, 41!).

Brown, Robert, Es<j. G9.

Brown, Dr Patrick, 184, 194, 207,

230, 237, 309.
15 nice, Professor, 80.
Buchan, Earl of, 48.
Burgess, Dr Isaiah, 295.
Burke, Mr, 330.
Burns, Robert, 122, 123, 124,

131.
Bute, Earl of, 87-
Butler, Dr Pierce, 10, 12, 59.
Butler, Miss, 59.

Bath, 147-

Barbadoes, 103, 104, 10G, 107, 109,

203, 398, 400.
Berbice, 414.
Bermudas, 343.
Brest, 13.
Breslaw, 345.
Bristol, 72.

Bounty Hall Estate, 328.
Burgundy, 308.

Bachelor's button, wild, 20 t.
Balsams, 194, 229, 254, 280.
Banana, 220.

bird, 251.

Banisteria laurifolia, 271.
Barbadoes, cherry, 271.
Bark, 107, 130, 325, 337, 34G, 3(9,
376, 389, 391, 392, 393.

Barley, bur, French, 28&

water, 39ft

Barracks, 864, (SI.

Barton, the Bbfp, 109. •*• -
Basil, American field, 247.
Baskets, 212, 257-
Basket withe, -.">7-
Bastard cedar, 281, 288.

hemp agrimony, 285.

ipecacuanha, 191.

sensitive plant, 271, 294.

Bath bark, 200-
Bathing, 330, 415, lie.
Bead-tree, 173, 269.

vine. 213.

Bean, Egyptian; 195.

tree, 292.

Beds, 285, bedding, 392.

Beech, sea-side, 358.

Beef-tea, 39G.

Beli ens oil, 235.

Bellyach, 202, 219, 232, 297, 325.

bush, 219, 220.

Bermudas balsam, 254.
Berths, 392, 422, 430.
Bignonia pentapliylla, 281.
Bilberry, Jamaica, 2G9.
Bile, 377, 38G, 388, 393-390.
Bilious fever, 202, 214, 370, 377.
Birch, 309, Birch, Jamaica, 193.
Birth of Dr Wright, 2.
Biscuit, 321.

Bitter-ash, 381.

bush, 304.

weed, 2G8.

wood, 229, 370, 381.

Bitters, 387-

Bixa "ivllana, 192.

Black liquorice-vetch, 29.'*.

vomit, 373, 374, 394, 398:

Bladder, 201.

Bleeding, 142, 143, 1*8, I'M. 1 71.
213, 279, 29 1. 828, 37 1.37 7. 978,
407. e e 2

436

INDEX.

Bleeding hearts, 298.

Blisters, 226, 227, 377, 378, 38(1,

390, 391, 393.
Blue mountains, 221.

poison berry, 257.

vitriol, 351—357, 403.

Board of Agriculture, 154, 310.
Boerhaavia erecta et diffusa, 240.
Bombax pentandrum, 284.
Bonella, the ship, 4.

Borax, 429.

Botanic Garden, 139, 141.

Botany, 20, 29, 30, 48, 04, 05, 08,

69, 74, 104, 114, 138, 140, 176,

183.
Bottle cod-root, 195.
Bougies, 242.

Bourgogne, Le, 74, 53, 54.
Box-bed, 141.
Brain, 373.
Brandy, 374
Braziletto-wood, 209.
Brazilian plum, 272.
Bread, 218, 219, 224, 23G, 241,
242, 301.

nut-tree, 301.

Breakfast at sea, 423.
Breathing, 393.
Bromelia ananas, 193.

pinguin, 193, 203.

Broom-weed, 281.

■ white, common, 291.

Brosimum alicastrum, 301.
Broth, 422, 424.
Brunsfelsia americana, 282.
Buffy blood, 279, 294.
Building, 273, 278, 300.
Bulge-water tree, 361.
Bull-baiting, 54.
Bur, Guinea paroquet, 275.
mallows, 287.

paroquet, 274.

spur, ib.

Bur, velvet, 281.

Burns and scalds, 253, 417.

Bursera gummifera, 193, 309v

Butterflies, 428.

Butyraceous substances, 222, 245.

Cadell and Davies, 117, 131.
Cambrea, Don Andrea, 58.
Campbell of Barcaldine, 7, 8.
Campbell, Dr Colin, 93.

Brig. Gen. 70.

Canvane, Dr, 195, 206.

Carlyle, Dr, 357-

Catesby, 309.

Charles Edward, Prince, 2.

Chardin, Sir John, 345.

Clark, Dr James, 372, 374.

Cleghorn, Dr, 324, 376.

Clusius, 316.

Clue, Admiral de la, II.

Collart, Dr William, 20.

Commelin, 309.

Cornwall's, Lord, 82.

Colman, Mr, 100.

Crawford, Dr, ib.

Crawford, Dr John, I0£.

Crichton, Dr, 94.

Croix, De la, 124.

Croker, Captain, -5>2.

Crumpe, 123.

Cudjoe, Colonel, 266.

Cullen, Dr, 49, 401.

Cumberland, Duke of, 2.

Currie, Dr James, 109, 110, 115,

117, 119, 122-130, 132,137-8,141

-143, 145, 147,148, 1C2-IC7, 347,

414, 4-15, 416*417.
Currie, W. Wallace, Esq., 111.

147, 148.
Cyrillus, Dr, 345.

Cadiz, 54, 57-

[NDEX.

137

Canton, 120.
Cape Lagos, 11.

St Vincent, ■ <-■

Callondcr, 130.

Campechy, 235.

Castle Wemyss estate, 3VJ.

Ceylon, 428, 429.

Chesterfield, 151.

China, 427, 428, 429.

Cordova) GG.

Cork, 13, 143.

Crieff, 2, 3, 3G, 46, 4-7, 147, 177, 179-

Cuba, 238.

Cuddalore, 81.

Cabbage-bark tree, 43, 300.

tree, 243, 244.

Cabin, 422.

Cacao, 239.

Cachexias, 401.

Cacoons, 211.

Caesalpinia vesicaria, 209.

Calabash, 200, 211.

marsh, 281.

sweet, 228.

Caliloo, 407.

cane-piece, 299.

mountain, 208.

white, 298.

Calomel, 92, 100, 105, 100, 130,
133, 134, 140, 140, 174, 212, 214,
239, 350, 370, 373, 375-0-7, 379,
381-2, 385, 389, 390-397, 410.

Camararia, 199.

Camocladia pubescens, 194.

Camomile, 370, 387-

Camphor, 133, 222, 370. 386-7,
390, 393, 398, 4*9.

Camps, 384.

Cancer, 230.

Careers, 426.

randies, 212.

Cane, dumb, 190.

Canella alba, l!)4.

Canella? aroniaticae cortex, 357

Cane-piece, 198.

Canoes, 284.

Cantharidea, 152, 387.

Cape- petrel, 427-

Capparia cynophallophora, 195.

Capsicum, 374, 387, 395.

annuum, baccatum,£ios-

sum, frulescens, galericulum, 190.
Capture of a fleet of merchantmen.

53.
Carduus benedictus, 189.
Carica papaya, 305.
Carnation, Spanish, 270.
Cartel with Spain, 60.
Cartilago ensiformis, 335, 338.
Cascarilla, 396-7-
Cascarilhe cortex, 90, 207.
Cashew tree, 180, 224.
Cassada, bitter, 172-3, 218.

sweet, 172-3, 218, 2 15.

407.

Cassia alata, 198.

chama.'crista, 198, 200, 295.

emarginata, 270.

mimosioides, 271.

occidentalis, fistula, senna,

italica, fistularis, javanica, horse-
cassia, cassia tree, 197-

Castor oil, 230—3, 325, 362, 418.

nut tree, 219, 220, 230

-233, 397-

Cataplasms, 196, 274.

Catarrhal fever, 129, 169.

Cathartics, 270, 389, 394.

Caustics, 258.

Cayenne, 374-5, 398.

Cayo caliloo, 253. 40(J.

Cecropia peltata, 302.

Cedar, bastard, 281, &8$i

Ceiba, 218.

Celery seed, 423.

438

INDEX.

Cephalalgia arthritica, 133.
Cestrum vespertinum, 257-
Chalcedony, 428.
Chalybeates, 387-
Chamissoa altissima, 257-
Changeable rose, 289.
Channel service, 10, 99.
Character of Dr Wright, 172,

174-178.
Chawstick, 214.
Cherry, Barbadoes, 271.
Chigre bush, 261.
Chigres, 425.
Chills, 391.

China root, 236, 304, 412.
Chocolate, 424.

tree, 239, 210, 276.

Cholera, 383, 396.
Chronic dysentery, 397.
Chrysobalanus jeacc, 277.
Chrysophyllum cainito, 255.

oliviforme, 260.

Chyle, 422.
Cigars, 211.
Cinchona brachycarpa, 90, 200.

caribboea, 199, 359.

carribbeana, 359.

Jamaicensis, 334, 359.

officinalis, 358.

Cinnamon tree of Ceylon, 221.

tea, 396.

wild, 191, 353.

Cissauipelos pareira, 200.
Cissus cicyoides, 250, 412.

trifoliata, 251.

Citron, 203.

Citrus medica, limonum, 201.

aurantium dulcis, aurantiuin

amara, decumana, bergainotte,

citrullus, 203.
Cleanliness, 346, 371, 390, 392,

422, 430.
Cleome pentaphylla, 253, 406.

Cleome triphylla, 283.
Clinopodium rugosum, 204.
Cloth, 266.
Clutia eluteria, 207.
Clysters, 246, 378.
Cobro de capella, 428.
Coccoloba uvifera, 265.
Cockroach poison, 252.
Cocoa, 276.

plum, 277.

nut, 242.

Cocoes, parasitical, 190.

white, black, 190, 407.

Cocos nucifera, Guineensis, 242, 243

butyracea, 243.

Ccenocarpus erecta, 255.
Coffea Arabica, 204.
Coffee, 424.

tree, 204.

Cold bath, 330, 392, 395, 416, 422.

Colic, 314.

Colombo powder, 396.

Colon, 380.

Colours of bis regiment preserved

by Dr Wright, 53.
Columnifera, 217, 224.
Coma, 386, 391.
Common broom-weed, 291.
Complexion, 202.
Comocladia integrifolia, 277.
Conessi bark, 94.
Congestions in the head, 391.
Const ipation, 232, 242.
Consumption, 206, 3/8.
Contagion, 128, 148, 17 1, 371-2,

397-8, 424.
Contorts, 199.
Con tray erva, 412

radix, 190.

Convolvulus, 225.

battalas, 205, 407.

— Braziliensis, 205.

pentapliylhs, 2'8.

INDEX.

Convoy, 422.
Convulsive diseases, 112.
Conyza odorata, 296.
Cool drink, 290.

■ treatment in lever, 112, 174,

199.
Cooper withe, 2G5.
Copper, 355.
Corals, 428.
Corallines, 428.
Corchorus siliquosus, 281.
Cordage, 303.
Cordia gerascanthus. 254
Cordials, 194, 221, 326, 386, 390.
Cornelians, 428.
Corn, Guinea, 249.
Coreopsis bidens, 297.
Corrosive sublimate, 215.
Costiveness, 393, 423.
Costus Arabicus, 185.
Cotton-bush, common, bearded.,
French, 290-1.

tree, 218.

silk, 284.

Coughs, 193, 206, 213.
Countenance, 39 1.
Cow itch, 209.

vine, 258.

Cramp, 396.

Crateva gynandra, 273.

Cream, 425.

Cream of tartar, 326, 389, 392,

397-
Creoles, 372.
Crescentia cucurbitina, 281.

. .- cujete, 206.

Cress, Indian, 283.
Crisis of acute diseases, 370.
Cromwelliana frambeesia, 404.
Croton eleutheria, 94, 207.
Cryptogamia, 307, 427-
Cubeso withe, 190.

amis angaria; colocyhthiS) 30ft

Cucurbits Lagenaria, 300.
Culloden, the, 1 5.
Currants, wild, 27<>.
Cuprum ammoniaeum, 9Wt
Cup-berry bush, 282.
Custard Apple, 187.
Custards, :5l!».
Cutaneous eruptions, L93.

C'valiiea arboiva, 'M)l-
Cynanchum hhlum 2.V.).
Cynomorium JamaJcense, 291
Cynosurus indicus, 247.
Cytisus cajan, -':).'*.

1)
Darwin, L)r, 124.
Dawson, Mr, 365.
Dennistoun. Mr George, ■-•
Desmazieres, M. 155.
Dimsdale, Dr, 348.
Don, David, Esq. 270.
Douglas, BoswelL, 420.
Douglas, Sir James, 15.
Drununond, Dr, 210, 337- :<7:(.

374, :S82.
Mr, afterwards Lord

Perth, 80, 81.
Duguid, Peter, 361.
Duncan, Dr, 87-

Dr Andrew, jim. 347-

Rev. Henry, 164, 165.

Rev. Dr, 164-167-

Dundas, Mr, afterwards Lord .M< I

ville, 80, 81.
Dundonald, Earl of. 319.
Duthie, Captain, 21.

Demerara, 414.
Downs, the, 21.
Domingo, St, 103, 173.
Dominico, 372.
Dumfries, 122, 131, )'>..
Dunblane, J 17-

440

INDEX.

Dunira, 147.
Dunkeld, 155.

Danae Frigate, 12, 13.

Daphne lagetto, 207, 26G.

Datura stramonium, 253.

Date plum, Indian, 266.

— tree, 245.

Death of Dr Wright, 170, 171.

Definition of the yaws, 401.

Delirium, 386, 394.

Detergents, 189, 193, 247, 254,

296.
Diabetes, 34, 35, 114, 120, 132,

134, 201, 324.
Diagnosis of yaws, 405.
Diaphoretics, 191, 193, 195, 214,

282, 292, 370, 375, 403.
Diarrhoea, 189, 209, 226, 233, 313,

324, 383, 396, 397-
Diathesis, 369, 370, 376, 377, 380,

385, 387, 392.
Diet, 376, 386, 390, 404, 406, 407,

412, 423, 430.
Digestion, 423.
Digitalis, 143, 146.
Diluents, 299, 325, 377-
Dimness of sight, 393.
Dinner at sea, 423.
Dioscorea, 407-

alata, 208.

bulbifera, 208.

, sativa 208.

triphylla, 208.

Directions for officers going to the

West Indies, 422-426.
Discipline, 431.
Diuretics, 191, 193, 197, 214, 240,

269, 311, 363.
Dolichos pruriens, 209.
Double tertians, 375, 388.
Dover's powder, 387.
Down tree, 285,

Drawings of plants, 429.

Dreams, 391.

Dressings, 226, 412.

Dropsy, 195, 202, 211, 212, 851,

355, 356, 357, 275, 384, 387-
Dublin Frigate, 15.
Dulcamara, 250.
Dumb cane, 190.
Dutch grass, 249.
Dutchman's laudanum. 228.
Dyes, 192, 216, 257, 294, 303.
Dysentery, 134, 139, 189, 209, 223,

233, 239, 265, 308, 311-313,

323, 379, 380, 383, 384, 387,

389, 397-
Dyspepsia, 378, 3P>7-

E

Eason, Dr George, 10, 12.
East, Hinton, Esq. 221, 245.
Edes, Peter, 127.
Eliott, Sir John, 382.
Estaign, Admiral d', 51.

East Indies, 427.

Edinburgh University, 3, 25, 26.

Egypt, 137, 143.

England, 391,

East India Company's service. 79,
Echites suberecta, 199, 259.

torulosa, 259.

umbellata, 258.

Eddoes, 190, 191.
Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, 163, 166,
167.

Essays, 361, 371, 400.

Medical Commenta-
ries, 363.
Education, views on, 67.
Effluvia, 417.
Eggs, 386.
Egg tea, 425, 426

INDEX.

1 II

Egyptian bean, 195.
Elder, peppery, 229.
Eleutheria, Croton, 94, 207.
Elixir of vitriol, 386, 8)96.
Elm, Spanish, 251.
Embarkation at Leitli, 5.
Emetics, 189, 219, 220, 32.'», 349,

359, 379, 384, 387, 392, 397, 420.
Emollients, 217, 224.
Emulsions, 187, 189, 243, 386, 393.
English physic nut, 219, 220, 412.
Entomology, 26.
Epilepsy, 303, 355.
Epidemics, 27, 372, 379.
Epidendrum claviculatum, 210.

vanilla, 210.

Epitaph, 179.

Epsom salts, 239.

Erysipelas, 376.

Erythrina corallodendron, 292.

Erythroxylon areolatum, 257.

Essential oils, 222.

Ether, 374, 387.

Etymology of the term Yaws, 397.

Euphorbia parviflora, thymifolia,

hypericifolia, 275.
Eupatorium dalea, 211.
Exacerbations of fever, 379, 394,

414.
Examinations at Surgeons' Hall,

4, 6, 12.
Examination before a Committee

of the House of Commons, 15,

89.
Exanthemata, 401.
Exercise, 423, 430.
Expulsion from the Spanish terri-
tory, 61.

Falconer, Dr, LIS, 142.
Fothergill, Dr, 43, 64. 115. W6,
183, 185, 309, 330, 34?. 317.

Forbes, Sir William, -
Fordyce, Sir William, 288.

Franklin, Dr, 7 5. ^ „

Friar, Stephen t 351.

Falkirk, 3, 147.
Falmouth* 62.

Jamaica, 356.

Fort Royal, 15.

St George, 82, 83.

France, 317.
Francois, Cape, 68.

Farinaceous substances, 236, 249,

286, 299.
Fauces, 388.

Fences, 263, 264, 265, 268.
Fermented liquors , 422.
Ferns, 307, 427.
Fever, 140, 141, 174, 202, 223,

274, 279, 283, 351, 370, 382,
383, 391, 407.

Fever and ague, 107,

continued, 356, 384, 390.

hospital, 125, 391, 393.

of debility, 142.

weed, 292, 294.

Fevillea scandcns, 211,
Field Basil, American, 247.
— _ sports in Spain, 56.
Filamentous substances, 261, 374,

275, 285, 286, 288-292.
Fingrigo bush, 264.
Fire-weed, 253.
Flatulency, 387.

Flax, 192.

Fleet, mode of living on board, 10.

Flora Scotica, 145.

Flower-fence, 270.

Fluor albus, 314.

Fluxes, 103, 129, 908, 311, 312,

323, 383. 386, 117.
Fly flapper • 1 >•

442

INDEX.

Flying fish, lit.

Fomentations, 247, 296, 297, 304,

390, 412.
Food, 217, 218, 222, 223, 224,226,

235,241, 249, 253, 301, 305, 316

-321, 396.
Forbidden fruit, 203.
Forts, West India, 424.
Foul air, 397.
Four o'clocks, 225-
Fossil alkali, 322.
Fossils, 428.
Fox leaf, 296.

Framboesia, Thesis de, 399.
French barley bur, 286.

honeysuckle, 294.

physic nut, 219, 220.

Revolution, 93.

Friction, 373,395, 417, 418.

Fritters, 226.

Frogs, 428.

F. R. S. 43.

F. R. S. £. 77.

Fruit, 396, 424, 431.

Fuci, 125.

Fuel, 234.

Fumigation, 430.

Fungus melitensis, 298.

Fustick tree, 303.

G

Gairdner, Dr, 347-

Garthshore, Dr, 14, 35, 42, 64, 73.
80, 86, 87, 89, 92, 91, 95, 100,
101, 105, 10G, 114,115, 124, 130,
139, 140, 148, 149, 150, 152, 154,
156-159, 169, 368.

Garthshore, W. Esq., M. P., 148,
149.

Geoffroy, M., 201, 322.

Gerard, 316, M7-

Glas, Dr, 345.

Gomara, 316.

Graham, Gen., 105.

Grainger, Dr, 154, 233, 400.

Gray, Dr, 22.

Grasse, Admiral de, 67.

Gregory, Dr, 86, 87, 89, 116, 134,

135, 136, 140, 160, 161, 162, 169,

170, 171,368,369.
Grenville, Sir Thomas, 316.

Gambroon, 345.
George, Fort St, 82, 83.
Geyzer springs, 78.
Gibraltar, 12, 59.
Glasgow, 142.
Glenorchy, 146.
Greenland, 4.
Greenpark estate, 349.
Grenada, 14, 56, 107, 371, 398.
Guadalete, 55, 56.
Guadiana, 62.
Guiana, 141, 414.
Guinea, 371, 399, 400, 401.

Gall-bladder, 373.

Gangrene, 380.

Gargles, 221, 263, 326.

Garlic pear, 273.

Garrisons, 424.

Geoffraea inermis, 69, 212, 363.

■ spinosa, 364.

Geology, 151.

Giddiness, 393.

Ginger, 216.

wild, great wild, mountain

wild, 185, 186.

tea, 385.

Glysters, 297, 321.
Gonorrhoea, 211, 268.
Gossipium, arboreum, lursulum.

barbadense, 290.
Gouania domingensis, 214.
Gourd, bitter gourd, 300.
(J. nit, 132, 193, 295.

INDEX.

I 115

Granadilla, 288, 283.
Grape, seaside, 265.
Grape, wild, 256.
Grass, Dutch, cutting, 249.

Guinea, 218.

Gratuitous practice, 175.
Gravel, 193, 265.
Greek physicians, 345.
Greens, 298.
Gripes, 397.
Grog, 202.
Ground nut, 189.
Gruel, 371, 385, 396, 422.
Guaiacum officinale, 214.
Guarea trichilioides, 264.
Guava bush, 278.
Guilandina bonduc, 209.
Guinea corn, 249.

grass, 247, 248.

— paroquet bur, 275.

weed, 250.

wheat, 247.

Guma, 253,

Gum arabic, 217, 353, 357.

tree, 225.

Gum elemi, 194, 309.

guaiacum, 2 1 5.

lac, 429.

Gums, 224-, 280, 28 1.
Gum sandarach, 220.
wood, 220.

H

Haen, M. de, 314, 345.
Hawke, Sir Edward, 11, 12.
Heaviside, Mr, 156.
Heberden, Dr, 127-
Hill, (Art of Gardening), 9ft

Br, 198.

Hillary, Dr, 303, 400, 403.
Home, Dr, 142.

Sir Evetard, 89, 156, 1;';-

Hooker, W, J. Esq. 152, 153.

Hope-. I). 26, 33, 71. M-'. 176 806

:;.'■:
Hugo, Walter, 398

II nine, Dr, I'M).
Hunter, Mr, 89, 317.

John, Esq. U 1. 178, 880,

375.

Rev. Dr, 129.

William, Esq. 176.

Hutton, Dr, 176.

Hampden estate, 23, 25.
Hampshire, 66, 73, 99.
Hanover parish, Jamaica, 358.
Harrowgate, 144, 151.
Hillsea Barracks, 52.
Hispaniola, 67, 372.
Honduras, 212, 216, 235.

Hsematoxylum campechianum, 216
Haemorrhage, 31 3, 386, 394.
Hammocks, 392, 430.
Hampden packet, 62.
Hartshorn, 213.
Headach, 205, 388, 391, 416.
Heats, 391, 393, 397.
Hedges, 216.

Hedysarum canescens, 292, 294.
Heliotropium gnaphaloides, 261.
Hemp, 192, 218, 271, 275, 285, 286,
288-202.

agrimony, bastard, 285.

Henweed, Guinea, 262.
Hepatitis, 100, 377, 378, 382.
Herbaria of Dr Wright, 29, 68, 69.

183, 246-307.
Herbarium, Lambertian, 2?s
Hibiscus status, 288.

esculentus, 217, 221, #80.

mutabilis, 289.

moscheutos, 2s"

sabdaritfa, 290.

Hiccough, 386, 387, 392.

-144

INDEX.

Hog-plum, 272.
Hogsheads, 288.
Hog-weed, 246.
Holcus bicolor, 247.

saccharatus, 249.

Homine, 242.
Hooded snake, 429.
Hooping cough, 1 29.
Hoop Tree, 173, 269.
Honeysuckle, French, 294.
Hospital mates, 102.
Hospitals, 371, 389, 398, 431.
Hospital ship Rub}', 9.
Hudson's Bay Company, 79.
Hura crepitans, 301.
Hurricane, 209.
Husbandry of Andalusia, 56.
Huttonian Theory, 151.
Hydrargyri nitrati unguentum, 37G.
Hydrencephalus, 133.
Hydrocephalus, 129, 132, 416.
Hydrothorax, 146, 101.

Innes, Rev. Mr, 93.

Irving, Patrick, Esq. 331, 332, 336,

337.
Izett, Mr, 155.

Iceland, 77, 85, 152.
India, 143, 203.
Inver, 155.
Inverary, 146.
Islington, 230.

Impetigines, 401.
Imprisonment in Spain, 54.
Indian arrow root, 224.

corn, 241.

cress, 283.

. date-plum, 266.

kale, 406.

Indigofera tinctoria, 293.

Indigo plant, 293, 294.
Inflexible, the, 52.
Intrepid, the, 7, 9, 11.
Influenza, 113, 142, 169.
Injections, 377, 418.
Inoculation of the Yaws, 401, 408.

variolous, 366.

Insanity, 132.

Insects, 428.

Intermittent fever, 28, 200, 214,

229, 238, 2/9, 356, 375,383,384,

387, 393, 414.
Ipecacuanha, 379, 3G7, 396, 397.

_ bastard, 191.

of Father Labat, 281.

white, 258.

Iresine celosioides, 268.
Irish Hospitality, 13.
Iron-wood, 257.
Itch, 251.

Jacquin, M. 184, 309.

Jewel, William, 415.

Jussieu, M. 313.

Jamaica, 17, 21, 22, 23, 33, 30, 50.

66-69, 87, 90, 91, 173, 309, 372,

373, 418.
James's St, 23, 27.

Jail-fever, 9, 104, 368, 383, 391,

393, 422.
Jails, 371.

Jalap, 225, 373, 377, 389.
Jamaica bilberry, 269.

birch, 193.

mallow, 287.

pepper, 227.

Regiment, or 99th, 51, 71,

72.
• Tumes's powders 133, 370.
Jatropha curcas, 2J!». 407. H?.
gossypifolia, 21!).
0

IMil \

14.

Jatropha ju'nipha, -218.

manihot, 218.

' multilida, 219-

Jaundice, 201, 202, 375, 377, :kst,

'Mil.
Jan-falling of Infants, 90, 91-
JerusaLun Thorn, 207.
Jessamine, Spanish, 254, 257.
Jesuits Bark, 3t, 199, 237, 377-

Tree, 358.

John's-bush, 232.
Joint-wood, 229.
Journals of Practice, 10.
Journeys to London, 70, 90, 113,

it:), 151 , io7-

K

Keith, Sir Basil, 33.

Kenyon, Lord, 97, 116, 125, 127.

Kirk, Thomas, 40, 341.

Kirkland, Dr, 376.

Kirwan, Mr, 95.

Kenmore, 145.

Kew Gardens, 31, 44, 73, 205, 230.

Killin, 145, 146.

Kilsyth, 317.

Kingston, Jamaica, 22.

Kinnaird, 155.

Kale, Indian, 406.
Kali acetatum, 387.
Kidneys, 201.

Lat>at, Father, 281.

Lambert, A. B. Esq. 138.

Lane, Mr, 317.

Latham, Dr, 125.

Lightfoot, 145.

Lind, Dr, 41, 100, 106, 128, 176,

229, 313, 32:». 331, 375, 376,

381, 414.

Lindsay, Mr,* 89 90 500 ISF6
Lining, Dr, 371.

Linnseus, 189, 194, 308, 309, M\
Lysoas, Dr, S7ft

Ligos, Cape, 1 1 •

Lancashire, 317.

Leeds, 1 14.

Leeward Islands, 37--

Leith, 5, 60.

Lisbon, 61.

Liverpool, 37, 42, 109, 113, Itf

126, 137, li*, 343, 354.
Lochearnhead, 140-
Loch Lomond, 145, 150.
London, 6, 17, 20, 51, 63, 06.
Lucia, St, 14, 103, 107.
Luss, 150.

Lace-bark, 2J7-
Loetia apetala, 220.
Lambertian herbarium, 2 Jo-
Lantana aculeata, gamara, invotu-

crata, 221.
Lapidaries, 428.
Lassitude, 391.
Latitude, 427.

Laudanum, 352, 356, 375, 279,
390, 419.

Dutchman's 228.

Laurus eamphora, 222.

cinnamomum, 221.

persea, 222, 223.

sassafras, 222.

Lavatio tiigida, 369.
Lavender, sea-side, 261,
Laxatives, 377, 378,381,392, 39.i,

423.
Lemons. 201.
Lemon-juice, 322.
Lepidium virginicum, 233.
Lepra, 401.
Leucophlegmatia, 195.

446

1XDEX.

Levant frigate. 15, 17, 20.
I.ibellukv. 488.
Lichens, 427.

Lignum vita?, 214, 233.
Limes, 201.
Lime-juice, 105, 322.
Liquorice vetch, black, 293.

wild. 213.

Liver, 187, 214, 373, 375, 377, 382.

scirrhous, 354.

Live stock at sea, 423.

Lizards, 428.

Local inflammation, 407.

injury, 420.

Locked jaw, 41, 90, 91, 120. 330-

339, 419.
Locust tree, 272.
Logwood, 216.

London College of Physicians, 96,
113, 116, 118,365.

medical board, 398.

medical journal, 41, 201,

351, 355, 368, 380.

— medical society, 41, 44, 45

330, 342, 347, 351.
Longitude, 42".
Love apple, 260.
Lubricants, 217.
Luen pheasant, 428.
Lues, 208, 211, 215, 236, 282.
Lungs, 373.
Lying-in ward, 91.
Lymphatics, 409.

M

Mackenzie, Sir George, 153.
Macgregor, Sir James, 112, 143.
Macknight, Rev. Thomas, 152.
Maclaurin, John, 356.
Macneill, Dr, 112.
Macpherson, Dr, 400.
Aracvean, F.ff'y, 25.
Malone, Mr. 54, 61.

Marshall, Captain, 245.

Marien, M. 54, 69.

Martin, Sir Henry, 12, 22, 93.

Col. 233.

Melville, Lord Viscount, 147.
Meiningen, Prince, 11.
Mercer, Thomas, 37, 351.
Mitchell, Dr John, 115, 417-
Milman, 106.
Monboddo, Lord, 122.
Monkton, Gen. 52.
Monro, Dr George, 14, 49, 86, 87,
90, 133.

Dr D. 313.

Morgan, Dr John, 322.
Mowat, George, 355.
Murray, Sir Patrick, 154.
Dr, 151, 309.

Madeira, 21, 62, 351.
Madras, 79.
Manchester, 113, 144.
Manchioneel, parish, 200.
Maria, Santa, 54.
Martha Brae, 340, 35^.
Martinique, 13, 14, 105.
Mediterranean, 11.
Moffat, 144.
Montego Bay, 37, 343.
Mably, 216.
Mackaw bush, 252.

tree, 243.

Mafootoo withe, 305.
Magnesia, 3S6, 3C8.
Mahoe red, 289!

tree, 288.

Mahogany, 237.
Maiden plum. 27 7.
Maise, 241.
Malabathrum, 195.
Malachra capitata. 288.
Malignant fever. 38. 342; 393. 398.
417.

INDEX.

i \:

Mallow bur, 88

Jamaica, 287.

. pond, 986;

Malpigfaia cxassifblia, '212.

punicifblia, 871.

Malvaceae, 883.
Malva spic-ta 881,
Maun nea Americana, 280.
Mammee apple tree, '^^(»-
Mangrove troe, 273.
Mania ruriosa, 133.
Manna, 388, 8*8.
Maranta arundinacea, 824.
Marine salt, 388-387.
Marmalade, 873, 878.
Maroon or Mountain N>

808, 848.
Marsh calabash, 281.

mallow, 88 I.

miasmata, 375, 3J6, 339,

384, 396, 397, 417, 424
Marshes, 431.

Master yaw, 402.
Mastic, yellow, 191.
Materia medico, 429.
Measles, 413.
Mechoacanna, 885.

Meconium, 328.

Medendi, ratio, of yaws, 410.

Medical commentaries, 322, 328.

communications, 374.

facts and observations,

368, 381.

journal, 41, 183.

observations and inquiries,

330.

practice in America, 128.

_____ Jamaica, 23,

25, 32, 33.

___ Spain, 57, 67.

pn ship-board, 103.

reports, lit, 112, 117,
118, 119, 148, 143. 145,
it:. 14&

Medi< nut. IAS.

Mciliciii.il plant, "i Jamaica, 18_—

«
Medut e, k_1
Melaena, ! 0
Me_ -toma prasioa, 27ft

velutino. II

Molia Bempervij
Melochia bomentosa^ ■_'.•;•'».
Mercurials, 107, lid, LT4, 10f

875, 138,390, 874*318,

387, 385, 412.
Mesenteric glands, 375.
Mesentery, sciirhous, :>.M.
Mezercon, 207.
Milk diet, L39, ill-. 386.

shrub. 854.

Millet, 818.

African, 249.

Mimosa, 306.

scandens, 303.

tortuosa, nilotica, Senegal,

piulica. 225.
Mirabilis jalapa, 225.
Mitchell's theory of contagion, 188
Misletoe, 303.

black-berried, 3(13.

Mixture of liquors, 423.

Mocho stones, 128.

Moisture, 397.

Momordica charantia, 301.

Monsoons, 429.

Moon, changes of, 414.

Morant transport, 52, 53, i>9.

Morasses, 381.

Mortality in the West Indies. 107

IDS.
Morus tinctoria, 303.
Mosquitoes, 42 l.
Mosquito shore, 212.
Mountain caliloo, 268.
Mudlaginous subatnni

286. 319. 361.

448

INDEX.

Mulberry, 30*.

Murjo, 304..

Musa paradisiaca, 220.

sapient urn, 220, I07.

troglodytarum, 220.

Musci, 427.

Museum, Edinburgh, 26.

Musk, 387.

seed 289.

wood, 264.

Muster, 430.
Myrtus pimento, 226.

N
Naples, 345.
New York, 417.
Norembega, 310.

Narcotics, 253, 302.

Narrative of an experiment in
fever, 38-40.

Naseberry tree, 278, 279.

Natron vitriolatum, 389, 392, 397.

Natural History, 26, 49, 104, 114,
153, 175, 170.

Society, 77.

Nausea, 388, 391.
Navium, typhus, 391.
Navy, 9-19.

Surgeons, 154.

Needle-weed, Spanish, 297.
Negroes, 14-16, 23, 24, 29, 172,

173.
Negro peppers, 196.
Negus, 424.
Nerium, 199.

antidysentericum, 94.

(Wrightia), zeylanicum,

oleander, 70.
Nervous affections, 205.

fever, 308, 391.

Nets, 280.
Nettle-rush, 169.

Nicar-tree, 269.

Nightshade, 318.

large, lesser, small,

blue, 259.
Nilotica, 225.
Nitre, 378.

Nitrosum acetum, 105.
Nodes, 215.

North British Staff', 95.
Nosologic Methodicae synopsis,

411.
Nunneries of Arcos, 60.
Nurses, 372.

O
Oliver, Dr B. Lynde, 134.

Odiham, 06.

Orangehill, Trelawny, 29, 68, 209.

Oats, wild, 248.

Obstructions, female, 206, 300.

of the rectum, 328.

Ochroma lagopus, 285.

Oedematous swellings, 191.

Officers, 422.

Oils, 243, 245.
essential, 222.

Oil-seed plant, 235.
Okra, 217, 224, 406.

wild, 289.

Olive-oil manufacture, 56.
Olla, 217.
Onions, 423.
Openanch, 310.
Operation on the rectum, 328
Opiates, 213, 228-9, 237, 311, 338 9,
349, 370, 375-6, 379, 380, 385,
396-7.
Opium, 107, 122, 124, 212, 357,373,

387, 390-1, 396.
Opisthotonos, 330.

IN!) E X .

I W

Ophthalmia, 197, 847,

Orangeate, 804

Oranges, sweet. Seville, 208-8,

412.
Ornithology, '•■

P

Palmer, Honourable John, :i:*2.

Patterson, Dr. 225.

Pattison (on sea-scurvy), 105,

Pearson, Dr. 86, 126,

Pennant, 1 1">.

Penrose, 130.

Penny, 357.

Pepys, Sir Lucas, 98, 116, 125.

Perkins, Dr. 134.

Peterkin, Mr. 340.

Alexander, 34 1 .

Pitcairn, Dr W. 43, 230.
Porchartrain, M. de, 308.
Pratten, Captain, 10, 11.
Prentice, Thomas, 317.
Pringle, Sir John, 43, 154, 313.
Pulteney, Dr. 90, 139, 176.

Passado, 54.

Perth Academy, 64.

Philadelphia, 34, 371-2.

Plymouth, 9, 14.

Pbndicherry, 84.

Portsmouth, 7, 9, 11, 51-2, 67, !)9.

Port Royal, 14, 72

Portugal, 61.

Packet, 422.

Palma Christi, 230-3.

Palmse, 242.

oleum, 243.

Pancakes, 227.

Panicum amiliaceum, polygamum,

248.
Papas, Pape, 316.
Papaw tree, 305.

Paper, 844, 846.
Papillae of the tongue IW
Papyrus, 2 1 1.
Pareira brava, 800,
Parkinaonia aculeata, 867
Parole, effect of.
Paroquet bur. 27 i.

Guinea,

Paroxysms of fever, 114.
Parsley, wild, 896.
Parthenium bysterophorum, 29t>.
Partnership with Dr Steel, 22-3.

37-
Passiflora hexangularis, malifor-

mis, Iaurifolia, rubra. 22s.

quadrangularis, 2s3.

suberosa, perfoliata, 884.

Passing the Line, 427.
Paulinia pinnata, 267.
Pavonia spmifex, 2«7.
Pea, 281 .
Peace of Paris, 17.
Pear, Alligator, 222.

garlic, 273.

Pease soup, 423.

Pepper, black and long, 229, 230.

cockspur, cherry, gourd,

bird, hen, bonnet, 196.
,_ grass, 283.

Jamaica, 227.

■ lesser, long, crooked long,

247.

medicine, 374, 386, 387,

398.

pot, 217.

Peppermint, 386-389, 396.
Peppery elders, 229.
Perfumes, 210, 211.
Peripneumony, 213, 378, 379.
Peruvian bark. 199, 214, 375, 3.7,

381, 385, 397.
Pestilential fever, 391-
Petechia', 374.

Ff

450

INDEX.

Petiveria alliacea, 262.
Pharmacopseia Edinensis, i',5. I?4,
Pharus latifolius, 218.
Phasianus argus, 428.
Phases of the moon, 414.
Philosophical magazine, 128.

— transactions, 43, 358,

360.

society, 49, 310.

Phthisis pulmonalis, 355, 378.
Phoenix dactylifera, 245.
Phvsalis pruinosa, 260.
Physician -General of Jamaica, 71.
Physicians, Royal College of, 48.
Physic nut, English, French, 219,

220.
Phytolacca icosandra, 268.
Pickles, 228, 244.
Pierania amara, 90, 229.
Pigeon pea, 293.
Pimento tree, 227-
Pine apple, 193.

wild, 262.

Pinguins, 193, 217.

wild, 263.

Piper amalago, insequale, 230.

_— aduncum, nitidum, 247.

Pisonia aculeata, 264.

Pissahed, 197.

Plague, the, 113,372, 417-

Plantains, 407.

Plantain tree, wild plantains, 226.

Pleurisy, 213, 378, 379, 382, 407.

Plum cocoa, Harden, 277.

Plumeria, 199.

alba, 257-

rubra, 254.

Pock-weed, 268.
Poinciana pulcherrima, 270.
Poison berry, blue, 257.
Poisons animal, 211, 262, 295.
vegetable, 172, 173, 199.

211, 218, 219, 228, 250, 251, 258,

270, 280, 295.

Political opinions of Dr Wright
88.

Poor patients, 175.

Pop-berry, 260.

Poponax bush, 225.

Porcelain, 428.

Portlandia grandiflora, 230.

Potato, 154, 316-321.

sweet, 205, 407.

Poultices, 203, 254, 296, 304. 41 2.

Pounce, 220.

Praecordia, 351.

Predestination, 399.

Prickly yellow wood, 240.

pole, 242.

Prisoner in Spain, 54.

Professorship of Botany, 74.

Natural History, 4'»

Prognosis of yaws, 406.

Prophylaxis of yaws, 410.

Proximate causes of yaws, 407.

Psidium Wrightii, 278.

pyriferum, 2?8.

Ptisans, 198, 224, 246.

Ptyalism, 412.

Puerperal fever, 91.

Pulse, 388, 393. 394, 396.

Pulvis antimonialis, 86, 130, 133.

Purgatives, 189, 191, 198, 202, 206,
212, 214, 219, 220, 225, 230,
231-233, 240, 271, 324, 359, 363,
372, 380, 389, 392-394, 419.

Putrid fever, 314, 342.

Q

Quartans, 375, 376, 384-386.
Quassia, 387.

amara, 90, 229, 381.

excelsa, 90, 2*9.

pohgama, 89-376, 381.

simaruba, 308.

Quassia? lignum, 115.
Quotidians, 384, 385.

I N D ]

1£]

Rainsford, Gen., 51, 03.

Raleigh, Sir Walter, 310.

Ramsay, Professor, 26, 49.

Keid, Mr Peter, 420.

Roberts, Rev. Mr, 200.

Robertson, Dr, 112. 124.

Rocket, Josh., 398.

Rodney, Admiral, 14, 67, 221, 245.

Roseoe, W. Esq., 138, 141.

Roupe, Mr, 314.

Roxburgh, Dr, 94, 134, 138. 139.

Rulandi, 116.

Rush, Dr, 116, 371.

Rutherford, Dr, 86, 90, 95, 176.

Rhe, Isle of, 11.
Rosehall estate. 332, 337.
Rosegreen, 336.
Rykum springs, 78.
Raisonnable, le, 11.
Ramillies, the, 52.

Rectum, obstruction of the, 328.
Red head, 191.

mahoe, 289.

sorrel, 290.

Regimental mess, 425.

— _ surgeon, 51.

Remittent fever, 103, 105, 130,

214s 279, 324, 356, 371, 376, 377,

379, 383, 36S. 407, 415.
Remote causes of yaws, 406.
Report on the diseases among the

troops in the West Indies, 383.
Resins, 220,
Restlessness, 393.
Retching, 389.
Rheumatism, 193, 202. 208, 881,

336.
Rhizophora mangle, 273.
Rhodii oleum, 186.
Rhubarb, 379, 396.

Rice decoction, •
Ricini oleum, 219.
Ricinus communis. 230,-233.
Ruling, 424
Rigors. 3:»3.
Ringworm bush, L9&
Ringworms, 19S, 27.3.
Rivina humilis, 25(t.

octandra, 265.

Ropes, 242.
Rose, changeable. .-
Rosemary, wild. 207.
Rosewood, 186.
Roucou, 192.

Royal college of physicians, 140.
■ infirmary, 36'J.

medical society. 140.

physical society, 7 7.

society. 43. 50.

of Edinburgh, 4°.

308, 310.
Ruellia blechum. 882
Rum, 202. 234.
Rymbegla, 154.

Sagar, 401.

Saunders, Dr, 14, S6, 313.

Sauvages, 401.

Schmissar, M., 94.

Seton, Mr, 92.

Simmons, Dr, 41. 1S3, 342, 347.

355, 365, 368>
Sinclair, Sir John, 1 ">.>. 183.
Sloane, Sir Hans, 184, 2C

37o.
Smith, Dr, 388.

Sir James Edward, 170

Smytli, Dv. ST I.

Solander, Dr, 42, 176

Spallansani, 114.

Stanley, Sir John. 17, 78, 151.

452

INDEX.

Steel, Dr Thomas, 9, 22, 23, 28, 29,

37, 42, 68, 72, 328.
Stirling, James, Esq. 23, 24.
Stirling, Patrick, Esq. 23.
Stokes, Dr Jonathan, 31, 151.
Strachan, W. G., 398.
Stuart, Dr John, 145, 146, 150,

155.
Sutherland, 317.
Swartz, Mr. G9, 90, 94, 210.
Syme, Mr, 122.

Salamanca, 57.

Savanna le Mer, 22, 335.

Sedbergh, 365, 366.

Seringapatam, 82.

Seville, 57.

Sheerness, 17.

Sidmouth, 147.

Sierra Leone, 371.

Southampton, 101.

Spain, 54.

Spithead, 100.

St Domingo, 103, 400.

St George's, Jamaica, 36.

St Helen's Roads, 99.

St James's, Jamaica, 23, 27, 358.

St Lucia, 14, 103, 107, 384.

St Mary's, Jamaica, 360.

St Pierre, 15.

St Thomas in the east, 221.

St Vincents, 14, 398.

Surinam, 229, 414.

Saccharum officinale, 233, 234, 235.
Sage, wild, Seaside, 221.
Sago, 244, 319.

palm, 244, 245.

Saline draughts, 376, 385, 389,

395, 396.
Salivation, 381.
Salt and acids, 115, 134, 201, 322,-.

327, 380.

Salt beef, pork, 422, 430.
— — petre, 429.
Salts, epsom, 239.
Salvia occidentalis, 247-
Sandarach gum, 220.
Sandbox tree, 301.
Sapindus saponarius, 90, 267-
Saponaceous substances, 224, 2G4,

267-
Sarasee vine, 301.
Sarsaparilla, 21G, 235, 236, 283,
412.

wild, 299.

Sassafras, 222, 283, 412.
Scabious wild, small-leaved, com-

mon, 251.
Scammony Aleppo, 20G.

sea-side, 205.

Scarlet fever, 145, 147-
Scirrhosities of the liver, spleen,

mesentery, &c. 354.
Scottish Register, 83.
Sea-bathing, 424.
Seamen, 422.
Sea scurvy, 422.
— sickness, 422.

side beech, 358.

gi*ape, 265.

lavender, 261.

weeds, 427, 428.

Sedatives, 370.

Senna Alexandrian, 198.

Antigua, 270.

Italica, 197-

Sensitive plant, 198, 271.

bastard, 291.

Serpents, 428.

Sesamum Indicum, 235.

Shaddock, 203.

Shells, 427, 428.

Shi]) fever, 104, 368, 383, 391, 393,

422.
Ships of war, 371, 397-

INI) E X

1,53

Shoulder, 388.

Showers, 42 1.

Shrub, 204.

Sida ulmifolia, rliombiliilia, 224,

291.
Sighing, 393.
Silk cotton-tree, 284

worm, 304.

Silver star-apple, wild, 260;

Simarubse cortex, 308.

Sinapisms, 380.

Sivvens, 404, 405.

Skin, 391.

Small beer, 371, 423.

pox, 340-341, 342, 347,

365-367, 413.
Smilax pseudo-China, 304.

sarsaparilla, 235, 230.

Snake-leaf, 250.

root, 215.

withe, 412.

Soap-berry tree, 267-

Sobriety, 431.

Solatium pseudo-capsicum, 259.

lignosutn, 250.

iycopcrsicum, 200.

mammosum, tomento-

sum, torvum, 252.

— — nigrum, 253.

— — tuberosum, 316.

— — — verbascifolium, 254.
Sop, sour, sweet, 187.
Sore-throat, 130, 326.
Sorrel, red, 290.
Southampton frigate, 52.
Spanish carnation, 270.

elm, 254.

jessamine, 254, 257.

needle-weed, 297-

plum, 272.

Spasmodic diseases, 355 114, 118,

419, 421.
Spermaceti. 213.

Bpermacoce hirta, radicana, u-

nuior, verticillato, 16]
Spii i s, 227«
Spigelia anthelminthica, marllan-

dica, 287-

Spiritous liquors, :'.:»'i

Spirits, 215, 122.

Spirits of vine, 398

Splenitis, 100, 37!).

Spondias utombin, myvbbalantM,

272.
Sponges, 428.
Sponging, 41C.
Springs, heat of, 428.
Spurge, 275.
Star-apple, 255.
Starch, 218, 219, 845.

plant, 224

Stimulants, 191,184 198, 274374,

377, 390.
Stomach, 372, 304.
Stomachics, 214, 230, 351.
Strangury, 193, 297.
Stratliearn Agricultural Society.

154.
Strength, 393.
Stroke of the sun, 331.
Stupor, 391.
Subclavian vein, 409.
Submarine plants, 428.
Subsultus tendinum, 391.
Sudorifics, 229, 292, 311, 378.

397.
Sugar, 210, 398.
— — — boiling, 114.

cane, 233, 234, 235.

Sulphur, 27C, 403, 412.
Summer solstice, 396.
Supper at sea, 423.
Supple-jack wythe. 267-
Surfeit, 396.
Swamps, 384, 424.
Sweet calabash, 228.

45

INDEX.

,22 239

potato, 203. 407-

Swietenia Mahagoni, 237, 238.
Symptomatum. ratio, of yaw?. 408.
Syncope, 396
Syphilis, 405.

Tallien. 93.

Thomson, Professor, 29.

Dr Thomas, 152.

Dr John. 109.

Dr John, of London. 342.

347.
Themeissurus, 130.
Thorhurn, Mr Alex. 377.
Thorot, Admiral, 13.
Tippoo Sultan, 82.
Toulmain, .Oliver. 14.
Trotter, Dr, 106, 123.
Trelawny, Sir William, 23, 33.
Tytler, Frazer, Esq. 131.

Tagus, the, 62.

Taro, 62.

Trelawny parish, 23, 27, 63, 358,

419.
Trinidad, 108, 141.
Tvndrum, 146.
Talbot, the, 153.
Tamarinds, 388.
Tamarind tree, 238, 239.

wild, 306.

Tamarindus Indica, 238, 239.

Tanning, 273.

Tapioca, 218, 245.

Tapping, 357.

Tartar, 387.

— emetic, 133.

Tarts, 290.

Tea, 422, 424.

Temperance at sea, 423.

— of Dr Wright, 176.

Tenesmus. 233. 324. :
Tepid bath. 416.
Tc-rebinthina? oleum, 105, 378.
Terebinthinus Americana, poly-
phylla, 309.

major, 308.

Tertians, 375. 334, 385.
Testamentary settlement, 72.
-us, 41, 90. 91, 120, 156,
330-339, 418, 419.
— — — — chionic. 419.

tens, 198.
Thatch, 234.

mountain, palmeta. 24.">.

Theobroma cacao, 239. 24". 276.

Guazuma, 286.

Theriaca, 403.
Thermometer, 427, 428.
Theses of Edinburgh, 136.
Thetis frigate, 52.
Thirst, 388, 393, 396.
Thistle, yellow, gamboge, 189.
Thomas Hall, the, 37.
Thorn apple, 253.

— Jerusalem, 267-

Tigre, le, 109.

Tillandsiae species, 262.

Toads, 428.

Tobacco, wild, 254, 296.

Toddy, 424.

Tomato, 260.

Tongue, 376, 387, 388, 391, 393.

Tonics, 359.

Tonnage, 430.

Toothache tree, 240.

Topical inflammation, 370, 384,

397.
Tourmaline, 428.
Tournefortia hirsutissinia, 261.
Toyos, 190.

Transports, 371, 397, 422.
Trismus infantum. 90. 118
Triumfetta. 2/4

I \ I ) ! \

rriumfetta rhombeafolia -7 I

lappula. 'J7.'..

Troops, SJfJ, :t;;:(. i _>_*. i:m.
Tropical diseases, 105, :>7o.
Tropic bird, IJ7.
Tropics. :i'.l!).
Trumpet tree, 302.
Turfcej berries, 252.
Turpentine tree, '■'•w>-
Turners ulmifolia, 261.
Typhus fever, 1 10, 1 17- 199, 368,
370, 371, 383, 395.
icteroides, 393.

U

Ulcers, 204, 215, 218, 234, 247,

250, 254, 296, 304, 412.
Unctuous substances, 386, 1 1 7.
University of Edinburgh, :;. 25
26, I!), 87, 136.

of Salamanca, ">7-

of Seville, "»7-

Urena Americana, 287-
— — — sinuata, 286.
Urethra, 3!) 4.

V
Vaughan, Col, 13.
Veght, M. 94.
Vernon, Admiral, 371.
Virgile, M. 400.
Vincents, Island of, St. 11.

Cape, St. 52.

Virginia, 316.

Vaccinium meridionale, 26!).
Vanglo, 235.
Vanilla, 210, 211.
Variolous poison, 365, 401.
Vegetable acid, 322-327.

diet, 144, 423, 430.

marrow, 223.

Velvet-bur, 281.

V b, I I,.,!

Ventilation, '•. 1 11 i 1 10, I'M
Verb 111 Jamaicensis, ;l» .

nodiflora S8l "

Verdigris, !

Vermifuges, I**. 191. L93

863.
Verulam Transactions, 1 '•'<

Vervain, 840.
Vetch, black liquorice
Vise primae, :i7.-J, 376, 384,
Vinegar, 386, 368, 392, 116.
Visceral obstructions, 100, 10?, 171,

187, 239, 279, 305, 352, 356

375, 381, 387, 397.
Viscid blood, 279, 294.
Viscum opuntioides, '.UK\.

— — verticillatum, 303.
Vitis caribbaea, 256.
Vitriol blue, 351-357, 103

Roman, 353, :$:>7.

Vitriolic acid, 371.
Vitrioli dukis spiritus, 37 1
Volatile*, 336, 355.
Vomit, Mack, 373, 374, 394.
Vomiting, 391.
Voyages, 425-427.
Vulneraries, 293.

W

Watt, Robert, 93.
Wattenbach, M. 94.
Wells, Dr, 97, 116, 118, li

127.
Weir, Mr, 115.
Whvtt, Professor, :i.
Whvtt, Douglas, 105, 106.
Whittingham, 125.
William Henry, Prim 1
Woodville, Dr, 90, 94.
Wright, .Mr James, Benior, .

10, 24, 25, 28, 46, 47, 49, 50, 64.,

67, 71, 72, 81, 99, 120, 121, 134.

177.

456

INDEX.

Wright Mr James, junior, 47, 49,
50, 64, 65, 67, 72, 73, 75, 77, 79,
80-85, 100, 153.

Walcheren, 154.

Warwick, 51.

Western Islands, 13.

West Indies, 13, 14, 17, 37,51, 97,

107, 108,370,371,386,391,397-9.
Westmoreland parish, 200, 235,

237.
Wight, Isle of/67.

Wine, 34G, 349, 353, 3/1, 374, 37<?,
385, 380, 390, 391, 393, 396, 421T
423.

Winterani occidentalis cortex, 353.

Womb, small-pox in, 340.

Worm-bark tree, 360.

grass, 237.

Worms, 212, 239.

Wormwood, wild, 296.

Wrightia, 70.

Wrightii psidium, 278.

" Wright's Medicine," 129, 134.

War, American, 20.

Seven Years, 11-17-

Warm-bath, 390, 395.

climate, diseases of, 381.

Wart-weed, 275.

Wasps, 2G2.

Water, uses of, 27, 38, 40, 45, 109,

110, 117, 15G, 1G3, 165, 174, 342,

349, 368, 392, 414-421.

analysis of, 126.

apple, 187-

_____ in the chest, 161.

lemon, 228.

lily, 195.

withe, 256.

Weed, Guinea, 250.
Wernerian Society, 152.
White broom-weed, 291.

caliloo, 298.

ipecacuanha, 258.

Whitlow, 156.

Wild parsley, 296.

sarsaparilla, 299.

tobacco, 296.

- wormwood, 296.

Xeres de la Frontera, 54.
Ximenia Americana, 266.

Y

Yellowley, Dr, 157.

Yam, 407.

Negro, white, wild, 208.

Yampee, 208.

Yaws, 208, 215, 236, 250, 282, 399-

413.
Yaws-bush, 412.
Yellow fever, 104, 112, 371,-374,

383, 391, 393, 395. 398.

mastic, 194.

swallow- wort, larger, lesser,

small, 259.

thistle, 189.

Z

Zimmerman, Dr, 239.
Zanthoxylum clava herculis, 240.
Zea maiz, 241.
Zoonomia, 124.

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