\

\

/

t

I

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2015

i

https://archive.org/details/b24990346

'

*f<L '7%'tyAZtrvy

\

t

THE

O F

John Fothergill \ m. d.

MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, AND FELLOW OF THE ROYAL

SOCIETY, OF LONDON ;

FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS IN EDINBURGH;

AND CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ROYAL MEDICAL SOCIETY OF PARIS,
AND OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY AT PHILADELPHIA.

WITH

SOME ACCOUNT OF HIS LIFE.

By JOHN COAKLEY LETTSOM.

Inrpos yotp dvnp ?roAAwy iniboQ aAAwy.

Hqm. Iliad, xj. 514.

LONDON:

Printed for CHARLES DULY, in the Poultry.

m.dcc.lxxxiv,

ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS
LIBRARY

CLASS | 6 (

ACCN.

-

SOURCE l

date 3 ^ ^

%

CUI SUAS ARTES, SUA DONA LJETUS
ET HERBAM ET VEN^i SALIENTIS ICTUM
SCIRE CONCESSIT, CELEREM ET MEDENDI

DELIUS USUM,

C°Y/

O <*A

<5r Xa

OF ^

PHYSICIANS

OF

^°A/DO^

—

PREFACE.

IT is by no means requifite to apprize the Public of the importance
of the following Eflays : the general eftimation of the writings of the
late Dr. Fothergill, is fuch, as to preclude any apology for giving a
complete edition of them j and the detached manner in which they have
been publifhed in different works, while it augments the difficulty of
collecting them together, will doubtlefs render fuch a collection more
acceptable to the Public.

The Effays are not arranged exaCtly in the order of time, in which
they were originally written ; as they were difperfed in various works,
the Editor was more folicitous of extracting them from each publication
colleCtively, than of preferving chronological order, as they admit in
fome refpeCts of diftinCt divifions : thus, after the Inaugural Thefis, the
Meteorological Pieces from the Gentleman’s Magazine are introduced ;
thefe are fucceeded by others from the Philofophical TranfaCtions, chiefly-
comprizing Natural Hiftory ; the Practical Eflays from the Medical
Obfervations and Enquiries, follow next j and afterwards the Biogra-
phical and Mifcellaneous Diflertations : and it happens at the fame time,
that this arrangement does not materially interrupt the chronological
order, and where it does, it may be reflored at pleafure, by referring to
the title of each article, in which is fpecified the time of its publication.
But to remove any inconvenience or objection from the circumftance
alluded to, a complete Chronological Table of Contents is prefixed,
including the poflhumous eflays, which, with thofe addrefled to the
Editor, conflitute a confiderable part of the prefent collection.

By the partiality indeed of correfpondents, much more has been com-
municated to him than he has ventured to publifh. Few men wrote

A 2 more

PREFACE.

more than Dr. Fothergill has done, or more ufefully ; and were all
his letters and manufcript effays, of which the Editor could enumerate
upwards of one hundred in his own pofleffion, laid before the public,
perhaps the importance of the Doctor’s life, and the utility and magni-
tude of his employments, would appear fuch, as might even elevate his
charadter, and give it additional luftre. But fearful left the partiality,
which the veneration of an individual entertained for his charadter, might
bias his judgment, and excite an over officioufnefs in communicating to
the public, what that public might not place in the fame favourable point
of view ; he has been induced to do violence to his own feelings, rather
than fubjedt himfelf to the cenfure of doing any thing that could poffibly
tarnifh the charadter of a man, who palled through life with unfullied
reputation, and died in the zenith of glory.

Whilft the Editor thus avows his diffidence, and the caufe of that
diffidence, they, whofe fentiments of pofthumous charadter coincide w'ith
his own, will be the laft to cenfure him for this confideration r he is,
however, gratefully prompted to acknowledge the important communi-
cations, and the kind affiftance of many refpedtable individuals ; and
particularly, of David Barclay, of Younglbury ; Dr. Cuming, of Dor-
chefter; Jofeph Cockfield, of Upton in Effex ; Thomas Collinfon, of
Southgate; Dr. Dobfon, Dr. Falconer, and Dr. Anthony Fother-
gill, of Bath ; John Nichols, Printer of the Society of Antiquaries ;
John Payne, Accomptant General of the Bank of England ; Thomas
Pennant, Efq; the Britifh Linnaeus ; Dr. Percival, of Manchefter ;
Henry Smeathman, Author of the Hiftory of the Termites ; Dr.
Whitehead, of London, particularly for his affiftance through the
whole edition ; Dr. Zouch, an eminent Clergyman and Juftice of the
Peace, of Sandal in Yorkfhire ; and of the Family of the Deceafed, as
well as of the Relations of the late Dr, Ruftell.

CHRONO.

CHRONOLOGICAL

TABLE of CONTENTS.

SOME AOCOUNT OF THE LATE JOHN FOTHERGILLj M. D, &C.

Anno Page

1736. J~^ISS ERTAT IQ Medica Inaugur alis , de Emeticorum \JJu in

variis Morbis trail andis — — — 2

A Tranflation of the preceding Difiertation, on the Ufe of
Emetics — — — —

1736. Remarks on the Neutral Salts of Plants, and on the Terra Foliata

1744. Extradt of an Efiay on the Origin of Amber — —

1744. Obfervations on the Manna Ferjicum — —

1745. Obfervations on a Case publifhed in the laft Volume of the

Medical EJfays , &c. “ of recovering a Man dead in Appearance,

“ by diftending the Lungs with Air” —

1745. De Diaphragmate fifo, et mutatis quorundam Vifcerum Sedibus , in
Cadavere Puella decern Menjium objervatis ; Epijlola Richardo
Mead — — — —

Tranflation of a Letter on a ruptured Diaphragm, and a Change
in the Situation of fome Vifcera, obferved in the Body of a
Female Child ten Months old j addreffed to Dr. Richard
Mead — — —

1748. An Account of fome Obfervations and Experiments made in

1748. An Account of the Putrid Sore Throat *— — » — .

175 1-4. On the Weather and Difeafes of London — —

1756. Of the Ufe of the Cortex Peruvianas in Scrophulous Diforders —

1756. A Letter to the Medical Society, concerning an aftringent Gum
brought from Africa — . — —

39

129

*33

*39

— MS

— *53

— 161

171

183

77

233

243

Experiments

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Anno

17 57-

1757*
*757*
* 7 57 *
*765.

1767.

1768.
1768.
1768.
1768.
1768.

1769.

1769.

1769.

1770.

1773-

* > 1

1113-

1773-

1774.

1774.

1774-

1774-
1774-
*775-
*77 5 ♦

*775*

Page

Experiments on mixing Oils, Refinous and Pinguious.Subftances,
with Water, by Means of a Vegetable Mucilage: In a Letter

from Mr. James Bogle French to Dr. Fothergill. With Re-
marks by the Doftor — — — _ 247

A Letter relative to the Cure of the Chin-Cough — 257

Obfervations on the Ufe of Hemlock — — __ 261

Remarks on the Hydrocephalus internus — — 269

Confiderations relative to the North American Colonies — 439

A Defcription of the Andrachne , with its Botanical Chara&ers — 223

Of the Cure of the Sciatica . — — 277

Of the Ufe of Tapping early in Dropfies — — 281

A Hemiplegia, attended with uncommon Circumftances 285

On painful Conftipation from indurated Fasces — — 289

Some Remarks on the Bills of Mortality in London ; with an
Account of a late Attempt to eftablilh an Annual Bill for this
Nation — — — — — 293

Some Account of the late Peter Collinfon, F. R. S. &c. In a
Letter to a Friend — — — — 413

An Effay on the Character of the late Alexander Ruffell, M. D.

F. R. S. — — — — —

Remarks on the Ufe of Balfams in the Cure of Confumptions —
Remarks on the Cure of Confumptions — • — —

Some Account of the Cortex Winteranus , or Magellanicus , by Dr.
Fothergill ; with a Botanical Defcription by Dr. Solander, and
fome Experiments by Dr. Morris — — —

Of a painful Affe£tion of the Face — — —

An Account of the Tree producing the Terra Ja-ponica —

Of the Management proper at the Ceffation of the Menjes —
The Cafe of a Hydrophobia — — — —

Additional Dire&ions for the Treatment of Perfons bit by mad

Cafe of an Angina P efforts, with Remarks — —

Further Account of the Angina Pefforis — — — -

Extrafts from an Hiftorical Account of Coffee, &c. — —

Further Remarks on the Treatment of Confumptions, &c. —

Obfervations on Diforders to which Painters in Water-Colours
are expofed — — — —

A Sketch of the Epidemic Difeafe, which appeared in London
towards the End of the Year 1775 — — - —

7

425

297

303

321

329

335

34i

35i

360

365

373

383

309

377

615

An

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Anno

1776.

1776.

1776.

1778.

1779.

1780.

1780.

1781.

1783*

1784.

An Account of the Magnetical Machine contrived by the late
Dr. Gowin Knight, F.R.S. and prefented to the Royal Society
by Dr. Fothergill — — ■ — —

On the Employment of Convifb — — —

Remarks on the Cure of the Epilepjy ; to which are added. Some
Confiderations on the Pradtice of Bleeding in Apoplexies
Remarks on that Complaint, commonly known under the Name
of the Sick Head-Ach — — — —

A Letter to a Friend in the Country, relative to the intended
School at Ackworth in Yorkfhire . — — —

An Englifh Freeholder’s Addrefs to his Countrymen — —

Obfervations on the Cure of Fluxes , by fmall Dofes of Ipecacuanha
Hortus Uptonenfis or, A Catalogue of Stove and Green-Houfe
Plants, in Dr. Fothergill’s Garden at Upton at the Time of his
Deceafe — — —

Correspondence with

Dr. Cuming, of Dorchefter — — —

Dr. Percival, of Manchefter — —

Dr. Falconer,

Bath

Dr. Dobfon
Dr. Fotherg

-r> 1 -
, > of Bath

dll, j -

Dr. Johnftone, of Kidderminfter — — - —

Henry Smeathman, Efq; — — . — •

Some Account of the Difeafe of which Dr. Fothergill died — -

Minutes of the Medical Society, refpedting The Fothergillian

Page

227

489

58J

595

459

475

611

493

539

553

557

558
562
57i

575

645

655

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS for the PLATES.

Plate I. J JE AD of Dr. Fothergill, to front the Title-page.

II. Arbutus Andrachne — -—to front Page

III. Magnetical Machine — — —

IV. Winterana Aromatica , or Cortex Winteranus — —

V. Mimoja Japonic a, or Tree producing the Perra Japonica —

VI. Coffea Arabica — — — — — -

VII. Head of the late Peter Collinfon, F.R.S. &c. — —

VIII. Head of the late Dr. Ruffell, F.R.S. — — —

IX. Elevation of Ackworth School — — —

X. Plans cf Boxes for conveying Plants by Sea — —

XI. Vefica Urinaria — — — —

22$

227

32*

33S

387

415

427

461

495

649

SOME

SOME ACCOUNT

OF THE LATE

JOHN F O T H E R G I L L, M. D. F. R. S. &c.

For my own part, when I recollect what I have loft in him, the fenfible, firm, and upright friend, the
able, honelt, and experienced phyfician, the pleafing inftru&ive companion of a focial hour, ex*
preflion falls me.

Fothercill’s Life of Russell.

Amifi enim, amifi vitae meae Teftem,
Ae&orem, Magiftrurm

Plin. Sec,

SOME ACCOUNT

OF THE LATE

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M, D. F. R. S. &c.

Read before the Medical Society of London, July 17, and October 23, 1782.

THOUGH the admiration which an elevated character excites,
may be diminished by familiar intercourfe ; yet that afFedtion
which virtue begets, and that refpedt which mental fuperiority infpires,
are as permanent as the caufes whiqh produced them. You, Gentle-
men, who fo lately enjoyed the converfation of our late Prefident,
will call to mind the dignity with which he conveyed eafy communi-
cation that never tired, becaufe it always improved ; and regret, with
painful recollection , that our honoured affociate is no more!

But he that feels the lofs of a friend to whom he owed the obli-
gation of ufeful inftru&ion, or remembers the falutary aid that renewed
the vigour of health, or that generofity which averts the mifery of
families and individuals, naturally wifhes, and wiShes with ardour, to
revive in the page of hiStory, thofe virtues which were inceffantly
directed to the advantage and happinefs of mankind. In attempting
before you this grateful talk, whilft I feel with concern how unequal
my abilities are to my own wifhes, or may be to your expectations, I
trufl to your indulgence, where biographical relation mufl be fo in-
adequate to the zeal of friendship.

a 2

John

iv SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

John. Fother gill, the father of the deceafed phyfician of the
fame name, was born in Wenfleydale, in Yorklhire, in the year 1676,
and was a member of the religious fociety now generally denominated
Quakers. He relided at Carr-End, the family eftate of a preceding
generation, where our late Prelident Dr. John Fothergill was born,
on the eighth of March 1712 : he was one of many children ; though
not the only one, who in early life exhibited inftances of genius and
fuperior underftanding.

His mother was the daughter of Thomas Hough, a perfon of fortune,
who refided near Frodlham, in Chefhire, from under whofe care he
was placed at fchool in the fame town, where he continued till his
twelfth year, and was afterwards removed to Sedberg School, in York-
fhire, then and fmce famous for claflical literature and mathematics.
That his progrefs here was confiderable, I may fafely alfert; as the late
Gilbert Thompfon, near Warrington, whole memory I have many
motives to value, and whofe learning and judgment no perfon who
has been under his tuition can doubt, told me, that he was his fchool-
fellow, and in the fame claftes, but that he never was able to rife
above him, though conllantly excited by emulation to obtain that fu-
periority.

About his' fixteenth year, when his fchool education was finifhed, he
was placed with Benjamin Bartlett, an eminent apothecary at Bradford,
in Yorklhire; who before had been the tutor of Dr. Hillary, and lince
of Dr. Chorley ; and whofe amiable manners and exemplary conduct
had conferred upon him the character of a good man, whilft his me-
dical abilities and inftruCtions had rendered his houfe the feminary
of many diftiiiguilhed phylicians.

The youth, who was detained at a future time to become one of the
frit phyficians of the age, foon afforded fuch inftances of fuperior
fagacity, as induced his intelligent mafter to permit him, at an early
period, to viftt and prefcribe for his patients ; and this he did with fo
much approbation, that his contemporaries in that neighbourhood have
always fpoken, in terms of refpeCtful recollection, of his aftiduity and
practical fuccefs.

When his apprenticelliip expired, he removed to Edinburgh, to ftudy

phyfic

*

V

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

# jphyfic in the colleges of medicine, prior to his fettling in the country
as an apothecary, in which capacity he was originally defigned to ad.
At this time the profeflorial chairs were filled with the Doctors Monro,
Alfton, Rutherfoord, Sinclair, and Plummer, all of whom had lfiued
from the Boerhaavian School, and whofe eminent abilities their pupil
lived to commemorate, in his “ Account*of the Life of the late Dr.
“ RulfeU,” at this early period his fellow fiudent and intimate afib-
ciate..

The firfb of thefe profeffors, that great anatomical oracle, Monro,
attended to his numerous pupils with fo much fedulous care, as juftly
denominated him the Father of the College ; and no man knew better
how to difcriminate the genius of his pupils. Dr. Fothergill early
caught his attention, in whom he difcovered fuch powers of mind,
as promifed the moft fertile expanfion in maturity, and induced the
venerable mafter to urge his pupil to enlarge their cultivation by a
longer refidence at the univerfity than was at firfi: propofed. He that
is born with genius, and an inclination to attempt great things, is
generally endowed with vigour of mind to perform them :

Pojfunt, quia pojfe vidcntur* + Virg.

Great natural powers, however, are often combined with great diffi-
dence, which was certainly the fituation of Dr. Fothergill at this
time, who has often told me, that his opinion of his own abilities
was fuch as reconciled his mind to move jn a more fubordinate fphere.
It may therefore be primarily attributed to the difcernment of this
eminent proftfTor, that his pupil was at once deibined to occupy a
higher ftation, to redeem apparent vidims of difeafe by his Ikill;
and he furvived long enough to fee that he had not made a falfe eftimate
of his genius, while his induftry of application, and ardour after in-
fiirudion, tended to confirm the profefior’s fiigacity ; for as he advanced
in knowledge, he found daily excitements to further progrefs.

At this period fome of the profefiors delivered ledures in Latin,
and others in Englifh. Dr. Fothergill adopted a method of im-

* For they can conquer, who believe they can.

Dryden,

*

proving

VI

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

proving upon both, which it may not be improper to mention here :
it is what he has fince recommended to me ; and whoever follows his
example, will be apt to recommend it to others ; for much is due to
him who firfl breaks the way to knowledge, and leaves only to his
fuccefiors the talk of fmoothing it. He took notes of the heads of
each lecture, and on his return to his lodgings, he tranllated thofe into
Latin which had been given in Englilh, and then carefully confulted
and compared the opinions both of the ancients and moderns upon the
fiubjedt of the ledtures, with the ledtures themfelves ; after which he
added fuch remarks on each, as his reading and refledtion furnilhed : by
this means he gained a knowledge of the ancients, as well as the mo-
derns ; he enlarged his ideas, and acquired the early habit of examining
opinions, and difcriminating between thofe merely fpeculative, and
thofe which refulted from fadt and experiment ; — in a word, he hereby
neceffarily acquired new powers of refledtion, and an encreafed energy
of judgment*.

A mode, not diffimilar, he followed in his ftudies: when any me-
dical cafe occurred worthy of remark, and there are few cafes but to a
Itudent of medicine are important, he examined various authorities
upon the fame fubjedt, and from thefe combined means drew a compa-
rative refult : what he had adopted with fd much fuccefs, he recom-
mended many years afterwards, in an epiflolary addrefs with which he
condefcended to favour me -f-, wherein he concludes with recommend-
ing the “ careful perufal of Hippocrates, and alfo of Aretasus and
“ Celfus ; one can never,” he adds, “ be too well acquainted with
(i the knowledge contained in the firfl, nor with the elegant ex-
“ prefilons of the laft.”

Soon after he had finifhed his ftudies at Edinburgh, the celebrated
profeffor I have already mentioned, who was completing the fourth
edition of his great work of Ofleology, which has ever lince been
deemed the moft perfect performance in this branch of anatomy, and
whofe genius led him to enliven his fubjedt with ample refledtion,

* This relation I had from the Dodtor himfelf ; and fince his deceafe, I faw his Materia
Medica Ledtures, which were fent to me by my ingenious friend J. Cockfield, of Upton.

f Letter to the Editor.

9

and

JOHN F O T H E R G I L L, M. D. vii

and various philofophical and pradtical fads, apprized of the inquifitive
fpirit of his pupil, not only condefcended to alk, but to adopt his
opinions in fome inftances. It muft have been highly grateful to the
Father of the college, to fee the rays which had iflued from his mind,
thus refleded with encreafed emanation *.

We fee not unfrequently ingenious youths, diverted by the ardour
of imagination into irregularities, which length of time, and the
ftrength of mature reafon, with difficulty corred ; but in the prefent
fubjed of biography, we fearch in vain for the feafon of youthful in-
dulgence : as he adopted by his condud, fo he claimed an hereditary
portion of his father’s virtues, and has left us to judge of his youth,
by numbering his years, rather than by recounting his purfuits •f*.

It was in the year 1736 that he graduated at Edinburgh, and printed
his Thefts “ de Emeticorum ufu foon after which he came to Lon-
don, and attended the pradice of St. Thomas’s hofpital. Here he was
at once furnifhed with the moil: ample opportunities of examining
the dodrines of the fchools, by a feries of fads drawn from difeafe and
difledion ; and I have heard it related by fome of his contemporaries,
that his application here was unremitting, and his remarks on the cafes
were often liftened to by his feniors. Objeds of poverty have all thofe

* The firft edition of Monro’s Ofteology was printed in the year 1726; a fecond
edition was given to the public in 1732, and a third about fix years afterwards : it was
the fourth edition, which appeared in 1746, that he referred to Dr. Fothergillj and
I am informed that he paid the fame refpe&ful compliment to Dr. Cuming, and gratefully
acknowledged the affiftance thefe intimate friends afforded him.

+ Befides his other ufeful engagements at Edinburgh, Dr. Fothergill kept a diary
of his a&ions, and of fuch occurrences as happened to him, in claflical Latin, as I have
been informed by a gentleman who once had a glimpfe of it, on the following oc-
cafion : The Do&or requefted his company in a vifit to one of the profeffors, with whom
he was more particularly acquainted j they breakfafted with the profeffor, who received
them in an eafy and gracious manner, as they went to hear, and left the choice of the
converfation in a great meafure to the profefTor, who was chearful, in good fpirits, and
talkative j but the principal part of his converfation confifted of fome lively entertaining
adventures, that befel him while he was a ftudent of London, Paris, and Leyden. The
gentleman faw the infertion of this vifit in the Doctor’s diary, in which his account of
the profefTor’s converfation was related In thefe few words, “ Mult a dixit, non multa
“ didicimus .”

feelings

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

viii

feelings alive, that can rightly cftimate the afliduity and the fympathy
of thofe to whom they look up for fuccour ; they are equally jealous
of apparent negledl, and grateful of feeming tendernefs ; and however
unremitting the diligence of the Dodtor might have been, his humanity
to the poor was ftill more confpicuous to them : to be diligent was his
intereft, to be humane was the fpontaneous effufion of a good heart :
this the patients faw and felt ; and when he left the hofpital, he foon
experienced the pleafing confirmation of their decifion.

However dark fome may reprefent the propenfities of mankind,
ample knowledge of the poor has confirmed me in an opinion, that
they are lefs inclinable to complain of injuries, than to acknowledge
obligations : private injuries affedt individuals, and mankind are more
addidted to hearken to the relation of general good, than partial evil ;
and his humanity having become a fubjedt of difcufiion to the miferable
tenants of a fick ward, fuch as were difcharged, not quite reflored
to health, found the way to the houfe of this amiable phyfician. Com-
fort of mind is a powerful reflorative to a weakened conftitution, and
he who divides our miferies by his fympathy, proportionally adds to
our confolation. Change of air, doubtlefs, contributes much to reflore
the fibre that has been debilitated by grief, penury, and ficknefs -} and
the fame gratitude which impels the mind to dwell on virtuous rather
than on vicious adtions, would determine the eye of gratitude to him,
who laft faw us emerge from mifery,j to him is attributed all the
merits of his predeceffors, as the artift who calls the metal is lefs Valued
than him who polishes its furface.

cO etvGpwjroff ivspysTyc *.

Antonin. Lib. ix.

It is, however, certain, that the poor who applied to him for relief,
were loud in proclaiming the fuccefs of his pradtice, and gradually
raifed him to more lucrative employment. I mention this fource of
his early introdudlion, becaufe Dr. Fothergill himfelf has often told
me how much he was indebted to this clafs of grateful though pen-
nylefs fupplicants; and in his turn he acknowledged the obligation.

* Man is naturally beneficent.

by

IX

JOHN F O T H E R G I L L, M. D.

by humanely continuing to give advice gratis to the poor, as long as he
lived, long after their fuffrages could tend to elevate his reputation :
his perfevering benevolence could then alone be actuated by the innate
goodnefs of his heart.

About this time, before he could have been eftablifhed in any degree
of general practice in his profeflion, he was follicited to accompany a
few friends in an excurlion to the Continent ; they were perfons of too
many engagements at home, to admit of long refidence in any one fpot,
and confequently could not poffibly acquire an extenfive or accurate
knowledge of the places they vifited in the compafs of this excurfive
tour. I am perfuaded, however, that it was not fruitlefs ; for long
afterwards, when I was in company with the Dodtor, a gentleman
who was concerned in the conveyance of fome merchandize through
Germany, was defirous of knowing the communications by land and
water, the inland duties, and other particulars ; to which he replied
with a precifion and detail, that evinced the inquifitivenefs of the
traveller, and the ufeful manner in which he had employed his mo-
ments. Of the parts traverfed in this excurlion, the Dodtor, on his
return, communicated an account to his friend Dr. Cuming of Dor-
chefter, in a Latin letter *, which the latter entrufted to me ; and
thefe places are enumerated in fo concife and clafiical a manner, that I
have taken the liberty to adopt the language of the original on this
occafion :

“ J Luflratis aliquibus Flandria urbibus munitiflimis, per magnam
“ Brabantice partem migravimus; relidto quippe Gandavio , ad Bruxel-
“ lenfem fpatiofam fplendidamque urbem nofmetipfos contulimus, per
“ oppidulum olim valle et muro vel potius aggere munitum, nomine
“ Ajk , (//Zvz) notiffimum quidem Brabantice incolis, quoniam exinde

primo Lupulos, horumque colendi modum mutuati funt Angli, in

“ maximum

* Dated London, anno 1740.

% Having examined fome well-fortified cities of Flanders, and travelled through great
part of Brabant; leaving Ghent, we palled on to Brufl'ells (a fpacious fplendid city),
through a little town called Aik, formerly fortified with a mote and wall, or rather a
bank of earth : it is well known to the inhabitants of Brabant, becaufe the Eno-lifh had
•their hops firft from this place, and here learnt the method of cultivating them, to the

b great

X

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

“ maximum totius Brabantice damnum ; utpote olim in hoc mercaturcs
genere fatis Celebris. A Bruxellis itur ad Leodiam hodie Liege An-
“ glorum, Luttich Germanorum, incolarum vero Luich , urbem ob arcis
“ obfidionem diuturnam fatis celebrem, deinde ad oppidulum Spadanuni'
lf et Aquifgranum, loca quidem toto orbe notiffima. Ibi aquas mine--
rales, hie thermales potavi, guftavi, aliqua inftitutus fum experi-
“ menta, fed vulgaria quidem, ob defedtum apparatus ad hanc rem
“ i^onei. Trajedlum ad Mofam , Sylvam Ducis ( Bois le Due,) Dor -
** drechtum , iter ad celebre emporium Rotterdamum tenentes, vifitavi-
** mus ; urbem Delphenfem , villam fplendidiflimam Hagenfem , urbem
“ Ley dam, Haerlemam pertranfivimus ad nobiliffimam Batavorum civita-
“ tern Amjlelodamum ; urbe deinde perluftrata, per fretum vulgo didtum
“ Dee Zuyder Zee navigamus ad oppidum didtum a Batavis Worcum in
“ Wejlfrijia , diftans viginti praeter propter milliaria a Leuwardia, nitida
“ fatis et bene munita hujus provinciae urbe prima.

“ Hinc tendimus ad Groningam, et demum per arenofas incultafque
“ regiones, per que urbem Oldenburgum , et villam unam alteramque
“ longe a fe invicem diilitam accedimus ad liberam civitatem Bremen-
“ fern, celebre fatis emporium atque dives: hie in cella fub templo
“ maximo cathedrali, corpora aliquot exliccata, (humana intellige),
“ dura firmaque, natura confervata, peregrinantibus oiienduntur, nullo

condimento

great lofs of the whole country, which was formerly famous for this branch of com-
merce. From Bruflells we went to Liege, called by the Germans Luttich, but by the in-
habitants Luich, a city celebrated for the long fiege of its caftle. From hence we pafled
on to the Spa and Aix la Chapelle, places known to every one. At the firft of thefe
I obferved the mineral waters, and at the latter the hot fprings : I drank of them, and
made fome experiments upon them, common ones indeed, for want of a proper apparatus.
We next vifited Maeftricht, Bois le Due, Dordrecht, and continued our journey to that
celebrated emporium Rotterdam. We palled through the city of Delft, the Hague, a very
fplendid village, the cities of Leyden and Haerlem, to the mod noble of the Dutch cities
Amfterdam. Having taken a view of it, we failed through the ftrait commonly called Dee
Zuyder Zee, to a town called by the Dutch Worcum, in Weftfrielland, diftant about
twenty miles from Leuwarden, the firft city of this province, neat and pretty well fortified.

From this place we went to Groningen, and travelling through a fandy, uncultivated
country, we came to Oldenburgh, and palling through feveral villages a good difiance one
from another, we came to Bremen, a free city, a great emporium, and wealthy: here they
(hew to travellers, in a cellar under the great cathedral church, fome human bodies, dried,
hard and firm, preferved by nature, and the mere antiputrefeent quality of the cavern, with-
> out

\

XI

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

<< condimento vel arte qualibet tradfat^, fed mera quae cellse in fit virtute
<< confervatrice ; eft locus non admodum profundus, et ex uno latere
“ vento perflabilis, ftcca eft admodum, tota quippe circumcirca regio
“ arenofa eft. Sed licet plurimae aliae funt fub eodem templo hujuf-
“ modi cavernte, et etiam fub aliis et vicinis templis, nulla adhuc
“ invenitur quas eadem dote potitur. Corpora circa duodecem habent
“ integra, ex quibus unum ducentos circiter annos habet; alterum,
“ centum et quinquaginta, reliqua, diverfarum astatum et temporum;
<( penitus ex fucca videntur et levia, firma tamen adeo ut impofita fub
“ capite manu totum corpus abfque minima flexura facile poilis erigere.
“ Magnam nitri copiam caufam elfe afferunt incolae, quod in tanta
“ quantitate erui poteft, ut lingulae librae terrae hujus cavernae exhi-
“ bent uncias duas nitri puriflimi

This epiftle contains refledtions equally pertinent and ingenious, on
the manners of the people whom he vilited ; and concludes with juft
and animated praifes of mental liberty, and the moft cordial profelfions
of friendfhip for his correfpondent.

After this excurfion on the Continent, he returned to London, and
took up his refidence in Gracechurch Street; we may therefore date the
commencement of his practice in the year 1740, for though he gra-
duated in 1736, the intermediate time was chiefly employed in attending
the hofpitals, and laying that foundation, upon which was afterwards to
be railed a diftinguilhed fuperftrudture. His Thelis, as it was never
before the prefent time tranllated into Englilh, with all the merit it cer-
tainly polfelfes, could not excite the public attention, or acquire popular

out any preparation or afliftance from art whatever. The place is not very deep, is expofed
to the wind on one fide, and exceedingly dry, as the whole country round about is fandy.
But, although there are fimilar caverns under the fame church, and alfo under other neigh-
bouring churches, none has yet been found, that poffeffes the fame virtue. There are
twelve whole bodies compleat, one of which is about two hundred years old ; another, one
hundred and fifty ; the reft are of different ages: they feem perfectly dry and light; but
fo firm, that, placing the hand under the chin, one may eafily raife up the whole body,
without the leaft flexure in any part. The inhabitants fay, that the great quantity of
nitre is the caufe of thefe phaenomena, which may be dug up in fuch plenty, that every
pound weight of the earth of this cavern contains two ounces of the pureft nitre.

* Since more fully enlarged upon by Wraxall, in his Travels.

b 2 approbation.

xii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

approbation, and confequently could not materially contribute to extend
his reputation : the fame might be admitted refpeCting his “ Re-
“ marks on the neutral Salts of Plants, and on Terra Foliata Tartari,”
published in the fame year in the Edinburgh Medical Effays, as
fubjeCts merely reftriCted to medical difquilition.

In 1744, his “ Effiay on the Origin of Amber,” and his “ Obfer-
vations on the Manna Perficum,” were inferted in the Philofophical
T ran factions : and likewife, in 1745, his “ Letter to Dr. Mead,” and
his “ Obfervations on a Cafe of recovering a Man dead in Appearance.'”
In the fubfequent year he was admitted a licentiate of the Royal College
of Phyficians.

Men of great talents do not always employ them on temporary or
popular fubjeCts ; but on the other hand, their works, like the precious
metals, are not injured by their antiquity : the preceding perfor-

mances were rather folid than brilliant ; calculated rather to enfure
future reputation, than prefent emolument,* and will be read now with
as much pleafure as when they were firft publiffied. What he endea-
voured 'to prove, to illuftrate and enforce, refpeCting the recovery of
drowned perfons, has been fince attempted in mod: maritime Rates of
Europe ; and he enjoyed the pleafure of living to fee thofe rules adopted
with fuccefs in this metropolis, by the ardour of Dr. Hawes and others,
which upwards of thirty years before he had recommended by his pen;
To whatever merit thefe Obfervations were juftly entitled, the fubjeCt
at that time excited no popular attention, though fince profecuted
with a zeal that does honour to humanity; it- could not, therefore;
have contributed, in any coniiderable degree, to elevate his character;
yet at this time he had acquired a large ffiare of employment in his
profeffion, and his emoluments were then fuperior to what many phy-
ficians of long Handing at this time can boafl. He was ever averfe
from fpeaking of the pecuniary emoluments of his profeffion ; and ex-
cepting what he intimated in the prefent inftance, he never, to my
recollection, mentioned the fubjeCt ; and upon this occalion it was col-
lected from collateral circumftances, and not from immediate informa-
tion. Nothing hurt his feelings more, than eftimating the profeffion
of phyfic by its lucrative advantages ; the art of healing, he confidered

in

«

Xlll

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

in that facred point of view, which connected it with a confcientious
principle of adtion. “ My only wifh,” he declares, “ was to do
“ what little bufinefs might fall to my fhare, as well as poflible ; and
“ to banifh all thoughts of pradtifing phyfic as a money- getting trade,
“ with the fame folicitude, as I would the fuggeftions of vice or intem-
" perance*.” And when the fuccefs of his pradtice had raifed him to
the fummit of reputation and emolument, he feemed adtuated by the
fame lentiment : “ I endeavour,” fays this confcientious phyfician,

“ to follow my bufinefs, becaufe it is my duty, rather than my intereif ;
<e the laft is infeparable from a juft difcharge of duty, but I have
“ ever wifhed to look at the profits in the laft place, and this wifh
“ has attended me ever fince my beginning J.”

If this language is foreign to the man of the world, it is at. leaft
worthy of a man of principle ; and no phyfician will be worfe for its
perufal or imitation, nor of what he afterwards communicated upon the
fame fubjedt. “ I wifhed at my firft fetting out,” he obferves, “ I
“ wifhed moft fervently, and I endeavour after it ftill, to do the bufinefs
“ that occurred, with all the diligence I could, as a prefent duty , and
** endeavoured to reprefs every rifing idea of its confequences ; know-
“ ing moft affuredly that there was a hand, which could eafily overthrow
“ every purfuit of this kind, and baffle every attempt, either to acquire
“ fame or wealth. And with a great degree of gratitude, I look back
“ to the gracious fecret preferver, that kept my mind more attentive to
“ the difcharge ol my prefent anxious care for thole I vifited, than
“ either to the profits or the credit refulting from it: and I am fure,
“ to be kept under fuch a. circumlcribed unafpiring temper of mind,
“ doing every thing with diligence, humility, and as in the fight of the
“ God of healing, frees the mind from much unavailing diftrefs, and
“ confequential difappointment J.”

There are many incidental circumftances which tend to introduce a
phyfician into practice, independent of any intrinfic merit, and religious
profefiion is not one of the leaft : whoever acquires the foremoft repu—

* Letter to the Editor, dated Lea-hall, anno 1769.

t Ditto, dated anno 1770.

X D.itto, dated anno 1773.

tation.;

XIV

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

tation with the leaders of a fed, is by them naturally confidered and
proclaimed as the firfl: of the medical profeflion at large ; but as there
were two phyficians of the fame religious fentiments with Dr.FoTHER-
gill, previoufly fettled in the metropolis, his early reputation could not
be deduced from his religion ; neither could family connexion operate
in a Wronger manner, becaufe the refidence of his relations was prin-
cipally in the north of England. Whatever reputation is acquired, un-
connected with literature or medical fkill, is precarious at all times :
if patients are not cured ; if fuccefs does not follow practice ; a fpecious
importance acquired or fupported by partial or fuperficial pretences, is
feldom permanent. In concerns of fuch magnitude, where health and
life are at flake, partial attachments will vanifh, and a conviction of
fuperior fagacity and fkill will at length predominate. Whether we
confider Dr. Fothergill’s early acquifition of reputation, or its
future accumulation, we cannot hefitate to afcribe it to his fuperior
merit, or to that lingular combination of vigorous powers of mind,
and chalte integrity of manners, which for a feries of years conciliated
the affeCtions, and claimed the unreferved confidence, of the public.

Sunt verba et voces , quibus hunc lenire dolor ern

PoJJls , et magnam morbi deponere partem. Hor*.

Highly flattering as his fuccefs mult have been, at this early period,
it bore very little proportion to that blaze of character which fucceeded
his “ Account of the Sore Throat attended with Ulcers,” publilhed
in 1748, and fince defervedly tranflated into every European language.
Not long before this time, the difeafe which he now elucidated, in its
general havock in London, had fwept away indifcriminately, the hopes
of fome noble families, and particularly the two fons of the late Henry
Pelham, brother to the late duke of Newcaftle, and had hence excited
very general alarm the difcovery therefore of a new and fuccefsful
treatment of fo formidable and fatal a difeafe, was critically fortunate
for the public, as well as for the author. Medical elfays which promife
improvements in the art of healing, are ufually offered to the public

* The pow’r of words, and foothing founds, appeafe
The raging pain, and leflen the difeafe. Francis.

in

XV

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

in a flate of imperfection, as long and repeated experiment is requifite
to mature the offspring of a luxuriant genius ; but this performance
was exempted from the imbecillity of a hafly birth, and the revo-
lution it produced in the treatment of this difeafe, has obtained the
fanCtion of the ableft phyficians from that period to the prefent time,
with lefs deviation perhaps than has attended the management of any
other acute diforder.

As the alarm among perfons of fafhion, long fubfifted, the Doctor’s
reputation rapidly increafed. Whoever aftonifhes the public with new
difcoveries upon any popular difeafe, the reputation of fagacity in every
other, will be annexed. He was now introduced into the firil families
in the metropolis ; and he was rarely ever employed, but in emergencies
he was fought for again.

But whoever deviates from a routine of practice familiarized by long
habit, will encounter oppofition ; or if truth is too brilliant to be
eluded, that oppofition takes the form of envy, armed on all fides with
detraction ; the difcovery is anticipated by fome previous defcription, or
vague luggeftion, which at the time gained no influence, nor deferved
any attention. Such infinuations have been urged againft the merits
of the prefent performance, upon fuch a foundation indeed as does
not deferve the trouble of refutation. The very general and almoft in-
variable attribution of the difcovery to Dr. Fothergill, by his con-
temporaries, weighs with me much more forcibly, than the flight
fuggeftion, that a phyfician had previoufly found out the difeafe, its
fymptoms and its cure, in writers, which are themfclves obfcure.
Nobody could doubt the fagacity of Dr. Letherland ; but beyond the
obligation which Dr. Fothergill has candidly acknowledged to him,

I fee no reafon to detraCt from the merit of the latter, who uniformly,
without referve, always fpoke of it as his own production ; and with-
out the confcioufnefs of defert, no perfon that knew him, could be
ignorant, that his modefty and his integrity would equally revolt at
any unworthy plagiarifm.

Had Dr. Fothergill’s Account of the Sore Throat been merely a
publication of doCtrines previoufly known and adopted, fuch a plagia-
rifm muft have been notorious to every medical man in the city ; and
7 the

XVI

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

the performance which announced a fuppofed difcovery, would have
met with general contempt, indead of that eclat which it conferred
upon the writer, and which fuddenly fwelled the current of his bufinefs,
and confequently of his emolument : the fird induced him to feek for
fome moments of retirement, and the lad; enabled him to eftedt it, as
far as a phyfician in extend ve practice could command moments of
leifure. The natural bias of the mind is moll apt to ihew itfelf in a date
of independence, when unredrained by exterior concerns : in an adtive
and multifarious genius, with which the Dodtor was endowed, it would
be difficult to afeertain his warmed excitements : individuals themfelves
are not always the mod competent judges of the cuique voluptas ;
adtions conditute a more certain criterion, and by this llandard we may
conclude, that he did not make a falfe edimate of his own propenfities ;
as long before he was able to command that leifure which he never
chofe to allow himfelf, he obferved, that “ chemidry and natural
“ hidory would be his entertainments, were he wholly at leifure j
“ he could not, however, lofe fight of the cui bono, in any refearches.:

“ there is dill room enough for difeoveries ; many points that we
“ believe, rather than know 3 and fome of thefe he could wilh to de-
“ termine by experiments

In thofe departments of lcience, where fadl alone depends upon the
refult of experiment, that leifure, that fedulous perfeverance is de-
manded, which is incompatible with the fudden and unexpedted avoca-
tions of a phyfician. In chemidry, where demondration has fuperfeded
vague hypothefis, this dudious attention is particularly requifite : how-
ever drong therefore, the Doctor’s propenfity to chemical refearches
might have been, the pradtice of medicine, and a judicious mode of
preferibing, were not calculated to amplify its boundaries : this depart-
ment of fcience was not then either fo generally or fo fuccefsfully
cultivated : Hales, and other philofophers, had laid down a wide field

for invedigation, and experiments have been fince multiplied, more
particularly relative to medicine, diet, and the animal ceconomy. The
Air which we breathe, as one homogeneous fluid, was now analyzed by

* Letter to Dr. Cuming, dated London, anno 1744.

new

4

xvn

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

new experiments in the North ; but it was referved for a Priedley to
develope the Aerial Syflem , to embody fhades invifible to former ages,
and place them in fydematic light : but long before this period of
adonidiing elucidation of air. Dr. Fothergill had fuggeded experi-
ments upon this really heterogeneous fluid : fo early as 1744, he com-
municated to his friend Dr. Cuming *, not only his doubts refpeding
the real contents of the air, but the procefs of experiment he meant to
inditute. How far he purfued a defign fo worthy of an ingenious mind,
I am uncertain ; but the date of his health, which he afterwards intro-
duces as an obdacle to his purfuit, and the encreafe of various avoca-
tions, probably terminated thefe enquiries. The method he propofed
to adopt, he thus defcribes : “ I have ordered fome large glafs bells
** to be made, but of a more conical figure, capable of holding feveral
“ gallons : thefe in warm weather will be placed upon proper fupports,
“ the apex lowed, the broad open bafe above : the colded water will
“ be poured into them, and rendered dill colder by fal ammoniac and
“ fal communis ; on the outfide, the moidure of the air will be con^
“ denfed in large quantities, and afterwards fubjeded to chemical
“ analyds.”

Although a natural bias for experiment, does not now appear in many
indances of his chemical invedigations, yet it obvioufly pervaded the
whole compofition of his prefcriptions. It is well known, that the
mere exterior furface of bodies is no criterion of their component
parts, when analyzed by chemical procedes : the mod dmple and inno-
cent articles ufed in diet, confid of parts, which, developed and fepa-
rated, become highly corrofive ; culinary fait, applied to fo many ufeful
and dietetic purpofes, contains, as well as nitre and common fulphur,
an acid, which is dedrudive to the harded fubdances : other com*
binations may be formed, of bodies inoffenfive and inert in their didind
dates, which on union, become noxious to animal life. Chemidry is
hence abfolutely requifite to form a phyfician, who mud have daily
reference to it in his pradice : yet in this department of medicine,
phydcians are not unfrequently deficient ; by -which compofitions have

* Letter dated London, anno 1744.

C

been

xviii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

been recommended, and from thence combinations have refulted, which
the prefcriber neither propofed nor fufped:ed. This was not the fate
of Dr. Fothergill ; there was fuch a well-diredted feledtion in all
his compofitions, as happily united fimplicity, elegance, and utility ;
and as the influence of his practice extended, his mode of prefcription
was proportionally imitated in the metropolis, and at length fo generally
adopted, that I may hazard the affertion, that he principally contri-
buted to bring about a revolution, that fubftituted elegant fimplicity
in the place of multifarious and difcordant compound.

Materia Medica is that department of medicine moll immediately
allied to natural hiftory, and to which he had devoted no little attention.;
having collected a cabinet of materia medica, feldom, if ever, exceeded
for its extent or feledtion. He had even encouraged the idea of deliver-
ing lectures upon this entertaining and ufeful branch of medicine; but
an encreafe of employment, joined with a diffidence of his own abilities,
which none but himfelf entertained, diverted him from this intention ;
and his valuable collection was generoufly prefented to the college of
Edinburgh, for the ufe of the public profeflor of Materia Medica in
that univerfity. The handmaid to this branch of medicine is Botany, a
department of natural hiftory, which affords the greateff inftrudtion and
recreation with the leaff exercife of the mind : it is, therefore, well
adapted to the purfiiit of a medical man, whofe moments of feclufion
are rather fnatched from time by watchful diligence, than enjoyed from
adtual leifure.

As a rational mean3 of unbending his mind, and affording at the
fame time collateral advancement in the healing art, Botany acquired his
patronage. On the Surrey fide of the Thames he had noticed a fpot of
land, the fituation of which fheltered it from the feverity of the north
wind, and in the foil of which vegetables grew luxuriantly ; its vicinity
was convenient, and its extent rendered its purchafe eafy, as the pro-
prietor was inclined to fell it : the price was ftipulated, and one obffacle:
alone remained, to make it his own ; it was let to a tenant at will, whofe
little family fubfifted on its produce, and whofe mifery was inevitable,,
had he expelled him from this fruitful foil : the moment he was made
acquainted with the circumffances of the family, he refufed the offer,

adding,,

XIX

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

adding, “ that that could never afford gratification to him, which en-
“ tailed mifery on another;” and when he relinquished this proje&ed
Eden, he made the family a prefent of the intended purchafe-money,
as I was informed by a relation of the tenant, and had it in part con-
firmed by the prefent proprietor.

Not far diflant from this admired fpot, he had afterwards a garden *,
which he occafionally vifited ; but he never furnilhed it with that pro-
fusion of exotics which he fince collected from every quarter of the
globe, and introduced into his garden at Upton, near Stratford. The
whole eftate was extenfive ; the feat was formerly called Rooke-hall,
from the name of the perfon who poffeffed it in 1566 ; and in 1666,
it defcended to Sir Robert Smyth, from whofe family it was purchafed,
almoft a century afterwards, by Admiral Elliot; and in AuguSt 1762 it
became the property of Dr. Fothergill ■f*. The walls of the garden

inclofed

* That learned phyfician and ingenious botanift Dr. William Watfon, informed me,
that a beautiful Acacia, formerly planted by Dr. Fothergill, and one of the laft remains
of his horticulture there, was ignorantly cut down about two years ago.

+ In the year 1762, when Dr. Fothergill purchafed of Admiral Elliot his eftate
at Upton, it confifted of the houfe, garden, and lands adjoining, to the amount of about
thirty acres.

There were at that time growing in a part of the garden called the Wildernefs, five
large Virginia cedars, not lefs in diameter than ten inches one with another, and which
were probably fome of the firft of the kind planted in England.

A year or two after, Dr. Fothergill purchafed of Peter Bigot, Efq; a parcel of land,
extending from the premifes bought of Admiral Elliot to the Ilford -road ; and in the
fame year began the plantation along the faid road.

Not long after, viz., about the year 1764 or 5, he agreed w^th the proprietor of the
fcirge field called Lady Margaret’s field, to the eaft of this new purchafe, to run a ftraight
line between their refpedlive grounds ; the old fence being no other than a broad fandy
bank, and extremely crooked. When this was fettled, and the fence made, a plantation
was begun on that fide, principally confifting of oaks of a very ufeful kind, the acorns
of which were brought from the mountainous parts of Portugal, and the timber is thought
to be fecond to none, in refpedt to durability.

Likewife fome Spanifh chefnuts, railed from the nuts, in a plantation upon the premifes.

In the garden there was a fine bay hedge; and in the Wildernefs, one fide of which is
inclofed by this hedge, fome very large laurels. Excepting thefe, a Larch, an Acacia, and
the Virginia cedars above-mentioned, fome large Abeiles, and the fruit-trees againft the
walls, there was not one foreign plant or fhrub in the whole garden.

c 2

Whatever

XX

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

mclofed above five acres of land ; a winding canal, in the figure of a
crefcent, nearly formed it into two divifions, and opened occafionally
on the fight, through the branches of rare and exotic Ihrubs, that
lined the walks on its banks. In the midfl of winter, when the earth
was covered with fnow, evergreens were clothed in full verdure : with-
out expofure to the open air, a glafs door from the manfion-houfe gave
entrance into a fuite of hot and green-houfe apartments of nearly 26a
feet extent, containing upwards of 3,400 diftinCt fpecies of exotics,
whofe foliage wore a perpetual verdure, and formed a beautiful and
ftriking contrail to the Ihrivelled natives of colder regions. In the
open ground, with the returning fummer, about 3,000 diftinCt fpecies
of plants and Ihrubs vied in verdure with the natives of Afia and Africa.
It was in this fpot that a perpetual fpring was realized ; where the elegant
proprietor fometimes retired for a few hours, to contemplate the vege-
table productions of the four quarters of the globe united within his
domain ; where the fpheres feemed tranfpofed, and the arCtic circle to
be joined to the equator*.

Et nunc omnis ager , nunc omnis parturit arbosy
Nunc frondent filvce> nunc formojjijjimus annus.

Virgil.

But

Whatever there is in the garden, or adjoining fields, of this kind, were planted by Dr.
Fothergill, foon after thefe grounds came into his pofteflion : which circumftance is
here mentioned for no other purpofe, but that if this memorial fhould be preferved, it may
be known to a fucceeding generation, what progrefs the feveral fhrubs and trees have
made.

Some of the trees were not lefs than fifteen feet high when they were planted ; efpecially
thofe on the weft fide of the field adjoining to the garden.

The large trees, among which are many rare oaks, were brought out of the firft great

nurfery of North American trees in England at Fulham,, belonging to Gray, an

eminent gardener ; and the firft who, being affifted by Peter Collinfon, Mark Catefby,
and other curious colledlors, fuppiied England with the vegetable treafures of America,

• The prefident of the Royal Society, who has circumnavigated the globe, and is
acquainted with moll of the gardens in Europe, fpeaks of Dr. Fothergill’s in the fol-
lowing manner.

“ At an expence feldom undertaken by an individual, and with an ardour that was
“ vifible in the whole of his conduft, he procured from all part§ of the world a great

“ number

XXI

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

But in the midfh of this enchanting combination of nature, he never
loft fight of the cui botio : “ In thefe, as in every other purfuit, he
had always in view the enlargement and elevation of his own heart $
*( having formed early habitudes of religious reference, from the difplay
«< of divine power and wifdom in the beauty, the order, and the har-
« mony of external things, to the glory of their Almighty Former.—
« From the influences of thefe habitudes, his mind was, always preferved
“ in a difengaged and independent ftate, enjoying, but yet adoring

« number of the rareft plants, and protected them in the ampleft buildings which this
“ or any other country has feen. He liberally propofed rewards to thofe, whofe circum-
« ftances and fituations in life gave them opportunities of bringing hither plants which
« might be ornamental, and probably ufeful to this country, or her colonies; and as
“ liberally paid thefe rewards to all that ferved him. If the troubles of war had permitted,,
“ we fhould have had the Cortex Winteranus, &c. &c. introduced by his means into this
« country ; and alfo the Bread-fruit, Mangafteen, &c. into the Weft Indies. For each of
“ thefe, and many others, he had fixed a proper premium. In conjun£lion with the Earl
“ of Tankerville, Dr. Pitcairn, and myfelf, he fent over a perfon to Africa, who is ftill
“ employed upon the coaft of that country, for the purpofe of colledting plants and
“ fpecimens.

“ Thofe whofe gratitude for reftored health prompted them to do what was acceptable to
“ their henefa£tor, were always informed by him that prefents of rare plants chiefly
«t attra<fted his attention, and would be more acceptable to him than the moft generous
“ fees. How many unhappy men, enervated by the effeifts of hot climates, where their
<c connections had placed them, found health on their return home at that cheap pur-
“ chafe !

« What an infinite number of plants he obtained by thefe means, the large collection
« of drawings he left behind will amply teftify; and that they were equalled by nothing
« but royal munificence, at this time largely bellowed upon the botanic gardens at Kew.
“ In my opinion, no other garden in Europe, royal, or of a fubjedl, had nearly fo many

fcarce and valuable plants.

“ That fcience might not fuffer a lofs, when a plant fie had cultivated Ihould die, he
“ liberally paid the bell artift the country afforded to draw the new ones as they came
“ to perfection; and fo numerous were they at laft, that he found it neceflary to em-
“ ploy more artifts than one,' in order to keep pace with their increafe. His garden was
“ known all over Europe, and foreigners of all ranks alked, when they came hither, per-
“ million to fee it ; of which Dr. Solander and myfelf are fufficient witnefles, from the
iC many applications that have been made through us for that permilflon.”

Sir Jofeph Banks’s Note in Dr. Thompfon’s Memoirs of Dr. Fothergill, p. 37.

* Dr. Hira’s Affedlionate Tribute to the memory of Dr. Fothergill, p. 13.

9

In

xxii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

In the fuperficial cultivation of many departments of natural hifto'ry,
expence is often lavifhed without benefit either to the colledtor or to
the public, where the objed: is rather to gratify curiofity than to aug-
ment and diffufe knowledge : in the enjoyment of horticulture, the
mind that was elevated to fublime contemplation, could not be retrained
by the partial motive of a mere colledtor ; and he that in his purfuits
enlarges his fpeculation to the cut bono, will never want ample occafions
of promoting general good in the fludy of vegetable nature, which
teems with fo many bleflings to mankind : whoever confiders the im-
portance of clothing, of houfehold furniture, and of his daily bread,
cannot but view it as one of the moll ufeful, and confequently one of
the moft rational purfuits of an enlightened underftanding. Of this
we fhall be convinced, if we reflect what benefit would accrue to
mankind, could another dietetic article like the common potatoe be
difcovered ! How great a benefadtor to his fellow-creatures would that
man prove, who fliould find out another grain like wheat, or pulfe like
the common pea ! or an article of clothing and manufacture fuperior ta
cotton or flax ! — Such confiderations influenced Dr. Fothergill ;
and where he could not produce objedts of equal importance, he exerted
himfelf to accomplifh others of lefs, yet of great public utility.
What he effected, and what he contributed to do, would fill a volume,
were a grateful biographer to enlarge upon them : he pointed out what
would fuit different foils, and formed a balance in the productions of
the globe : from America he received various fpecies of Catalpas,
Kalmias, Magnolias, Firs, Oaks, Maples, and other valuable produdtions,
which became denizens of his domain, fome of them capable of being
applied to the moft ufeful purpofes of timber ; and, in return, he trans-
ported green and bohea teas from his garden at Upton, to the fouthern
part of that great continent, now rifing into an independent empire : he
endeavoured to improve the growth and quality of coffee in the Well:
India iflands ; the Bamboo cane (Arundo Bambos) calculated for various
domeftic ufes, he procured from China, and purpofed to tranfplant
it to our iflands fituated within the tropics. The lafl: time I was with
him at Upton, I introduced Governor Nugent, who defervedly poffeffed
the chief adminiftration of Tortola, to whom he expreffed the pleafure

he

XXI 11

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

he ihould experience in being the means of furnilhing the Caribbean
Archipelago with this ufeful Aliatic ; the very fhoots of which were
marked for this defign. The elegant vegetable is now in my pofleflion ;
and I recollect with grateful pleafure, as often as I fee it, the wifh of
its former proprietor, hoping, when the tumult of war fhall have fub-
fided, to carry his defign into execution *.

The Nutmeg-tree now flourifhes in the Ifle of France, and Clove-
trees have been tranfplanted from thence to Cayenne-f-. The true Cin-
namon is a tree we have not hitherto been able to cultivate out of Afia,
though the Doctor ufed many endeavours to introduce it into our Weft
India colonies. The Canella cinnamomaea I had from his garden; and
the true cinnamon-tree would have arrived here in health, had not the
alarm of an enemy’s fhip induced my friend to throw it overboard,
with other articles defigned as a p refen t : the war, however, may ulti-
mately extend the cultivation of thefe exotics, which, like the inhabi-
tants of a feraglio, are cautioufly excluded from the eye of ftrangers £.

Intent as he was to promote fo many articles of commerce, manu-
facture, and convenience, he could not lofe fight of thofe departments
of natural hiftory, which were more immediately connected with medi-
cine, in order to afcertain the knowledge of what was already acquired,
and to expand it by experiment where deficient. Though he was not
the firft who adminiftered Hemlock internally, he was the firft who
accurately difcriminated its virtues : by him we were made acquainted-
with the Gummi rubrum aftringens Gambienfe ; and by his endeavours,
and the ardour of minds fimilar to his own, we know that Terra

* Since I penned the above fentence, I have been informed that the Bamboo cane
has been tranfplanted to Jamaica, where it thrives luxuriantly, and has been already ap-
plied to many ufeful purpofes.

t Dr. Juffieu obligingly informed me, by letter, of the circumftances refpe&ing the
nutmeg and clove trees.

t 1 am indebted to Dr. Vicq D’Azyr, and Dr. De Juffieu, for information on this fub-
je£t, that Cinnamon has been tranfplanted to the French Weft India iflands, and particularly
to Guadaloupe, where it is greatly increafed : (Le Cannelier, tran/plante depuis long
temps dans les ifles d’Amerique, et fur-tout a la Guadaloupe, s’y eft tres multiplie.) It
grows likewife in St. Vincent’s „

Japoni.ca;

Xxiv SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

Japonica is a vegetable extract * ; and to him and Dr. RufTell we arc
indebted for the flourifhing of genuine Scammony in our foil, as if
indigenous to it. He attempted to procure the tree which affords
the Peruvian bark J ; and is faid to have at length fo far fucceeded, as
to have had one plant in his garden, but which I believe died with its
poffeffor. This invaluable tree, which is fo common in Peru and Chili,
would doubtlefs thrive on the North American continent, and in the
larger Weft India iflands ; it is perhaps already indigenous to the moun-
tains of Jamaica § ; and by fucceftive endeavours it may hereafter be
cultivated in the colonies of different European ftates : we have feen
in how fhort a period of time the true Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) has
been naturalized to our foil, furnifhing us at home with fo important
an acquifition to the Materia Medica. If we have not already cultivated
it fo fuccefsfully as to rival the foreign, it is at leaft nearly equal in
medicinal qualities ; and future experiments may enable us to fupply
all our own confumption. Much depends upon the nature of the foil,
^and much upon the manner of drying the root after it has been taken
up : to promote its growth, and the improvement of its quality.

Dr. Fothergill carefully exerted himfelf 5 and his directions refpeCt-

■* Since Dr. Fothergill’s deceafe, I have received feeds of the true mimofa Japonica,
or tree producing Terra Japonica, and have diftributed portions of them to feveral emi-
nent botanifts in different parts of Europe, as well as placed fome in my hot-houfe at
Grove-hill. They were fent by Dr. Kerr, an ingenious phyfician refident at Calcutta.

f Dr. Fothergill obferves, that with no fmall trouble Dr. RufTell fucceeded in
procuring us the feeds of the true Scammony. They were raifed by my two botanical
friends, the late Peter Collinfon, and the indefatigable James Gordon. Seeds were like-
wife fent over to the fouthern colonies of America, in hopes that in a fimilar foil and
latitude, in fome future time we might from thence have this valuable drug unadulterated.
Life of Dr. Russell, p. 15.

J He likewife offered a premium of one hundred pounds each to two captains of
Ihips, for a plant in vegetation of the true Winter’s Bark, (Winterana aromatica.)

§ A friend of Dr. Clarke’s, of Jamaica, (Alexander Roberts) has lately found a fpecies
of the Cinchona with racemofe flowers, very fimilar to thofe of the Cinchona Carribaea
of Jaquin and Linnaeus, and to the Cinchona Jamaicenfis of Dr. Wright, defcribed in
the Philofophical Tranfa&ions, vol. lxvii. p. 504. In the year 1781, a periodical publi-
cation, entitled the Jamaica Magazine, commenced ; and in the third, fourth, and fifth
numbers, the Jamaica Cinchona is particularly defcribed.

ing

XXV

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

ing the method of drying it, I fhall give in his own words i “ There
*< is one circumflance, relative to the drying of this root, that i have
long thought of, and if not pradtifed, would recommend to thole
“ who cultivate this article.

“ The large holes which we commonly meet with in the Turkey
“ Rhubarb, are not the efFedt of accident, but dehgn : they are ab-
4< lolutely necefTary ; for, by opening a paffage for the air to the center
“ of thefe pieces, they not only dry fooner, but retain their colour,
“ and perhaps their medicinal virtues, the better.

“ After having walked, and cut the root into large pieces, let a
“ large hole be bored through the center with fome inftrument that
“ makes a large excavation. Let a rope of well-dried rulhes, or ftraw,
“ as large as the cavity will receive, be inftantly drawn through it :
“ this will prevent the drying root from contracting, wliilft the
porous rope admits the air to pafs through, and carry off the central
“ moifture. Several pieces may be hung up together, taking care
that they do not come into contadt ; and I ffiould think (though
“ experience mud: determine this) that it would be bed: to take
“ up the roots, when the leaves early in autumn die away, rather
“ than in the fpring : they will be lefs fucculent in autumn, but
“ their pieces will be more adtive and efficacious

A man

* Letter to Dr. Falconar, of Bath. The public is, however, highly indebted to the
amiable Dr. Hope, profefior of botany in the college of Edinburgh, for his introdu&ion
of Rhubarb into thefe kingdoms. See Philof. Tranfadt. art. xxxii. vol. Iv. ann. 1765.
This diftinguilhed profefior informs me f, that he is of opinion, and his opinion on fuch
a fubjedt no one will doubt, that the Rheum Palmatum is the fame with the Ruffian,
which formerly was called theTurkey Rhubarb ; and differs fo much in its fenfible qualities
from the China Rhubarb, as to induce him to think with Sir Jofeph Banks that they are
different fpecies. The farina of one fpecies, operates upon the feeds of another, and
thereby produces high-bred plants, which hitherto have not produced fertile feeds in the
botanic gardens in Scotland, where the experiment has been made.

“ At firft,” obferves the profefior, “ depending on the information received from books,
“ we kept the root ten or twelve years in the ground, and thought that the longer we kept
“ it fo, the better quality would the Rhubarb poffels; but experience has taught us, that
“ the root Ihould not remain above four years in the ground. The Rhubarb of this

f Letter to the Editor, dated Nov. 18, 1787..

d

country

xxvi

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

A man of fcience, confined by a local profeflion, like the practice
of phyfic, which occupies the moll precious moments of time, may
fugged: more to others, than he can jiimfelf have an opportunity to
effect ; but, like the genial rays of the fun, his influence may extend to
the mofi: remote regions of the globe: and thus it was that Dr. Fo-
thergill promoted the inveftigation of Nature, and excited enquiries
after her curious productions, as far as navigation and commerce had
diffufed arts and fciences . Men of more genius than fortune found in
him a liberal patron ; he contributed to fupport them while they ex-
plored diftant regions, and amply rewarded their difcoveries. As he
fludied mod: departments of natural hiftory, as he patronized its inge-
nious cultivators, he neceflarily became poffefled of a valuable collection
of its rare objects : next to the Duchefs of Portland, he had the bed:
cabinet of Shells in the kingdom * ; his collection of Ores and Mi-
nerals, dug out of different parts of the earth, were diftinguifhed for
their rarity rather than for their number. Of Reptiles and Animals,
the gratitude of thofe he had patronized furnifhed him with a curious
variety : in the fame manner he became poffefled of an elegant cabinet
of Infects, which was greatly enlarged by the exertions of the ingenious
Smeathman. His Corals, from whence Ellis, that indefatigable and
microfcopical naturalift, delineated his fyftem, and created a new fpecies
of animal beings, was the foremofl in Europe -f. Thofe objects o£

“ country is equal in quality to the beft Ruffian. As there is now fcarcely a garden im
“ Scotland without a Rhubarb plant in it, the confumption of the foreign Rhubarb is-
“ conliderably lefs, and annually a fmall quantity is fent to Loudon.

“ The late Earl of Hopetoun made fome interefting difcoveries refpedling its cultivation,.
“ and the late Duke of Athol had very large plantations of it-

“ Sir Alexander Dick early received a gold medal from the Society of Arts in London,.,
“ for producing the largeft quantity of well-dried rhubarb.”

* The verfality of Dr. Fothergill’s genius was remarkable : — Few were acquainted
with his accurate knowledge of Conchology, for he made no oftentation of it, and
yet Da Cofta is indebted to him for many important remarks in his ingenious Hiftory
of Shells, and for moft of the notes with which it is enlarged and improved. The MS.
notes, in Dr. Fothergill’s writing, were prefented to me-by Da Cofta himfelf, with a
modefty which reflects additional credit upon this eminent naturalift.

f Thefe and other curious fubjedts of natural hiftory were purchafed by Dr. Hunter for

jC- 1,500.

nature,

XXVII

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

nature, which were too bulky to tranfport, or too periihable to preferve,
he ordered to be delineated by the pencil of artifis, that he might give
bread to a fet of ingenious men, whom he wifhed to partake of his be-
neficence, whilft he rationally gratified his own taile,. and enlarged the
boundaries of the knowledge of nature : of fuch elegant fpecimens,
whofe value it is difficult to eftimate, he did not po fiefs lefs than twelve
hundred*; and his collection of Englifii Heads, which included thofe
purchafed of the late John Nickolls -j-, formed a treafure in this parti-
cular department, which was perhaps inferior to none.

In

* Thefe drawings were chiefly or. vellum, by Ehret, Taylor, Harris, Miller, and Ann
Lee, and were lately purchafed for the Emprefs of Ruflia for 2,300 pounds.

f I am obliged to the ingenious antiquary John Nichols, of the fame name, though no
relation of the deceafed, for the following communication, from his Anecdotes of Air.
Bowyer, not yet publifhed. The tradts hinted at, are depofited in the Meeting in Peter’s
Court.

“ Mr. John Nickolls, F.R. and A. SS. a Quaker, in partnerfhip with his father of
the fame name, a capital inealman at Hertford, and of Trinity pari ih, near Queenhith,
London. He was chofen F. A S. Jan. 17, 174.0 ; and poflefted the efteem of a refpedlable
number of friends, who were deprived of him by a fever, at the age of 34, Jan. 11, 1745.
His remains were depofited in the burial-ground at Bunhill Fields on the 16th. Air.
Nickolls publifhed “ Original Letters and Papers of State, addrefTed to Oliver Cromwell,
“ concerning the affairs of Great Britain, from the year 1649 to I^5^3 found among the
“ Political Collections of Mr. John Milton ; now firft publifhed from the Originals^ ;

1743,” folio, inferibed to Arthur Onflow, Efq. He was the firft § regular collector of
Englifh Heads ||. His noble collection of about 2,000 Heads, four volumes in folio, and

J The originals of thefe Letters were long treafuied up by Milton ; from whom they came into the
pofleflion of Thomas Elwood, a perfon who for many years was well acquainted with, and edeemed by
Milton. From Elwood they came to Jofeph Wyeth, citizen and merchant of London ; and from Wyeth’s
widow, they were obtained by Mr. Nickolls ; after whofe deceafe they were prefented by his father to the
Society of Antiquaries, as appears by their minutes.

§ Anthony Wood, in his account of E. Afhmolc, tells us, “ In his library I faw a large thick, paper
“ book near a yard long, containing on every fide of the leaf two, three, or more pictures or faces of emi-
“ nent perfons of England, and elfewhere, printed from copper cuts, palled on them, which Mr. Afhmole
“ had with great curiofity collected ; and I remember he has told me, that his mind was fo eager to obtain
“ all faces, tli3t when he could not get a face by itfelf, lie would buy the book, tear it out, pafte it in his
“ blank book, and write under it from whence he had taken it.” An admirable portrait this of our
modern portrait-collectors, who have fent back many a volume to the bookfeller’s fhop ftiipt of its graven
honours. A mod noted Colle&or told a perfon at Cambridge, who now and then fells a head, “ That
“ his own colleflion mult needs be large and good, as it reded on fix points : 1. I buy ; 2. I borrow ;
“ 3. I beg; 4. I exchange; 5. I deal; 6. I fell.” — Mr. Afhmole’s book was confumed with the red of
his library.

It See the virulent cenfure of Mr. Rowe Mores on this fpecies ®f collectors : Diflertation on Englidi

Founders, p. 85.

d 2 fix

xxviii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

In the practice of Phyfic, it is as difficult to command leifure, as it is
to govern the voice of Fame; they both depend fo much upon the
opinion of the public, that the phyfician who expedts to enjoy the
former, or controul the latter, will meet with daily difappointment : to
acquire popular reputation, however, there muft be fuccefs, and when
acquired, under the fame circumftances, it muft be continually accu-
mulating. Sicknefs, which is always unwelcome, is not reftridted to
ftated times ; and, in like manner, the leifure of thofe whofe profeffion
it is to remove it, is uncertain ; hence it was, that Dr. Fothergill
never could command that refpite from employment, which was re-
quifite to the relief of a mind fo inceffantly exerted. It may be obferved
in general, that the future is purchafed by the prefent : “ It is not:
“ poffible to fecure diffimt or permanent happinefs,, but by the forbear.-
“ ance of fome immediate gratification.”

Ad qua non veniunt prafentis gaudia vita,

Nec cur runt par iter capta, et capienda voluptas *. Prud.

It is true, that a phyfician of independent fortune, determined to in-
dulge in leifure, may refufe the folicitations of his patients; but if
there be not a principle of honour, which impels him to the exercife-
of his art when requefted, there is of humanity ; and this ever was- a
fufficient impulfe to the Dodtor to facrifice his own gratification to the
relief and happinefs of the fick, and his health to that of his patients ::
this led him, as often as his friends requefted him to contradl his>
pradtice, to reply, “ I cannot defert thofe who have once placed
“ their lives in my hands ; if I fuffer, it is in my duty.”

fix in quarto, neatly let-in (which furnifhed Mr. Ames with his valuable catalogue),
came foon after his death into the library of Dr. Fothergill, who purchafed it for.
eighty guineas. Dr. Fothergill purchafed likewife a pretty large collection of TraCls
which Mr. Nickol'ls had picked up in his purfuit of Heads, written by thofe of his own
perfuafion from their fir ft appearance; which the benevolent poflefTor has left to the
Meeting to which he belonged, in Peter’s Court, Weftminfter. Befides thefe collections,
he had feveral views by great mailers ; fome of which fell, alfo into the hands of Dr.
Fothergill. The catalogue of his library, in his own hand-writing (including 334.
volumes of traCls in folio, 410. and 8vo.) is in the poffellion of Mr. Tutet.”

* For baffled mortals Hill attempt in vain,

Prefent ani future blifs.at once to gain. F. Lewis.

1 But

XXIX

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

But in the fummer, there are much fewer refidents in the metropolis,
and in proportion ftill lefs ficknefs ; prevented, therefore, as he was,
by the mutual influence of his fame, and of his fenfibility, from the
enjoyment of any relaxation at Upton, (whither, if he went, melfages
frequently intercepted him) he chofe to retreat, for a few weeks, at
this falubrious feafon of the year, to Lea-Hall, in CheShire, a feat be-
longing to the Leicefter family, about 18 miles from Warrington,
where two of his brothers refided in the year 1765, when he firSt fought
this fecluded fpot. Two fummers I fpent with him here, and I never
fpent any with more advantage. Men who have feduloufly attended to
the profits of trade, and who by induftry and penury are enabled to
retire on their fortunes, are more generally objects of compaflion than of
envy : if they live, it is to themfelves ; for want of early and rational
cultivation of the mind, they have acquired one folitary fordid idea, and
when they have placed themfelves out of the enjoyment of it, life be-
comes a burthen, and retirement painful. It was not fo with Dr.
Fothergill ; he had numerous important duties to difcharge, which
incelfant occupation in town had obliged him to defer : here he at-
tempted to leflen the applications of the wealthy, who followed him
for his advice, by refilling any gratuity ; they had it in their power
to apply elfewhere : the poor he never relinquished ; and in this place
of retreat he devoted one day in the week, to attend at Middlewich,
the next market-town, and to give his advice gratis to them without
hefltation; when he fometimes favoured me in being the Amanuenfis of
what he dictated, and made me a witnefs of his- philanthropy, as well as
medical Skill.

From his garden at Upton, he fent duplicates of plants to Lea-hall,
and there revived and extended Horticulture, where it had long lain
dormant. Here he arranged his medical obfervations ; for which his
memory will be refpeded, as long as fad: and rational experiment
dired the profeflors of the healing art. From hence he maintained a
communication with moSt parts of the civilized world : Europeans,
whom the fpirit of commerce had prompted to viflt diflant regions,
conveyed to him, through various channels, the rare produdions which
occurred in the courfe of their travels. Few maritime perfons of this

country

xxx SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

country but had experienced his falutary affiltance ; our trails -atlan etc
brethren in particular, both on the American continent and in the islands*
had either immediately, or by their friends, been acquainted with his
medical character j for in cafes that had proved rebellious to domeftic
aid, and which admitted of delay, no perfon was more frequently con-
i'ulted : and though in his language there was a precifion, with concife-
nefs, that contained much in few words, yet the multitude of appli-
cations with which he was furrounded admitted of no leifure, for his
leifure was only the variation of ufeful employment. His domeftic
correfpondence, or confutations within the kingdom, were alone fuffi-
ciently extenfive for ordinary occupation ; but great as thefe avocations
might be, and great they certainly were, they bore but a fmall pro-
portion to the time and attention conftantly devoted to the Society at
large, of which he was a member, and which, though united in
principle among!! each other, admitted of contingencies that demanded
attention, influence, and abilities ; which few men combined in a more
ample degree than Dr. Fothergill did, or exerted them more
ardently upon all interefting occafions : at the fame time, he never
neglected the tender offices of private friendfhip in the molt enlarged
and beneficent fenfe. Among his familiar correfpondents, befides his
own relations. Dr. Percival of Manchefler, Dr. Falconar of Bath, Dr.
Dobfon of Leverpool, Dr. Haygarth of Cheiler, Dr. Afh of Birming-
ham, Dr. Anthony Fothergill late of Northampton, Dr. Prieftley,
Henry Zouch of Sandal, Dr. Johnflone of Kidderminfter, Profeffor
Hope of Edinburgh, the late Dr. Pemberton of Warrington, enjoyed
an honourable place and I may add, that I confider it as one of the
mof! pleafing circumftances of my life, that I have the privilege of
introducing myfelf in this diltinguifhed group. But among all his
contemporaries, Cuming, the learned Dr. Cuming of Dorchefter, fhared
his mof! unreflrained confidence : they had been colleagues at the
college of Edinburgh, and intimate fellow-fludents, and parted with
reluctance to occupy different ftations in the kingdom ; but their fre-
quent communication by writing was interrupted only by death: their
correfpondence was long maintained in eafy and claffical Latin, for which
few were better qualified than thefe twin friends. The departed Ruffell,
n - the

xxxi

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

the accurate author of the Hiftory of Aleppo, was their early affociate,
and continued the chain of friendfhip to the time of his deceafe ; it was
then that Dr. Fothergill, in the lofs of Ruflell, wifhed to have his
furviving afl'ociate nearer his bofom, and urged Dr. Cuming to remove
to the metropolis, to enter into that fcene of bufinefs, and amplitude
of emolument, which his abilities muft foon have commanded. After
the warmed: invitation from Dr. Fothergill, bis Cuming *, for with
this tender expreffion he addreded him, with a calm philofophy, that
knew how to eflimate the fummum bonum of life, difintereftedly con-
delcends to enjoy the comparatively private but tranquil fcenes of life,
in preference to hurry and pecuniary advantages ; a phyfician, who has
been for a feries of years converfant with the complaints and diftreffes
of thoufands of families, mud necelfarily have acquired many intimate
ties. — And here I may particularly introduce a name, which, like Dr.
Fothergill’s, had long been didinguidied for virtue and ample gene-
rofity : David Barclay, a defcendant of the great Apologid, was his
bofom friend, to whom the Doctor entruded his neared and deared
concerns; and he could not have feledted any perfon more worthy of his
confidence and friendfhip J*.

It would be didicult to trace his pen through all the various fubjedts
of utility on which it was employed, during the time, which was about
two months, that he appropriated to leifure in his annual retreat into
Chelhire : he has to my knowledge wrote fix hours J in the day fuc-
cefiively, and he feldom wrote but for private information or public
indrudtion : even his journies into the country, and his returns to the
city, prefented fome driking obfervations to his inquifitive mind, that

* I am much indebted to this learned and amiable phyfician, for numerous anecdotes
of the fubjedt of my biography ; but with a modefty charadferiftic of true greatnefs of
mind, he has fuggefted his remarks with a diffidence, which I believe no one has lefs
occafion to plead : in one letter with which I was favoured, when fpeaking of his deccafed
Fothergill, he claffically enjoins me “ always keep in view that you are defcribing
“ the magnitude, denfity, diftance, and orbit of a primary planet-, and when my name is
‘s to be introduced, let me appear only as an attendant fatellite .”

| I am likewife particularly obliged to David Barclay for many very important com-
munications refpedling Dr. Fothergill.

X. Letter to the Editor, 14th September 1771.

afforded

xxx ii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

afforded improvement in agriculture, or ufeful reflections on life and
manners. On his return from one of his lateft excurfions to Lea-hall,
by the way of Buxton, partly on account of his filter’s health, his mind
was here, as in every other fituation of life, intent on promoting fchemes
of public good ; he fuggefted the means of rendering thefe celebrated
Waters more beneficial, by pointing out improvements in the ufe of
them, with more eafe and convenience to the patients *, and I believe
they are now carrying into execution.

With North America his correfpondence was extenfive -f* ; his name
was dear to the inhabitants : his father had thrice traverfed that con-
tinent

* Letter to the Editor, 4th October 1779.

T Among thefe may be enumerated Benjamin Franklin ; Cadwallader Colden, for-
merly governor of New York ; Dr. Chalmers, of Charles-town ; the Pembertons, of
Philadelphia; and the late Major John Pickering, of Tortola : and now I mention
him, I may be indulged to fhed a tear to his memory. He was in early life brought
up to a mechanical employment, but by ftrength of genius, and dint of felf-exertion,
he acquired a competent knowledge of Englifh, and an extenfive acquaintance with
mathematics; by induftry he became poflefled of a large tradl of uncultivated land, and
by perfeverance he covered it with Canes and Cotton, and gradually rofe to be one of the
wealthieft planters in the Weft Indies. He was about his fortieth year made governor
of the ifland of Tortola, and held the rank of major in the infular militia: at length he
publicly profefled the religious principles of the Quakers, and relinquifhed all his civil
and military honours and employments. He afterwards rarely attended the courts of
judicature, unlefs he thought fome poor perfon, fome orphan or widow, was opprefled by
fome more powerful neighbour; when he voluntarily attended, and publicly pleaded the
caufe of the weak, if he deemed them opprefled; and his juftice and weight were fuch as
generally preponderated.

I frequently accompanied him to his plantations; through which as he palled, his
numerous negroes faluted him in a loud chorus or fong, which they continued as long as
he remained in fight. I was alfo a melancholy witnefs of their attachment to him after
his death : he expired fuddenly, and when few of his friends were near him : I remember I
had hold of his hand when this fatal period arrived ; but he had fcarcely expired his laft
breath, before it was known to his flaves, and inftantly about 500 of them furrounded his
houfe, and infilled upon feeing their mafter : with this they commenced a difmal and
mournful yell, which was communicated from one plantation to another, till the whole
ifland was in agitation, and crowds of negroes were accumulating around us. Diftrefled
.as I was with the lofs of my relation and friend, I could not be infenfible to the danger
of a gen eral infurredlion ; or if they entered the houfe, which was conftrudled of wood,
and mounted into his chamber, there was danger of its falling by their weight, and
crulhing us in its ruins. In this dilemma, I had refolution enough to fecure the doors,

and

xxxm

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

tinent in the fervice of religion; and his brother Samuel, whofe me-
mory I deeply reverence, had followed the pious example of their once
venerable parent. Many families, from the fame of his medical (kill,
croffed the Atlantic, to place themfelves under his care : by fuch
opportunities he gratified his inquifitive mind, and acquired a minute
acquaintance with the difpofition of the inhabitants, and the qualities
of their foil, which enabled him to fugged: various improvements in
Horticulture, Rural Oeconomy, Agriculture, and Commerce. With
his friend Peter Collinl'on, he encouraged the cultivation of the Vine,
with the introduction of fuch exotic vegetables as might be ufefully
tranfplanted to different regions of that extenfive continent : he laboured,
with others, for a feries of years, and at length fuccelsfuily, to abolifh
the Slave-Trade among their own brethren : no man valued perfonal
Liberty with more commendable enthufiafm, and few exerted their in-
fluence more ftrenuoufly for it, in favour of the miferable captives of
Africa. On the North American continent, negro llavery will be gra-
dually annihilated ; but in the Weft India iilands, where there are few
Europeans, and where the heat, which is intenfe, conduces to indolence,
the traffic of rational beings is purfued with vigour, and will probably
be continued till the pecuniary interefts of Europeans can be diverted
into another channel. To effeCt this, he l'uggefted the cultivation of
the Sugar-Cane upon the continent of Africa, where it feems to have
been indigenous, and thrives luxuriantly ; and that the natives fhould
be employed as fervants for hire, and not as flaves compelled to labour
by the dread of torture. Such a plan, indeed, was formerly fuggefted
by one of the moft powerful princes of Guinea. After the king of
Dahome had conquered the kingdom of Whidah, in the year 1727, he
was fo bent upon the execution of his plan, as to fend Bullfinch Lambe,

^ j) «• - r | •

and thereby prevent fadden intrufion ; after thefe precautions, I addrefled them through
a window, alluring them, that if they would enter the houfe in companies only of twelve
at a time, they fhould all be admitted to fee their deceafed matter, and that the fame
lenient treatment of them fhould flill be continued : to this they aflented, and in a few
hours quiet was reflored; but it affedted me to fee with what filent, fullen, fixed melan-
choly, they departed from the remains of this venerable man: he died in 1768, aged
about 60 years. His only furviving fon. an amiable young gentleman, refides in Eng-
land, . . .£

e

his

xxxiv SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

his prifoner, whom he had loaded with favours, to the court of Great
Britain, to engage its commerce and fupport. Upon this occafion, he
prefented his ambaffador with 80 flaves, and 320 ounces of gold, to bear
his expences, and to induce him to return ; but Lambe, after he had
poffeffion of fo much wealth, fettled in Barbadoes, and never reached
Europe, or further interefted himfelf in the project of his generous
benefactor. The richnefs of the foil, the plenty of provifions, the
convenience of carriage, and many other confiderations, ftrongly fupport
the opinion of cultivating the Cane on the African continent *.

A man who could thus adt with a principle of tendernefs which
realized the Roman precept. Homo fum> et nihil humani a me alienum
fiito, could not be infenfible to the near and focial endearments of
friendfhip: aphyiician, in particular, whofe time and powers are devoted
to reftoring health to his fellow-creatures, removing grief and mifery,
and fubftituting comfort and happinefs, mull naturally have his mind
humanized to the moft tender fenfibilities, and animated with thofe
joys which Nature annexes to the power of doing good : his regard to
his friends is exprelfed with officious and watchful care, and is returned
with thofe lenient endearments which conftitute unaffected friendffiip,
and thofe felicities of life which remove or foften its pains.

“ A phyfician,” fays Dr. Gregory, (who might be fuppofed to have

* On a fubje& fo very interefting, let it not be thought oftentatious, if I take the
liberty of communicating the fentiments I could not avoid feeling in my own cafe, and
the conduit which, as their natural and neceffary confequence, they no lefs irrefiftibly
produced. It is an inftance given, not to fupport a claim to peculiar merit, but merely
to lhew what every one, whofe heart is not hardened by aits of opprefiion, nor aituated
by the love of money, mult be difpofed to feel, and think, and ait, in a fimilar fituation.

The repeated proofs of fidelity and love which I received from my own people, gave me
at length fo fettled a confidence in their integrity, that, without the leaft apprehenfion of
danger, I have frequently found that I had left not only my liberty, but my life, entirely
at their difpofal. The beneficence of power, and the gratitude of dependence, form an
union of interefts that never fails to heighten mutual regard : my own happinefs became
at length fo clofely conneiled with the happinefs of my negroes, that I could no longer
withhold from them the natural privilege of freedom, which Heaven had conferred upon
me; I therefore delivered them from bondage, and thus reftored them to the character of
beings, into whom the Author of Nature, and Giver of all Good, has breathed the breath
of life. See Benezet’s Hiftorical Account of Guinea, &c. Philadelphia, 1771, London,
1772. 12010.

7

drawn

XXXV

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

drawn his picture from Dr. Fothergill, had not his own afforded
the fame excellent model) “ has numberlefs opportunities of giving
that relief to diffrefs, not to be purchafed by the wealth of India. But
belides the good which a phyffcian has it often in his power to do, in
confequence of fkill in his profeflion, there are many occafions that call
for his afliftance as a man, as a man who feels for the misfortunes of
his fellow-creatures. In this refpedt he has many opportunities of dis-
playing patience, good-nature, generoffty, compaffion, and all the gentle
virtues that do honour to human nature.”

“ I come now to mention the moral qualities peculiarly required in
the character of a phyffcian. The chief of thefe is, humanity ; that
fenffbility of heart, which makes us feel for the diftrefles of our fellow-
creatures, and which of confequence incites us in the mod: powerful
manner to relieve them. Sympathy produces an anxious attention to a
thoufand little circumftances that may tend to relieve the patient; an
attention which money can never purchafe : hence the inexpreflible
comfort of having a friend for a phyffcian. Sympathy naturally engages
the affedtion and confidence of a patient, which in many cafes are of
the utmoft confequence to his recovery. If the phyffcian poflefles
gentlenefs of manners, and a compaflionate heart, and what Shakefpeare
fo emphatically calls “ the jnilk of human kindnefsf the patient feels
his approach like that of a guardian angel miniffering to his relief ;
while every vifft of a phyffcian who is unfeeling, and rough in his
manners, makes his heart fink within him, as at the prefence of one
who comes to pronounce his doom*.”

It is an adage, that friendfhip exiffs only among the virtuous : if
virtue confers a prefumptive claim to friendfhip. Dr. Fothergill's
title to it could not be controverted, and at this altar alone he lighted
the facred pafiion. “ Sovereign benevolence,” he obfervedj", “ is
“ more widely extended than the particular attachment, however reci-
“ procal, that we call friendfhip. That the beloved difciple, that
** Lazarus, that others fhared a peculiar regard from the Saviour of
“ mankind, is evident; but ffill the principle was extended much

* Le&ures on the Duties and Qualifications of a Phyfician, pp. 8, 9 ; 19, 20.
t Letter to Dr. Percival.

a

e 2

farther,

XXXVI

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

farther: f Te are my friends , if ye do the will of him that fent med"
“ This was the friendship, it is moft evident, that the Gofpel recom-
“ mended — Loving the Great Creator above all things, our fellow-
“ creatures for his fake, and, in peculiar Situations, individuals for his
“ and their own. — The friendships of Tully-are beneath this kind of
friendfhip; they did honour to human nature, and to its Author
** in a certain degree : a wider fphere was unknown to them ; and as the
,c attachments they formed were on the belt foundations they knew,
t( more was not to be expected. The Gofpel amities are unlimited,
“ they flow to all, in proportion to that dilated benevolence which the
“ Gofpel only divulges. It States, that we are friends to one another,
“ friends to the great Author of our deareSt knowledge, in proportion
“ as our lives are devoted to that great Will which constitutes the
“ nobleSt part of the Christian character.”

A mind actuated by thefe Sentiments of amity, could not be deficient
in aCtions of beneficence. Introduced by his profeflion into Scenes
which equally excite Sympathy, and demand fuccour, he was ever ac-
ceflible to diStrefs. To the inferior clergy Dr. Hird gives the following
examples of his generous philanthropy, whom he considered as more
particularly the objects of his liberality and attention : ** Being brought
up in that line of education, which, in the opinion of the world, pre-
cludes bodily labour, and to which the idea of the gentleman is annexed,
without a competency to Support the character ; to many of thefe I am
an evidence he was a kind friend and a private benefactor ; not only by
his advice in perfonal diftrefs, but by his purfe on Severely trying
occasions. — Nay, fo cordial was his humanity towards thefe, that, on a
friend’s hinting to him, whilft he was in the country, that his favours'
were not marked by propriety of distinction (the gentleman from -whom
he had refufed his fee being placed in high rank in the church, with an
independent fortune) he returned a ready explanation of his principle of
aCtion: “ I had rather,” Said the DoCtor, “ return the fee of a gentle-
“ man with whofe rank lam not perfectly acquainted, than run the
e‘ rifle of taking it from a man who ought perhaps to be the objeCt
“ of my bounty.” Such was the noble Style of this moil excellent
man’s way of thinking.

“ The

U

XXXV11

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

** The humane reader will feel the fined: fprings of his affections
moved by the following anecdotes, given me by a clergyman of high
rank, who reveres the memory of Dr. Fothergill, and places his
obligations to him, in a very trying feafon, near to his heart. A friend
of his, a man of a worthy character, who has at this time an income
of about one hundred pounds a year, church preferment, was, in the
early part of his life, feated in London upon a curacy of fifty pounds
per annum, with a wife and a numerous family. — An epidemical difeafe,
which was at that time prevalent, feized upon his wife, and five of
his children : in this fcene of diftrefs his heart was inffantly turned to
the DoCtor, but dared not apply for his afliftance, from a confcioufnefs
of his being unable to reward him for his attendance. A friend, who
knew his fituation, kindly offered to accompany him to the Doctor’s,
and give him his fee : they took advantage of his hour of audience,
and after a defcription of the feveral cafes, the fee was offered, and
refufed ; but a note was taken of his place of refidence. The DoCtor
called afliduoufly the next, and every fucceeding day, till his attendance
was no longer neceffary. The curate, anxious to return fome grateful
mark of the fenfe he entertained of his fervices, ftrained every nerve
to accomplilh it ; but his aftonilhinent was not to be defcribed, when,
inftead of receiving the money he offered, with apologies for his fitu-
ation, the DoCtor put ten guineas into his hand, defiring him to apply
to him without diffidence in future difficulties.

“ Although, amidft the diffufion of his favours, he too frequently
met with ungrateful returns, yet he could never allow infcances of this
fort to check the ardour of his mind in doing all the good he could to
others ; and even to thofe who returned ingratitude for kindnefs, his
charity continued fitill patient, hoping all things. It was his common
exprefiion, when he found his favours 'mifapplied, or himfelf impofed
upon, “ I had much rather that my favours ihould fall upon many
“ undeferving objeCts, than that one truly deferving fhould efcape
“ my notice

That charity which is not influenced by the motive of human praife,
and that beneficence which adminiffers prefent relief to obviate prefent

* Affectionate Tribute, page 7, 8, and 9— with fome little variation in the language.

mifery.

xxxviii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

mifery, wait not for thofe occafions only, where their confequences
are moil; extenfive, left fubordinate afflictions, which are the moil
frequent, fhould remain negledted and unfuccoured. Of little adts of
charity, which he daily exercifed, volumes might be tranfcribed ; for
death, which encreafes our veneration for the good

( Virtutem fublatam ex oculis queer imus invidi )

and difpofes the living to warmer expreffions of gratitude, has brought
me acquainted with innumerable inftances of his generoftty. There
is more mifery than affluence, and more affluence than liberality ; and
wherever the latter unite, there will be expedition : fftuated, there-
fore, as he was, in a confpicuous point of view, where his character
for liberality was univerfally known, various fpecies of importunity
augmented the channels through which his bounty flowed.

There is a condition of people, whofe diftrefles are much greater than
are generally imagined, and whofe patience under fuffering makes them
lefs confpicuous, though no lefs deferving of protedlion, than the im-
portunate poor. They have known better days, and confequently feel
more poignantly the reverfe of their condition ; their reludtancy in
complaining, often reduces them very low in health and fpirits before
they are difcovered, and thereby difeafe is accumulated upon want.
From the retreats of anxiety flow an infinitude of bodily diftrefles;
of this he was tenderly fenflble ; and while this modeft indigence
interefted his fympathy, it had accefs to his bounty, in fuch a manner
as was moft likely to blunt the acutenefs of diftrefs ; for obligations
are more grateful from the manner in which they are conferred, than
from their magnitude. To preclude the neceflity of acknowledgment
in fuch minds, he endeavoured to fuggeft fome motive for his bounty,
that might afford the receiver the merit of a claimant, and the liberal
donor that of difcharging a debt ; after preferring for fuch individuals,
he remembered that there is fuch a diftemper as hunger, in the catalogue
of human infirmities, and not unfrequently conferred his bounty under
the pretence of defraying the expence of their medicines ; for that
charity which is not exercifed to make ufury of fame, filently diffufes

the

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D. xxxix

Che oil of gladnefs over the troubled commotions of the heart, and
enjoys the private retreat of unmixed happinefs.

One inftance, among numbers, I am urged to communicate here, as
death now equally precludes the power of bellowing, and the gratitude
of acknowledging, future bounties : Captain Carver’s is a name known
in the annals of mifery, to which he was reduced by long-continued
want : difeafe, its natural confequence, gave him accefs to Dr. Fother-
gillj and I am informed by his widow, that as often as he applied
for medical relief, the Dodtor as often accompanied his prefcription
with a liberal donation. But Captain Carver was not an importunate
folicitor ; the mind not hardened by familiarity of refufal, or that hath
not acquired, by frequent ffruggles, the art of fuppreffing its emotions,
polfelfes that diffidence which is the infeparable alfociate of worth.
Betwixt diffidence and want, many were the ffruggles of Captain Carver;
but, overcome at length by the repeated adts of the Dodtor’s generofity,
a jealous fufpicion of becoming troublefome to his benefadtor, deter-
mined him to prefer that want, and the deprivation of the necelfaries
of life, which put him out of the power of choice ; for death foon
triumphs over famine. — What a conflidt of fullen greatnefs does this
tragedy exhibit ! When his fate was communicated to the Dodtor, how
tender was his expreffion ! “ If I had known his diftrefs, he Ihould
** not thus have died* !”

He that is cordially difpofed to do good, will not find his beneficence
difappointed for want of occafions to exercife it ; for dillrefs appears
in a thoufand fhapes, and affords the affluent as many opportunities of
augmenting their own happinefs, by enlarging that of others. Were
there no mifery in the world, there would be few occafions for the

exercife

* The king has fince gracioufly condescended to allow the widow Carver a liberal
annuity. The unfortunate hulband was only known to me on his death -bed. In the
early ftages of his difeafe, he was able to wait upon Dr. Fothergili. ; but in the pro-
grefs of it, being confined to his bed, the Dodor requefted me to vifit the Captain at
his lodgings ; and my firft interview was within three days of his deceafe. It was after
his funeral that I felt myfelf more immediately interefted in the Succour of the widow
and orphans. As the Captain died pennylefs, he was buried, to avoid expence, in the
poor’s ground, a part of the church-yard ufually appropriated to the abjed poor. When
I receded upon the utility of his Travels, I conftdered him as a public lofs, and his

offspring

xl

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATT

exercife of thofe generous virtues, which beget gratitude and thank-
fulnefs on one hand, and the tender emotions of fympathy and humanity
on the other. Confcious as we are, that no one is exempt from the
painful viciffitudes of life, and that the bleffed to-day may to-morrow
experience a bitter reverie, the diftreffed are ever objects of commifera-
tion, and ihould raife in our hearts that kind of companion, and obtain
that aid from us, which we ihould look for were fuch afflictions fuffered
to overtake us.

So Dr. Fothergill reflected, and fo he confidently aCted; for 'he
was almoil inceifantly fuggefting methods of mitigating, not only abjeCt
poverty, but likewife that fpecies of poignant lenfibility which the
reverfe of better days naturally inflicts. Feelings of this nature pre-
fented to him a plan for relieving the diftreffes of the lower claifes of
the people, by leifening the price of provifions. Where the profit of
labour is barely adequate to the expence of fubfiflence, from unfavour-
able feafons, or from whatever caufe a temporary fcarcity of the necef-
faries of life may originate, the feyerity is peculiarly felt by the poor :
when land fails of its ufual produd in any one general article of diet.,
every other being proportionally more demanded, the price of the whole
will be enhanced. Such a national fcarcity can only be obviated by
importation from another country, at the expence of money or fome
other equivalent value, and hence conflitutes only a partial remedy ;
but could a fubflitute for national fcarcity be found, which is not the
produd of land, fuch a fubflitute would afford the mofl effedual means
of obviating impending diftrefs j and this the ocean affords, which
barters its produce for labour alone. If the inhabitants of a country,
furrounded by a fea abounding with fifh, were accuflomed to li.ve upon

offspring as the children of the public ; and I prefented the widow with a few pounds, to
clothe and feed herfelf and children: but the money, thus deiigned to fatisfy her hunger,
fhe employed otherwife ; fhe had the corpfe of her hufband taken out of the poor’s ground,
and buried in ground containing the afhes of higher company, and over it fhe raifed a
decent monument to his memory. His Travels, however, will prove a more durable
monument than ftone ; and, though the duft with which we are mixed avails not to the
Jiving or to the dead, yet I was fenfibly touched with this inftance of poft-mortuarr
aifedfion, and have fince endeavoured to mitigate the miferies of a mind endowed with
fuch tender fenfibilities.

this

1

. JOHN F O T H E R G I L'L, M. D. xli

this food one day in the week, it is evident that the fame land would
fupport one feventh more inhabitants, without enhancing the necefTaries
of diet. If our fifheries contributed to fubfift the inhabitants of Spain,
Portugal, and Italy, whilff our own poor were at times wanting bread,
was it not true policy to encourage the more general ufe of this cheap
and dietetic article ?

At the approach of the fevere winter of 1767, Dr. Fothergill
propofed a fcheme, and liberally contributed to raife a fund for enfuring
its fuccefs, to purchafe fifh at a wholefale cheap price, and to difpofe
of them at a fmall lofs, till the whole fubfcription was expended, for
the benefit of the poor and middle ranks of houfekeepers. The fociety,
who fupported this fcheme, which was continued to the year 1 770, in
the fame manner purchafed potatoes in Lancafhire, or other cheap
markets, and conveyed them by water to the metropolis, where there
is more poverty, as well as more wealth, than in any other part of the
kingdom ; and, to countenance this diet, he purchafed from the ware-
houfes, opened for the fale of thefe articles, the provifions of his own
table, once at leaf; a week. If this conduit deferves to be recorded as
an example for pofterity, I fhall be approved for introducing likewife
the refpectable names of David Barclay, John Barclay, Daniel Mildred,
Samuel Hoare, Ofgood Hanbury, Capel Hanbury, John Harman, John
Strettell, Ifaac Walker, Zachary Cockfield, Thomas Corbyn, and Wil-
liam Archer, as examples of beneficence, who co-operated in this
patriotic and humane undertaking.

To break a monopoly which had highly enhanced the price of frefh
filli in all the markets about London, he firft fuggefted the fcheme
of bringing fifh by land-carriage; and though it did not fucceed in
every relpeit, it tended to deftroy a fuppofed combination, which has
never fince arifen to the fune alarming extent ; and may probably long
be remembered, as a project which, though now fufpended, may be
renewed at a future time, fhould the fame complaint again occur.

To render bread much cheaper to the poor, though equally as whole -
fome as the beft wheaten, Dr. -Fothergill propofed a method of
making it with one part of potatoes, and three parts of houfehold flour;
and to encourage its ufe, he caufed proper directions to be diftribu ted

f among

xlii

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

among the bakers and others in the city. I have often eat this
bread, and were it dearer, I fhould prefer it to that made of the fined:
flour.

A wholefome bread may likewife be made, by mixing the fine flour
of Indian corn with that of wheat, in equal proportions ; which, if
rightly managed, the colour^ will be about the fame as the flandard
wheaten bread, and, before the prefent conteft with America, might
have been fold about two-pence in the quartern loaf cheaper than the
fine wheaten, when that may be at eight-pence per quartern j and, fliould
days of peace return, will doubtlefs be again equally cheap.

No fubftance, ufed as aliment, has been more fully and fatisfadtorily
proved to be nutritious than this corn, which was once imported
hither in confiderable quantities from North America, where it forms a
large Share of the diet of both the rich and the poor : it is light and
eafy of digeftion, and at the fame time affords much nourishment, as
thofe moft addidted to it endure exercife and labour with fuperior eafe ;
and it has likewife been particularly remarked, that horfes fed with it
will travel farther, and bear the fatigues of a long journey much
better, than when fed with any other food whatever. It was formerly
much ufed about London for the feeding of hogs, and it has' rendered
their fiefh whiter, fweeter, and better flavoured, than when fed with
any thing elfe hitherto ufed ; and for black cattle, deer, and poultry,
there is no food fuperior to this grain.

The people of North America drefs the flour into various forms,
which it is as well calculated for as that of wheat ; in the Weft Indies it
conftitutes a large Share of the food of the negroes, who, perhaps, un-
dergo as much hardship and labour as moft of the fons of men.

The flour of this corn poflfefles, to moft, an agreeable fweet flavour 3
fo that fome perfons, who have accuftomed themfelves to eat the
bread made of it, find a difficulty in returning to the ufe of any other.
Great care is requifite in grinding the corn, as a part of the interior
edge of the grain is compofed of a ligneous fpongy fubftance, the
middle of which is of a dark brown colour, and of a bitter tafte,
which, if ground into the flour, produces a difagreeable tafte ,* to avoid
which, the mill-ftones fliould be fet fo wide as but juft to burft the

thick

f

xliii

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

thick or farinaceous part of the grain, which Ihould be palled through
a fieve, in order to feparate the above-mentioned bitteriili fubftance ;
the grain fhould then be ground with the hones fet to render it fufli-
ciently fine : by this precaution the flour is as white as that of the
fineft wheat, and full as pleafant to eat ; it poflefles, like potatoes, the
quality of preferving the bread, made from a mixture of it, in a moill
hate for many days, which, at lealt in warm weather, is no inconfiderable
advantage *.

Though numerous rivulets, when united, conftitute a confiderable
current ; yet, various as were the channels of the Doctor's bounty in
the minor departments of beneficence, they formed but a fmall pro-
portion of the ample income which flowed from the extenfive exercife
of his profeffion. Thofe adits of beneficence, where, like the oak which
germinates from an acorn, great effedits arife from fmall caufes, may be
clafled under minor departments, when referred to him, vvhofe liberality
flowed into fo many wide and diftant channels : feldom was any ufeful
fubfcription fet on foot, either in this kingdom or its dependencies,
without his name Handing foremoft in the lift, as many of the fchools
at home and abroad can gratefully evidence : in public calamities, as in
inftances of private diftrefs, but in a more enlarged manner, the fym-
pathy of his heart expanded the bounty of his purfe-—

His bofom Truth’s fair palace; and his arms
Benevolent, the harbour of mankind !

Brooke’s Guft. Vafa.

A man who devoted his labour and fortune to public good, without
oflentation, may have raifed many monuments of public benefit, that
are too remote to be clearly recolledted, or too recent to be fully
afcertained. In the late war, when the fuccefs of our arms had filled
the prifons with captives, and reduced our enemies to a Hate too abjedt
to adminifler fupport adequate to the mifery of their own people, a

* Whilft I am confidering the means of relieving the poor by a healthy fubftitute for
wheaten bread, I cannot but recommend the perufal of a performance lately publifhed,
intitled, Obfervations on fuch nutritive Vegetables as may be fubftituted in the Place of
ordinary Food, extra&ed from the French of M. Parmentier. Svo. Murray. London,

*783-

f 2

national

xliv

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

national fubfcription was inftituted, to feed and clothe thefe unfortunate
victims of war; for a brave people, like the Perfian Cyrus, deemed
thofe no longer enemies whom they had vanquiihed *. In this noble
undertaking Dr. Fothergill bore a confiderable fhare : the Society
of Quakers, who fcarcely conftitute the two hundredth part of the
nation, raifed above one fourth of the whole fubfcription ; towards
which he was an ample contributor, and was appointed one of the
Committee -f for conducting and appropriating this national bounty ;
of which no inftance of equal urbanity, was ever recorded in the heroic
ages of Greece or Rome J.

* Norborn Berkeley, afterwards Lord Botetourt, then colonel of the militia who-
guarded the French prifoners at Winchefter, was ftruck with their diftrefs, and was the
firft who propofed a fubfcription for their relief.

. .

t The benevolent Thomas Corbyn, with the late Richard How,, were likewife of
this Committee.

<

J Dr. Johnfon, in his noble preface to the Report of the above Committee, juftly
remarks, that “ new fcenes of mifery make new impreffions ; and much of the charity
which produced thefe donations, may be fuppofed to have been generated by a fpecies
of calamity never known amongft us before. Some imagine that the laws have provided
all neceflary relief in common cafes, and remit the poor to the care of the public; fome
have been deceived by fictitious mifery, and are afraid of encouraging impofture; many
have obferved want to be the effedt of vice, and confider cafual alms-givers as patrons of
idlenefs. But all thefe difficulties vanilh in the prefent cafe : we know that for the pri-
foners of war, there is no legal provifion ; we fee their diftrefs, and are certain of its
caufe ; we know that they are poor and naked, and poor and naked without a crime.

“ But it is not neceffary to make any conceffions. The opponents of this charity muft
allow it to be good, and will not eafily prove it not to be the beft. That charity is beft,
of which the confequences are mod extenfive : the relief of enemies has a tendency to
unite mankind in fraternal affeftion ; to foften the acrimony of adverfe nations, and difpofe
them to peace and amity : in the mean time, it alleviates captivity, and takes away fome-
thing from the miferies of war. The rage of war, however mitigated, will always fill the
world with calamity and horror: let it not then be unneceflarily extended ; let animofity
and hoftility ceafe together ; and no man be longer deemed an enemy, than while his
fword is drawn againft us.”

“ The effects of thefe contributions may, perhaps, reach ftill further. Truth is bsft
fupported by virtue : we may hope from thofe who feel or who fee our charity, that they
fhall no longer deteft as herefy that religion, which makes its profefTors the followers of
Him, who has commanded us to “ do good to them that hate us.”

The

xlv

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

The prefent unnatural war in America* afforded a frefh example of
popular mifery, and another inffance of Dr. Fothergill’s beneficence j
for his bounty flowed copioufly into the channels of mifery, where-
ever it exifted. As the contention in America was embittered by reci-
procal injuries, each contending party was more and more ftimulated
to adts of violence, till reiterated diffreffes had level’d mod: ranks of
people into penury and want. To obviate thefe ravages of inteftine'
war, a fubfcription was opened among the Quakers of Europe, for the-
fervice of their fellow-fubjedts beyond the Atlantic. If Dr. Fother-
gill did not firff propofe, he was certainly one of the mod: early and
liberal advocates for this generous fubfcription. Its application was
not confined to any fedt ; it was extended to the miferable of every
denomination ; for, under afHidtion, we ought to be brethren by fym-
pathy. But to defcribe the Dodtor in every adt of his beneficence,
would conffitute an epitome of human woe counteradled by godlike
generofity.

I hope it will not be deemed a partial attachment to fedt, fhould I
indulge myfelf in a digreffion not immediately connedted with the objedt
of my narrative. Confidering the general philanthropy of a Society of
which Dr. Fothergill was a diffinguifhed member, it may feem
ffrange that it fhould have obtained the obloquy and invidious re~
fledtions of perfons of all denominations, when a little enquiry would
have afforded fufficient reafons for adopting more favourable lentiments.
A caufe, and one of the moft difficult to eradicate, is the impreffions
imbibed in early life, prejudicial to this Society. No book, perhaps,
i3 at prefent more generally read in fchools than Guthrie’s Geographical
Grammar ; and, fo far as it refpedts the religious principles of the
Quakers, it is compofed of errors and mifreprefentations, with which
the writer would have been afhamed to have charged any of its members :
but early impreffions being moff permanent, and thefe prejudices being
interwoven in fchool education, become familiar to youth, and grow up
with them, and confequently poffeffing no novelty, they excite no
future inveffigation ; and thus opinions, founded upon mifreprefen-

* Whilft this fheet was in the prefs, the Preliminary Articles of Peace were figned, on
the 20th of January 1783.

tation^

xlvi

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

tation, are admitted as habitual and eftablifhed truths. What is different
from the general habitude of mankind, will not acquire general ap-
plaufe : it is not flattering to felf-Iove to admit, much lefs to approve,
opinions which controvert its own ; and thofe of the Quakers confifl:
of fuch as were calculated to obtain popular obloquy. The whole tenor
of their principles being contrary to war, they could not therefore
raife the efteem of the military ; as they had no prieffs, and confidered
the exercife of the Gofpel to be free, they could not conciliate the
affections of the clergy ; in like manner, as they difcouraged going to
law, they could not expeCl the favour of the profeffors of law : and
thus the principal fources, upon which the public opinion mull; depend,
were naturally adverfe to a Society, whole principles counteracted their
•views and their emoluments.

Whoever is bold enough to diflent from popular opinion, is repro-
bated as obffinate or fanatic by popular decifion ; but, however fudden
paflion may controvert a general pofition, mankind are feldom long and
deliberately obftinate againfl private intereft. But the fyftem on which
I am adverting, as it admitted not of oaths, it debarred itfelf from all
.emoluments under government; as it repreffed pomp and ceremonious
addrefs, it could neither court the great nor flatter the gay. From
fuch a fyffem of felf-denial the Society could never be numerous ;
and, as might be naturally imagined, would rather have excited pity
than perfecution : but, unenviable as their religious opinions might
appear, fo natural is it for the ffrong to opprefs the weak, that they
were compelled to feal thofe opinions with their blood. Time, how-
ever, which is the meafure of aCtions, has placed men and opinions in
new points of view :

Opinionum comment a delet dies , naturce judicia conjirmat. Cic.

Perfecution drove the Quakers to America, where they founded a go-
vernment unknown in modern times ; where the world beheld a people
in power, the only people recorded in hiftory, who never exercifed
that power to opprefs and perfecute the weak !

What is familiar and near us, excites little fcrutiny or inveftigation ;
but the time may come, when a wife legiflator may defcend to enquire,

by

xlvii

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

by what medium a whole Society, in both the Old and New World,
is made to think and a<ft with uniformity for upwards of a century !

By what polity, without emolument from government, they have be-
come the only people on earth free from poverty ! By what ceconomy
they have thus prevented beggary and want among any of their members,
whilft the nation groans under taxes for the poor ! Then perhaps their
fanaticifm may not appear to the public in a worfe point of view
than has been exhibited by a modern writer on the continent, whofe
fentiments are as follow. After giving a view of their religious prin-
ciples, he fays, “ * Apres cela qu’on range tant qu’on voudra les
“ Quakers parmi les fanatiques ; ce font toujours des fanatiques bien
** eftimables. Je ne puis m’empecher de declarer, que je les eftime un
“ peuple vraiment grand, vertueux, plein d’induftrie, d’intelligence, et
“ de fagefle. Ce font des gens animes des principes les plus etendus
de beneficence, qu’il y ait jamais eu fur la terre. Leur charite fe
“ porte fur toute la race du genre humain, ne refufant a perfonne les
“ mifericordes des dieux. Ils reconnoiflent publiquement que la li-
“ berte univerfelle eft due a tout le monde. Ils condamnent les impots,

** et neanmoins ils les payent, et s’y foumettent fans murmure.. Enfin,

*4 c’eft peut-etre le feul parti chez les Chretiens, dont la pratique du
“ corps entier reponde conftamment a fes principes. Je n’ai point de
“ honte d’avouer que j’ai lu et relu avec un plaifir fingulier l’Apologie
“ du Quakerifme par Robert Barclay ; il m’a convaincu que c ’eft, tout
“ calcule, le fyfteme le plus raifonnable et le plus parfait qu’on ait
“ encore imagine.” Encyclopedic Fr. T. 13. p. 648.

* Let thofe, who pleafe, confider the Quakers as fanatics ; they are fuch fanatics aS'
always merit efteem. As to myfelf, I cannot but acknowledge, that I confider them as-
a great and virtuous people, induftrious, intelligent, and wife, and animated with the molt
extenfive principles of beneficence that have ever yet appeared. Their charity is extended
to the whole human race, denying no one a godlike companion.. They publicly acknow-
ledge that liberty is due to all ; and though they condemn imports (ecclefiartieal taxes,,
and thofe for carrying on war) they fubmit to them without murmuring. They, are,
perhaps, the only Society of Chriftians, whofe practice and principles amongft all its
members conftantly correfpond. I am not alhamed to own, that I have repeatedly
perufed, with fingular pleafure, Robert Barclay’s Apology for the Quakers ; and I am
convinced, take it all together, that it is the moft rational and perfect fyftem that hath ever >
yet been conceived.

7

He

xlviii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

He that fo arduoufly and fuccefsfully exerted his abilities and fortune
in promoting private and public good, was, upon numerous occafions,
a generous patron of Literature : though above courting the adulation
of authors, lie endeavoured to diredl the genius and improve the writings
of perfons of ufeful talents : without leifure to arrange and publilh fo
much of his own experience as the public defired, he fought oppor-
tunities of fuggefting to others fuch objedls of enquiry as might prove
moll beneficial to the community. Thofe who are the moft capable
of inftrudting mankind, are oftentimes, from a diffidence which affo-
ciates .with true excellence, moll backward of imparting inftrudtion.
Cleghorn, the ingenious and inquifitive Cleghorn, who pradtifed long
and fuccefsfully at Minorca, returned to England without having ar-
ranged his important hiftory of the difeafes of that ifiand, which he
afterwards did at the fuggeftion of Dr. Fothergill *. Thefe phy-
ficianSj to whom the world has been fo much indebted, as they had
been early colleagues in ftudy, fo they continued intimate friends, emu-
lating each other in medical refearches. The latter, when he firfi read
what Cleghorn had effected, fpeaks of his labours with that liberal
fpirit of approbation, which envies not the laudable actions of another:
<e -f-Miraberis proculdubio Cleghornii noftri induftriam; in orbis etiam

angulo fitus majores facit progrefius quam noftrorum quivis, quibus
“ etiam non defunt idonea ftudiorum adminicula. Alius itaque alium
“ excitemus, ut ejus infequamur veftigia, tan toque viro dignos evademus
** amicos.”

To Dr. Rufiell, his early afiociate, and afterwards his correfpondent

* The moft material parts of Dr. Cleghorn’s excellent publication were communicated
to Dr. Fothergill, in letters from Minorca, dated in the years 1742 and 1744, metho-
dically digefted, and written in pure, elegant, and claflical Latin, which language he
wrote with great fluency. Thefe letters Dr. Fothergill tranfmitted to Dr. Cuming,
who was likewife an intimate correfpondent of Dr. Cleghorn’s, as well as of Dr. Ruf-
fell’s.

t ■

t Thou wilt no doubt admire the induftry of our friend Cleghorn ; who, fituated in
a-corner of the world, has made greater progrefs than any of us, who even do not want
the proper aids of ftudy. Let us therefore ftimulate one another, that we may follow
his footfteps, and become the worthy friends of fo great a man.

Letter to Dr. Cuming, 14th Auguft 1742.

xlix

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

at Aleppo, and whofe life he has commemorated with the tendernefs
of fraternal affedtion ; to the amiable Rulfell, he urged the importance
of an hiftorical narrative of that city and its environs ; and which the
latter executed, with a perfpicuity that will hand down the work, and
the reputation of its author, to diffant pofterity *.

Within the extent of my knowledge, iimilar inlfances might be
largely multiplied ; and they equally point out his generous ardour in
the promotion of ufeful knowledge : in many literary performances,
indeed, his affiftance has acquired public acknowledgment, as the re-
fpedtable names of a Rutty, a Macbride, a Falconar, and many others,
will teffify. Few men of diftinguiflied reputation pafs through life
with merely filent admiration -P gratitude or refpedt will at length fingle
them out as patrons of fcience ; and dedications of juft applaufe, or
mifapplied adulation, will follow : but as Dr. Fothergill was uni-
formly more deiirous of doing good, than of having it known, he was
averfe to dedications, and conlidered them as a fpecies of literary
pageantry, more produdtive of envy to the patron, than of advantage
to the author. I was once with him at Lea-hall, when a gentleman,
whofe reputation juftly afforded him the molt honourable diftindtion,
requefted to addrefs a work of intrinsic merit to the Dodtor, and I
well remember his reply : — “ My friendfhip will not be augmented by
** fuch a public inftance of refpedt : apply therefore to fome eminent
“ perfon, whofe friendfhip may thus be conciliated ; whereby,” added
he kindly, “ an old friend may be preferved, and a new one gained.”
That immenfe work of Botany, wherein the pencil of Miller illuf-

* From the time he left England, to his return in February 1755, we had maintained,
fays Dr. Fothergill, a regular correfpondence. I could not forbear mentioning to him
repeatedly, how acceptable a more accurate account of Aleppo would be to this nation,
and to all Europe ; that no perfon would probably ever ftand a chance of fucceeding in it
fo happily as himfelf; that his long refidence there, his knowledge of the language, the
manners, cufloms, difeafes of the place, the great credit he had acquired amongft all
ranks, by an able, diligent, and diflnterefted exertion of his faculties, his influence over
the Pafcha, and the refpedt paid him by the Turks themfelves, would facilitate every
enquiry. He viewed the propofal in the fame light, collected materials, made fuitable
"nquiries, and has eredted a lading and honourable monument to his memory.

Life of Dr. RufTell.

g trated.

1

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

trated, in a ftyle of unprecedented elegance, the fexual fyftem of Lin-
nasus, chiefly from the originals at Upton, was actually dedicated to the
DoCtor ; and afterwards, with no little difficulty in recalling the copies,
cancelled at his exprefs folicitation. Though he delighted to encou-
rage ingenuity, he difliked to be told of it.

Purver, the indefatigable tranflator of the Bible and Tellament, by
wonderful felf-exertion, acquired an extenfive knowledge of the lan-
guages requifite for this arduous labour; and at length effected, by.
the patronage, and folely by the patronage of Dr. Fothergill, a
literal tranflation of the Sacred Scriptures*: and though a tenacioufnefs
in the learned author for provincial idiom, rendered this valuable tranf-
lation lefs read and efteemed, yet, independent of idiomatic objections,*
it may juftly be eftimated among the principal productions of the
century.

In the procefs of this narrative, I have often had occaflon to refleCt,
that what is known cannot be immediately told.- There are circum-
ftances connected with the living, which delicacy forbids to record ; or
with the dead, whofe allies it were cruel to the furviving friends to
moleft : hence many a good man’s aCtions are buried in oblivion. Such
mult be the lot of many a noble inltance of Dr. Fother gill’s mu-
nificence. I Ihould even have palfed over in filence that which the late
Dr. Knight afforded, had it not been generally known, and recently
revived by the claflical pen of a refpeCtable phyfician •f*. The Librarian
of the Britifh Mufeum, whofe character was defervedly efteemed, by
fome fpeculations in mining, more plaufible than productive, became fo
far involved in his circumftances, as to be obliged to apply to thofe he
deemed his friends for pecuniary fupport ; but his application was
received with coolnefs. In this dilemma, though he had enjoyed the
perfonal acquaintance of Dr. Fothergill, he could not have prefumed
upon making fuch a requeft, but from the compulfive motive of ne-
ceffity. The ingenious Knight, with diffidence, told the DoCtor what
would render him once more a happy man. The anfwer given by the

* In two volumes folio, anno 1765.

t Memoirs of the Life, and a View of the Char after of the late Dr. Fothergill ; by
G. Thompfon, M. D.

phyfician

li

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

phyfician of philanthropy, whofe heart never felt the diftrefs of an-
other without wifhing to remove it, was fhort but expreffive, — “ /
« will then make thee happy His was not that drop-like bounty,
which paufes in its progrefs ; it was full, flowing, and benign ‘f* ; for
I am informed, that in this inftance it amounted to about a thoufand
guineas.

Nullns argento color ejl avaris ,

Abdito t err is J Hor. lib. ii. od. 2.

Perfons, whofe moments are devoted to employments of profit, are
rarely difpofed to facrifice private emolument to public good. Time,
to a medical character of high reputation, is a lucrative reality ; and he
that devotes a ffiare of it to the benefit of the community, in that
proportion facrifices his private interefl:. It is rarely, indeed, that
phyficians depart from the routine of profeflional practice ; but Dr.
Fothergill, whofe enlarged mind was capable of embracing every
objeCt of utility, was an exception : the punctuality of his conduCt,
and the perfpicuity of his reflections, gave an activity to his mind to
promote improvement and perfection in every thing around him. The
crouded ftreets of the Metropolis, its fuperb edifices, and perpetual
traffic, excite admiration in the molt indifferent, whofe attention may
not have been attracted by more minute invehigation ; but the aCtive
mind of our Affociate, unreltrained in its furvey of utility, was often
engaged in detecting error and pointing out improvement in this fplen-
did city, which he communicated to thofe concerned in its government,
cither immediately, or by letters in the public prints. His letters on
fubjeCts of police, and in other departments, could they be collected
together, would conftitute an ample and ufeful volume, calculated to
inftruCt the magiftrate, and inform the architect and tradefman. He

* The immenle artificial loadftone, described in Dr. Fothergill’s Works, was the
•Invention of Dr. Knight, and prefented by the former to the Royal Society.

+ See Dr. Hird’s Affectionate Tribute, page 7.

X Gold hath no luftre of its own ;

It fhines by temperate ufe alone. Francii.

§ 2

condefcended

lii

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

condefcended even to exert his influence in the improvement of the
common pavement ; to widen the ftreets, and open new communications
for the health and convenience of the citizens.

As he confidered the eafy and cheap conveyance of merchandize, and
other articles of confumption, from various parts of the nation to and
from the Metropolis, as of immenfe importance to the manufactures,
trade, exports, and wealth of the city,, he fuggefted. the plan of bring-’
ing the northern navigations, which already unite Liverpool, Briftol, and
Hull, into the vicinity of London, by new canals, the grand refervoir
of which he projected to rife in Cold-bath-fields. In his fertile ima-
gination,. I have liftened with pleafure to the familiar manner in which
he delineated the facility of this important intercourfe ; and probably,
when the great tendency of trade towards the north of this kingdom j
from the advantage of navigable canals, fhall have roufed the citizens of
London to protect and profecute their own interefts, fuch a projedt may
be ferioufly revived, and effectually executed*.

Thofe only, who have acquired the habit of doing much in a little
time, know how to eftimate its value ; and the ceconomy of time, ap-
plied to the various concerns- of trade and commerce, admits of the molt
profitable balance in favour of induftry and traffic. In this ufeful point
of view, among many others, he confidered eafy communication through
the ftreets of London as of Angular importance in a mercantile city, and
lamented the obvious deficiencies in this refpedt, which occurred in
almoft every part of London. From the great northern road, the city is
chiefly acceffible: only by Smithfield and Bifhopfgate-ftreet ; and from the
former of thefe to the latter, there is no communication that convex
niently admits of more than one carriage to pafs at a time whilft fuitable
avenues, with little expence, might have been formed, by an ample en-
trance from Moorfields to the Manfion-houfe,. and from Iflington to
Black-friars-bridge, in flraight lines : this he projected ; and, by the.
exertions of Charles Dingly, who conffrudted the faw-mills at Lime-
houfe, in imitation of thofe at Sardam, it was near being accompliffied.

* See a judicious pamphlet, juft publifhed, intitled, Confederations on the Idea of
uniting the Rivers Thames and Severn, 4to, 1782.

Black-

liii

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D0

Black-friars-bridge, one of the fird ft'rudures of the kind that human
indudry and judgment ever executed, and which covers the wealthieft
dream in the univerfe, certainly deferves an avenue of fome elegance,
efpecially where elegance would neceffarily be joined with utility*,

Many other parts -might be gradually improved, by feizing the oppor-
tunities of cafual conflagrations, or the flow but more certain dilapida-
tions of time, to widen the flreets, or to improve the drudure of new
edifices ; and few opportunities of this kind efcaped the Doctor's atten-
tion, and his confequent recommendation to the magidracy*.

Indeed, one of the molt dreadful confequences of a large and clofe-
built city, is the conflagrations which fo frequently break out, and again fl
the devaluation of which no remedy of the legiflature has yet been ade-
quate ; nor perhaps ever will be, whild, under the privilege of freedom,
druCtures are raifed, and employments carried on, in fituations which
true policy would interdict. Of thefe, fugar-houfes, and the operations
in them, where much fuel is necelfarily expended, afford driking ex-
amples ; and in this point of view engaged the attention of the DoCtoir,
who at different times propofed various modes of prevention. When the
Minories. was laid open, by pulling down the old houfes, the fituation
appeared to him as very eligible for the candruCtlon of thefe- and fimilar
hazardous buildings, where the ufe of fire in quantity might endanger
houfes in their vicinity. Two letters upon this lubjetd, though printed
without his name, he told me were his productions ; which I have in;-
ferted, as inftances of his regard to objects of general utility •f.

Acaufe

* After the conflagration of Langdale’s ciiftillery, at the bottom of Holborn-hill, .the
Do£tor took much pains to have the buildings, to be conftru&cd on their ruins, thrown
back, in a line with thofe on Holborn-hill but, laudable as his endeavours .were, he
laboured in vain.

t Gazetteer, December 30, 1768.

“IN the compaft of one week two fugar-houfes, in the moft populous parts of the
city, have been deftroyed by fire, and have fpread defolation and terror in the neighbour-
hood.

“ I confider thefe edifices as built for deftruftion ; there being more fugar-houfes
burnt down than any other houfes of manufactory.

“ Whether

Hv

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

A caufe of deftru&ion, almoft peculiar to great cities, and perhaps
equally frequent and fatal as the foregoing, is the mode of interment of
the bodies of the dead, and particularly thofe of the poor ; and which
is ftill continued in this metropolis. In fome burying-grounds the
graves are made fufficiently wide to contain three or four wooden coffins

abreaft,

** Whether this is owing to any fault in their conftruftion, or to the ignorance, negleft,
and ftupidity of thofe who are employed in this bufinefs, I know not.

“ Ought a well-governed city to permit fuch buildings to be erefted as are attended
with fuch dreadful confequences ? Moft certainly it ought not.

“ A gentleman, whofe life is of great confequence to many, as well as to his family,
lay extremely ill of a dangerous diforder : the terrible alarm of fire within a few doors
made it neceflary to take him out of his bed, and to carry him, half naked, to the firft
hofpitable door where the family could think of getting admittance. His recovery was
extremely doubtful before; this event will not leflen the hazard.

“ Shall families be llripped of their fupport, {hall the public be deprived of ufeful
members, {hall diftrefs and ruin be fpread through a neighbourhood unneceiTarily, and
without any endeavour to prevent the like inconvenience for the future? Humanity, at
leaft, fpeaks another language. Perhaps hearts, obdurate to every other fenfation but that
of gain, would pafs through the ruins of the metropolis itfelf, without a .ligh, or a wilh
for the prevention of fuch fatal accidents ! —

44 The city {hews, in many refpefts, an inclination for improvement ; and I wilh that
no more fugar-houfes might be fuffered to be built in the city, nor thofe that are built
tolerated beyond a certain time, that is, their prefent leafes.

“ I would not prefume to direft where thefe now neceflary edifices ought to be built;
but, as I think no perfon ought haftily to find fault with any thing, unlefs he propofes a
remedy, I take the liberty to fuggeft the following to the confideration of the public.

44 In the traft of ground that lies between the Minories and Poor Jewry-ftreet, I think
there is fpace enough now vacant, or likely to become fo, on which as many fugar-houfes
might be erefted as there are in the city.

“ Let an aft of parliament be obtained to prohibit the future ereftion of any fugar-
houfes, except in this particular part. The fcite would be very advantageous to the fugar-
bakers themfelves ; it is near the water-fide, and the conveyance to all parts of the town
eafy. Their fuel, their fugars, would coft lefs to be laid in here, than in moft other
places. Befides, the city would be eafed, by this means, of one of the greateft nuifances
that attends it, the fugar-carts ; the unloading and loading of which coft more time to
the paflengers in carriages, than the brewers drays themfelves ; for moft of the fugar-
houfes in the city are in narrow ftreets, yet in ftreets and paftages much frequented i
Bow-lane, Knight-rider-ftreet, and fome others, might be mentioned.

As the parliament is fitting, and the city of London may have occafion to apply on
divers accounts, I wifti they would be pleafed, in conjunction with the infurance-offices,
2 whofe

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D. lv

abreaft, and deep enough to hold twice as many in depth : thefe pits,
after each burial, are covered with a few loofe boards, and a little mould,
to hide the coffin from common view ; but they are never filled up till
the whole complement of corpfes has been interred. When this is
done, a fecond grave is opened upon the fame plan, clofe to the firft,
leaving the fides of the former coffins Rill expofed ; by which means

whofe intcreft is at ftake, to take the premifes into confideration, and apply for an a<ft to
prevent the building or rebuilding of any more fuch works in the heart of the city, as in
every rcfpedt they are prejudicial ; for the vaft quantity of fmoke they produce, and the
filth attending them, are as injurious to the health, as the fatal accidents of fire are de-
ftru&ive of the fafety of the inhabitants.”

Gazetteer, January 19, 1769.

“ THE fame motives that induced me firft to take notice of the recent calamities oc-
cafioned by the fugar-houfes lately burnt down, incite me to revive the fubje£t.

“ In fcenes of hurry, and perpetual calls to new objects of pleafure, profit, party, and
perhaps diftrefs, it is not to be wondered at, if remarks, even that all approve, are read
and forgot.

** Mention was made in the paper referred to, of the dangers to which the fick in
the neighbourhood of fires were peculiarly expofed. I have met with feveral inftances
of this nature, fince thofe accidents. One of them was a woman with child, and then
within two months of her time : the fire being in the fame ftreet, her furprize was ex-
ceflive; and {he was feized with a diforder that feems to threaten the life of the mother
and the child, and to deprive a young family of their comfort and fupport.

“ No doubt but fuch accidents occur in the vicinity of all fires. Let us, however,
fecure ourfelves from the hazard as much as we can.

“ Within the circuit of a mile and an half, in the moft populous part of the city of
London, there are not lefs than eighteen fugar-houfes. Five or fix of thefe have been
burnt down within the laft twenty years, and fome of them twice, as I am credibly in--
formed.

** Can the magiftrates, can the reprefentatives of this great city, vindicate their
fupinenefs, in expofing fuch a number of their fellow citizens to all the calamities arifing
from thefe houfes, devoted, as it were, to the flames, and to fpread terror, death, and
ruin, through the neighbourhoods in which they are ere&ed ?

“ It is fuffleient for a private man to have pointed out the evil. It now becomes the
duty of the public, and of thofe particularly whom the public choice has raifed to dignity
and honour, to take care that the commonwealth fuffers no lofs.

“ To thefe I call ; I call likewife to the inhabitants in the neighbourhood of thefe
buildings, to roufe their reprefentatives in common council, in the great council of the
nation likewife, to fecure them from impending danger.”

thefe

Ivi SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

tbefe wholefale receptacles of the dead become fo oflfenfive, as frequently
to oblige the miniflers, and others upon funeral duty, to hand at a con-
fiderable diftance, to avoid the ftench arifmg from them. The infalu-
brity of fuch a pradtice is confirmed by the teftimonies of many writers*.
It was what Dr. Fothergill uniformly difcouraged ; and, to fupply
the defedt of burying-places within the city, he propofed the fite of
Moorfields, as lying on the north fide of the town ; fouthern winds being
more fultry, and likely to convey to the inhabitants any noxious exha-
lations, the diffufion of which, it is well known, northern winds tend
rather to check than promote. That this, however, might be executed
with decent elegance, he formed the idea of co,nftrudting Cemeteries in
this large fpace of ground, formed into diftindt regular rows, fuitable
for every degree of citizens, and appropriated to families, in the fame
manner as vaults in general are.

In a large and crouded city, where the free circulation of the air muft
neceifarily be greatly obftrudled, every means conducive to the prefer-
vation of health fhould be ftudioufly promoted and, next to bodily
exercife, and the enjoyment of the open air, nothing perhaps contributes
more to it than cleanlinefs by bathing, which the inhabitants of warm
climates, both in ancient and modern times, confidered likewife as the
highefi: gratification, as the multitude of their Baths, and the ftupendous
ftrudtures raifed for private and public accommodation, fully teflify.

The wealthier citizens of the prefent time are, indeed, in the habit of
enjoying this falutary luxury ; though, from the revolution in drefs, and
the frequent change of cloathing, unknown to the ancients, they have
neither the necefiity of former times, nor the occafions which the poor

* I have known inftances of the hofpital-fever, fays Sir John Pringle, beginning in a
ward, when there was no other caufe but one of the men having a mortified limb. Dif-
eafes of the Army.

He adds, among!!: the caufes of malignant fevers, burials within the towns, and the
'bodies not laid deep. Ibid.

Foreflus fays, he was an eye-witnefs to a plague which arofe from the fame caufe.

Diodorus Siculus obferves, that the putrid fleams arifing from the bodies of thofe who
lay unburied, was one of the caufes of that dreadful diftemper that broke out among the
Carthaginians at the fiege of Syracufe. And numerous other authors atteft the fame
fads.

at

Ivii

V

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

at prefent labour under, of wafhing themfelves from the impurities in-
cident on manual employments, and the want of change of cloathing.

In converfation. Dr. Fothergill has repeatedly mentioned to me
the importance of public Baths, for the convenience of the lower clafles
of the people ; and the annexed letter evinces, that he took fome active
fteps towards the accomplifhment of this eafy, fafe, and falutary grati-
fication*.

In

* “ To the Directors of the New River Company.

Gentlemen, u iIarpur Street, Nov. 16, 17 Bo.

“ I take the liberty to mention a circumftance, which I think is of fome importance
to the falubrity of your water, and therefore not unworthy of your confideration.

“ Returning lately from the North, and paffing through Ware, I was ftruck with
©bferving the quantity of leaves falling into the New River from the trees growing along
its banks ; at the fame time reflecting, that in the whole of its courfe to Iflington, the
quantity muft be fuch as could not fail, by rotting in the current, to render the water lefs
pleafant and lefs wholefome. Whether this circumftance has occurred to you, I know
not ; but I am very certain it muft have a confiderable effect on the water ; and it appears,
from late experiments, that the fun has much influence in meliorating the water, for
both thefe reafons I imagine you will think it expedient to give particular inftru£tions
to thofe who have the immediate care of the river committed to them, to take care to
have as many of the trees removed from the verge of the river, as poffibly can be done,
without creating too much oppofition ; to prevent, every where, any new ones from being
planted fo near the river, as to injure it either by their fliade or the falling leaves. It is
of no fmall importance, and 1 doubt not but the matter will be properly attended to.

“ Another circumftance I have long wifhed to communicate to you, which I think is
an affair deferving your confideration : I need not mention the trouble you have annually
on account of people bathing in the New River, and the difguft it gives to thofe who are
witneffes of the fafts, as well as to thofe who drink the water and hear of it. The only
means I can fuggeft to prevent this double mifchief, is to make it the intereft of thofe who
do it, to do otherwife. It feems to me, that you would render an eflential fervice to the
community at large, and to the proprietors, if you would either build a few bathing-
houfes in convenient places, or encourage others to build them, where people might be
permitted to bathe at low prices; fix-pence, three-pence, a penny each, &c. Begin with
a few, extend them as occafion requires ; fome for men, fome for women ; fome for boys,
others for girls ; and a peace officer or two to be on the fpot, to fee that no irregularities
are committed. On vacant fpots in the Spaw Fields, and other parts in the vicinage of
populous places, they might be built conveniently, and let to advantage, limiting the
tenants to low rates, for the accommodation of fervants, and others, who cannot afford a
•ihilling a time ; and many for this reafon go into ponds and rivers beyond their depth, to
<thc lofs of feveral lives.

h

“ As

\

Iviii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

In large communities vice has ever abounded, though the wifeSfc
legislators have ufed endeavours to prevent and reftrain it, by the encou-
ragement of induflry, and by the inflidtion of punifhments on the com-
mifiion of crimes. Liberty, the birthright of man, the poffefiion of
which he cannot be too folicitous to maintain, has, in moft hates, been
denied to criminal members of fociety; and, in fome inhances alfo, where
the breach of focial regulations has been the effedt of unavoidable mis-
fortune, rather than of adtual vice : it has, however, always been the wifh
of humanity, that punishments could be fo applied, as to be ftridtly ade-
quate to the degrees of offence. Certain it is, that the indifcriminate
confinement of many perfons together, is productive of two unhappy in-
conveniences ; the firft, as it affedts the body, by generating infectious
difeafes ; and the other, as it contaminates the mind, by hardening the
vicious, and, by their example, depraving thofe not already abandoned.
All Europe is acquainted with the benevolent, the godlike exertions of
Howard, whofe memory will ever be dear to the miferable tenant of a
prifon, and to whofe labours that elegant flatefman, Burke, has borne
the moft honourable testimony *.

This

“ As I am perfuaded that by this means you might prevent, or be enabled to punifh
with due feverity, tranfgreflors, and do a public benefit, I have no doubt but you will
excufe me for fuggefting thefe considerations ; in the execution of which I fhall readily
communicate every thing that has occurred to me refpe&ing it.

“ I am, with much refped,

“ Your Friend,

“ J. Fothergill.”

[Communicated to my valuable friend, John Scott, Efq; of Amwell, well known in
the literary world ; by the late Amie Garnault, EFq; of Bull’s Crofs, Middlefex, who was
an adive member of the New River Company.]

* I cannot name this gentleman (Mr. Howard) without remarking, that his labours and
writings have done much to open the eyes and hearts of mankind. He has vifited all Eu-
rope, —not to furvey the fumptuoufnefs of palaces, or the ftatelinefs of temples ; not to
make accurate meafurements of the remains of ancient grandeur, nor to form a fcale of
the curiofity of modern art; not to colled medals, or to collate manufcripts : — but to dive
into the depths of dungeons ; to plunge into the infedion of hofpitals ; to furvey the man-
fions of forrow and pain ; to take the gage and dimenfions of mifery, depreffion, and con-
tempt; to remember the forgotten, to attend t<n the negleded, to vifit the forfaken, and to

compare

]ix

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

This Howard was the intimate friend of Dr. Fothergill ; they
were the friends of humanity ; and both were employed in leffening
the miferies of human life, though in different fpheres ; but in attempt-
ing to prevent thofe injuries and difeafes which human contagion pro-
duces, they united their labours. The legiflature, jufUy alarmed at
repeated inflances of infection, which prifoners difleminated in courts
when brought before their judges, was difpofed to receive the bed: advice
for obviating fuch baneful effects. Dr. Fothergill and his friend
were defired to attend the Houfe of Commons ; before which they gave
fuch information, as induced the legiflature to pafs a Bill, intitled,
“ An Adi for preferving the Health of Prifoners in Gaol, and prevent-
“ ing the Gaol Didemper,” anno 1774; and afterwards to recommend
the building of detached or Penitentiary houfes *, as a mode of punifh-
ment calculated to redrain indolence and vice. Thefe two didinguifhed
perlons, with George Whatley, Efq; were appointed, by the king, Com-

compare and collate the diftrefles of all men in all countries. His plan is original ;
and it is as full of genius, as it is of humanity. It was a voyage of difcovery ; a circum-
navigation of charity. Already the benefit of his labour is felt, more or lefs, in every
country: I hope he will anticipate his final reward, by feeing all its effeds fully realized
in his own. He will receive, not by retail, but>ingrofs, the reward of thofe who vifit
the prifoner ; and he has fo foreflalled and monopolized this branch of charity, that there
will be, 1 trull, little room to merit by fuch ids of benevolence hereafter.

Burke’s Speech at the Guildhall in Briftol, 1780.

* J. Clitherow, Efq; the brother-in-law of the late Judge Elackftone, in the preface
to his Reports, containing memoirs of his life, attributes, in a great meafure, the origin
of thefe houfes to his amiable brother. “ In thefe houfes,” fays he, “ the convids are
to be feparately confined during the intervals of their labour, — debarred from all incentives
to debauchery,— intruded in religion and morality,— and forced to work for the benefit of
the public. Imagination cannot figure to itfelf a fpecies of punifhment, in which terror,
benevolence, and reformation, are more happily blended together. What can be more
dreadful to the riotous, the libertine, the voluptuous, the idle delinquent, than folitude,
confinement, fobriety, and conflant labour? Yet what can be more truly beneficial?
Solitude will awaken refledion ; confinement will banifh temptation; fobriety will reftore
vigour ; and labour will beget a habit of honeft induflry : while the aid of a religious
inftrudor may implant new principles in his heart; and, when the date of his punifh-
ment is expired, will conduce to both his temporal and eternal welfare. Such a profped
as this is furely well worth the trouble of an experiment.”

h 2

miffioners

lx

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

mifiioners for directing fuitable buildings to carry into execution this
new fydem of correction.

The fird of thefe, our Prefident, did not live to fee this ufeful defign
completed, though he had laboured affiduoufiy in digeding it, and had
previoufly inferted fome ufeful remarks on the punidiment of conviCts,
in the public prints, which I think too important to be omitted in his
Works.

To obviate, however, and reprefs the fird eruptions of vicious pro-
pendty, is an objeCt of the greated importance to the welfare and
happinefs of the community. In fome indances, more might be ef-
fected by lenient means than by fevere punifhments : one begets grati-
tude, and a dedre to retrieve reputation ; the other hardens the mind,
excites the padlons of revenge and cruelty, and confirms a more aban-
doned prodigacy of conduCt. There are even vices, which feem to
vibrate from a falfe fharne, or miftaken integrity the impoverifhed
hufband, upon whom the fudenance of a family depends, may privately
fteal, or boldly rob, from the cogency of domedic fenfibility, without
any vicious defign to injure another: and fuch individuals are not irre-
claimable ; for fuch, to my knowledge, have been reclaimed.

In vitium ducit culpce fuga *

Hor. Ars Poet. 1. xxxi.

But the mod: effectual barrier againd corruption of manners, and the'
infiuence of vicious example, is an early and guarded education. As'
the fun is to the external, fo is learning to the intellectual eye ; it
enables the mind to didinguilh truth from error, endows it with da-
bility and drength to combat vicious propenfities, and renders it fuf-
ceptible of enjoying the felicities of life, without adopting its follies, or
entailing its miferies. For the promotion of this ufeful education. Dr.
Fothergxll was a liberal advocate. How much he contributed towards
the feminaries of learning indituted at Williamfburg, New York, and
Philadelphia, I am not particularly affured ; but if the extent of his-

* whilft one fault they fhun.

Into its oppofite extreme they run.

liberality

Ixi

JOHN F O T H E R G I L L, M. D,

liberality may be eftimated by the degree of gratitude and refpeCt with
which his memory is revered throughout America, it muft have been
ample.

In the wide ftream of public good, he did not overlook the fituation
of hi9 own religious perfuafion ; where his influences were moft power-
ful, and where congenial minds were more united in promoting his
laudable views. He had long endeavoured to inftitute an extenfive
eftablifhment for the education of the children of the Society not in
affluence -} but nothing was effectually done, until, as Dr. Hird ob-
ferves*, “ by one of thofe fortunate events, on which hangs the fate
“ of many great undertakings, the whole of his defign became eafy
<e and practicable. On his return from Cheshire, through Yorkfhire,

“ in the year 1778, he did me the favour of being my gueft a few
“ days, during which time he was vifited by many of his friends in
“ thofe parts. In one of thefe interviews, the converfaiion turned. on
“ an inftitution at Gilderfome, a fmall eflablifflment for the education
“ of poor children amongft the Society : the DoCtor was inquiring into
“ its It ate and management, and how far it might ferve as a model for
“ a larger undertaking : a juft defcription being given of it, with the .
“ following remark, that not only this, but all- others, however laud-
“ able the motives from which they took their rife, muft fail of fuccefs,-
** without a conftant fuperintending care- and unremitting attention to
<e the firft great objeCt of the inftitution; This idea was exemplified
** by the then prefent ftate of the Foundling Hofpital at Ackworth ;

“ which, although originating from the moft humane principle, and
“ ereCted at a vaft expence, was, from repeated inattentions to the firft
i( defign, in danger of dilapidation, and ready for public fale. This
“ relation ftruck the DoCtor forcibly : * Why may not this,’ faid he,

“ ferve the very purpofe I am in purfuit of ?’ To be fhort, the building,

and an eftate of 80 acres of land, were purchafed, improved, and
“ furnifhed by fubfcription. The DoCtor fet a generous example by
“ his own contribution, and an endowment by his will in perpe-
" tuity.”

* Afteftionate Tribute, page 21, 225

I. have

lxii

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

I have inferted this quotation, as it explains the incident which
brought Dr. Fothergill acquainted with this eligible fituation, re-
fpeding which he afterwards exprelfed his warmed; approbation, in a
Letter to a. Friend, which I have preferved in his Works. ** Though
I had not feen the building,” he obferves, “ I had feen and confidered
a plan of the houfe, and learned from that, and from the report of
many who had been on the fpot, that the building, the fituation, the
healthfulnefs of the country, the plenty of provifions, and the vicinity"
of many valuable friends, were fuch, that if it could be purchafed, and
properly endowed, it might, in many refpe&s, anfwer the intention of
friends, and lay the ground-work of an ufeful and permanent eftablifh-
ment. The children of friends not in affluent circumftances, are the
objeds of Ackworth School ; the children of fuch perfons, as muft
either provide for their offspring a very cheap education, or none at all.
And there is great reafon to believe, that the inability of many friends
to make fuch provilion, or to find any means of obtaining a fafe edu-
cation, has been the occafion of keeping their children at home, where
it was impracticable to keep them at all times from corrupt company.”
The human mind, it has been obferved, muff have fome objeCt in view ;
and if virtue and propriety do not engage it, vice and folly will : what-
ever, therefore, bufies the mind, without corrupting if, has at leaft this
ufe, that it refcues the day from idlenefs and he that is never idle, will
not often be vicious : and when habits of induftry are confirmed by
ufeful meditation, virtuous fentiments will be more eafily inculcated ;
for, if Virtue could be feen, fhe muff be loved ; and if Truth could be
heard, fhe muft be obeyed.

Oderunt peccare boni virtutis amore *.

Hor. Epiff.i6. l.i. v. 52.

The fuccefs of this School rewarded Dr. Fothergill’s well-
grounded expectations.. That ingenious writer, whofe authority I have
repeatedly appealed to, is particularly acquainted with the prefent ffate
of this extenfive efcablifhment, as he refides in its vicinity, and has

■* The good, for virtue’s falce, difdain to fin.

thought

Ixiii

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

thought it fo far an objeCt of his attention, as peffonally to vifit it ;
and his defcription, communicated in 1781, affords a pleafing profpeCt
of its utility and probable permanency ; and I may add, that its im-
proved ftate, at the prefent time, affords further confirmation of its
fuccefs. “ There are,” he obferves*, “ above three hundred children,
“ of both fexes, under the roof, furnifhed with all the neceffary con-
“ veniences and comforts of life, properly cloathed, and educated in
“ every branch of knowledge fuitable for the ftation in which it is
“ prefumed they may be placed. And, to the fatisfaCtion of every
“ benevolent heart, it may be truly faid, that the inftitution is at
** prefent in a moft flourlfhing ftate, fully anfwering the defign of
“ its founders; being conducted under the care of a number of chofen
“ guardians, of ability, and of exemplary conduCt, with an exaCtnefs
“ of order, decency, and propriety, extremely ftriking, and perfectly
“ pleafing to all who have vifited it, though not of the fame Society.
“ — The children are taught habits of regularity, of decency, and re-
“ fpeCtful fubordination to their fuperiors j of forbearance, affeCtion,
** and kindnefs towards each other; and of religious reverence towards
“ their Maker ; and, I may farther add, thofe habits of filence and
" recollection, taught and praCtifed in the ancient fchools of philo-
“ fophy, inculcated in the Scriptures, and moft emphatically called,
“ the true door of entrance into the fchool of wifdom .”

If Dr. Fothergill’s life had not been diftinguifhed by a feries of
illuftrious aCtions, this noble inftitution at Ackworth was alone fuf-
ficient to endear his name to pofterity, by conferring upon fubfequent
generations the means of an ufeful education, which places out the
virtues of youth to the belt ufury, where the interefl is, of all others,
the moft productive and permanent ; for education, when it works on
an amiable difpofition, draws out to view every latent virtue and per-
fection, which might otherwife lie dormant, or remain obfcured ; for

* Dr. Hird’s AfFcClionate Tribute, page 22, 23. — I am forry to add here, that this
excellent phyfician and agreeable companion did not long furvive this Tribute to his
honoured friend and relation. At the time of his deceafe, he was phyfician to the Leeds
Infirmary; in which office he has been fucceeded by my friend and univerfity colleague.
Dr. Walker, a phyfician of diftinguifhed abilities and humanity.

2

not

lxiv

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

not to have reafon, and to have it ufelefs and unemployed, is nearly
the fame. This public aCtion was confiftent with the tenor of his life,
and conftituted one uniform fyllem of philanthropy, where the heart
melted with benevolence, and where the hand fhowered liberality*.

Gratum efl, quod patrice civem, populoque dedijii ,

Sic facts ut patrice fit idoneus , utilis agris ,

XI t His pads rebus agendis.

Plurimum enirn inter erit, quibus artibus , et quibus hunc tu
Moribus injlituas Juv. Sat. xiv. 1. 70.

In the days of fuperftition and ignorance, when perfons of extenfive
literature were deemed extraordinary phenomena, whoever excelled in
letters was diftinguifhed from the common clafs of mankind, and
viewed with that veneration which fuperior knowledge and endowment
infpire ; but as literature was diffufed, men of letters having many
equals, the peculiar diftinCtion or pre-eminence of primaeval times was
lei's difcernible. In the profelfors of phyfic, at prefent, not only the
learning of the fchools, but fcience in general, is a part of medical
accomplifhment. In an extent of fcience, equally diffufe and unlimited,
it would be impracticable, as well as indelicate, to draw a comparifon
of living characters ; nor could a certain criterion be deduced from fup-
pofitious reputation, which muft always be partial : to eftimate it by
pecuniary emolument would be inadequate, becaufe the product of
the profelfors of phyfic cannot be accurately known -3 and if it could,
the degree of practice could not thence be afeertained, as the liberality
of individuals not only varies, but the moderation likewife of the fa-
culty in accepting gratuities. That Dr. Fothergill acquired much
in the line of his profeffion, we know by the amplitude of his generofity;
but the exaCt extent he never difclofed. Calculations fometimes have
.been formed from the time that has been devoted to bufinefs : with in-

* It. muft afford fatisfa&ion to every friend of humanity to know, that in the eftablifh-
ment of Ackworth School, many congenial difpofitions aided Dr. Fothergill whilft he
was living, and perfevere to promote it fince his death. In David Barclay particularly,
whofe name I have already mentioned, equal ardour is exerted, as there was before equal
■philanthropy and beneficepce.

dividuals

Ixv

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

dividuals, whofe moments are conftantly employed, he will accomplifh
the moft who is the heft ceconomift of time ; and no time can certainly
be better employed, than that which is devoted to fick and helplefs
friends. But were medical character to be decided by the oeconomy of
time, no man had a more decided claim to pre-eminence than Dr. Fo-
thergill : he made every moment important, by a wonderful regu-
larity in his manners and in all his concerns, and his domeftics had
acquired a limilar punctuality; and thus, by general order and fyftem,
not a moment feemed with him to be loft in relays, nor in his move-
ments from one objeCt to another. If fome people live out half their
days without numbering one, he eftimated time too highly to fay with
the Roman Titus, Diem perdidi. If the length of time is to be mea-
fured by the quick fucceffion of ideas, no man lived longer every day,
or I may indifputably add, lived more ufefully.

Ampliat cetatis fpatium Jibi vir bonus , hoc eji
Vivere bis, vita pojje priorefrui. Mart.

Sometimes indeed it happens, that phyficians have acquired much city
pra&ice, without any extent of reputation out of the vicinity of their
refidence ; but with refpeCt to Dr. Fothergill, it may be fafely af-
ferted, that if he had not attained the firft rank in town, he certainly
had the moft general reputation through the kingdom and colonies, of
any contemporary phyfician. Whenever he went down to Lea-hall,
or to any diftance out of town, he was as conftantly intercepted by a
concourfe of Valetudinarians, who had found means to get information
of his route. In the year 1769, my excellent guardian, his brother
Samuel, was indifpofed during his vifit in London ; and as he was dc-
firous of returning homewards, I was requefted to accompany him to
Lea-hall, and the DoCtor propofed to follow us down foon after. I was
then a ftudent of medicine ; but I could not avoid remarking the nu-
merous applications made to us to afcertain the time of his palling
through different ftages. I think he once informed me, that he had
upwards of fifty applications at one place in his journey : I have been
his Amanueniis repeatedly for at leaft twenty patients at one fitting.
At home, indeed, the prefent generation will not require to be told

that

1

lxvi

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

that he had the confidence of the public as a phyfician ; of his patients,
likewife, as a near and confidential friend ; and of the literary, as a
refpedtful affociate. He was chofen, in 1754, a Fellow of the Royal
College of Phyficians at Edinburgh, as he had early been of the
Medical Society* inftituted there, and fince incorporated by royal au-
thority ; and in 1763, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society
of London ; and was one of the earliefl members of the American
Philofophical Society, inflituted at Philadelphia.

Thus confpicuous as a phyfician in the firft city in Europe, his
charafler could not but be known on the continent, where fcience is
cultivated with the fame commendable ardour : Linnasus, the late
botanical luminary of Upfal, had diffinguifhed a fpecies of Polyandria

Dyginia

* Near fifty years ago, feveral ftudents of medicine formed this Society, for their
mutual inftruftion and advancement in their ftudies. “ Every ftudent of a certain
{landing, who diftinguilhed himfelf by his diligence, capacity, and conduct, was initiated
into this little afiembly. Here the opinions of the ancients, of their contemporaries,
nay the doctrines of their mailers, were frequently difcufled ; and two of the members
were always charged with the talk of providing inftrutflion and entertainment for the
next meeting of the Society. Queftions, no doubt, were here difputed and decided, which
long experience would have declined. But it exercifed their faculties, gave them both
fides of arguments, taught them to doubt, and habituated them to obfervation.” Dr.
Fothergill’s Life of Dr. Ruffell, page 432 in this edition of his Works.

When one confiders the utility, as well as high reputation of a Society, begun and
conduced byfludents, curiofity is naturally excited to date the commencement of this lin-
gular and ufeful inftitution ; which I am enabled to do, by the information of one of its
firll and moll refpe£lable members. In the latter end of Augull 1734, the under-written
Gentlemen f, then fellow lludents in the Schools of Medicine at Edinburgh, who had

f Dr. C leghorn. Dr. Cuming. Dr. Rujfell.

Dr. Hamilton, fon to the then Profeffor of Divinity at Edinburgh; who having finished his ftudies,
took his Degree there, publifhing on that occafion a Thefis, De Morbis OJJium. — He afterwards fettled at
Annapolis, in North Carolina, where he died many years ago.

Mr. Archibald ‘Taylor , brother to a phyfician of that name at Edinburgh; an ingenious young man,
who died a few years after in the Eall Indies.

Dr. James Kennedy ; who after having taken his Degree in Phyfic, was invited to accompany a young

gentleman of fortune in the Tour of Europe On his return home, after having fpent three years in this

employment, he purchafed a commiftion in the army, and was for many years fenior captain of dragoons.
—Why Doftor Fothergill was not aflociated into this little band, cannot now be iecolle£ledj but he
was known to, and highly efteemed by, every one of the members.

been

Ixvii

JOHN FOTI-IERGILL, M. D.

Digynia by the name of Fothergilla Gardeni. In 1776 he was chofen
an honorary member of the Royal Society of Medicine at Paris ; for
men of true fcience, of every nation, in the tumult of empires, are
united in endeavouring to render mankind wifer and happier ; they are
always of one party: and the French, whofe literary exertions refled:
honour on the nation and on the age, inftituted, in 1776, a Royal Me-
dical Society; and, to render it more extenfively beneficial, they have
chofen honorary or correfponding members from the ingenious of all
nations. Of the number in this kingdom, whofe characters acquired
the fuffrages of this Society, was our late Prefident : their addrefs to him
upon that occafion is marked with a fpirit of true philofophy, which is
not reftrided within the limits of empires ; and its infertion here mufl
be acceptable to every liberal mind.

been long familiarly acquainted, and entertained a reciprocal regard for each other, after
having employed themfelves, during the three preceding weeks, in the difledtion of a
body in the Anatomical Theatre, agreed to fpend a focial evening together at a tavern. —
After fupper it was propofed, by one of the company, that this little Society (hould
meet once a fortnight, early in the evening, at their refpedtive lodgings; that a diflerta-
tion, in Englifh or Latin, on fome medical fubjedf, at the choice of the Society, (hould
be compofed, and read at each of thefe meetings, to which fuch objections as occurred to
the reft of the company fhould be made, which the author was to obviate in the beft
manner he could. This propofal was cordially afiented to by all prefent ; and Dr. Cuming
was appointed by the other members to prepare a difiertation for their firft meeting,
on the figns, caufes, and method of cure of the Rabies Canina : this he accordingly did,
and read to the Society on the 20th of December following. Dr. Rujfell followed in
one, De Gonorrhoea virulenta : then came Dr. Cleghorn , De Epilepfia ; Kennedy , De Fluxu
Menftum , &c. — 'This aftociation continued during that winter, and the enfuing fpring ;
but, in the fummer of 1735, the members of this little Society were difperfed, and Cleghorn
alone remained to continue, with his refpedted Fothergill and fome others, this afio-
ciation during the fubfequent winter. This was the humble and fortuitous commence-
ment of a Society, that has fince become highly refpedfable by its obvious utility, and the
names of many learned and eminent phyficians which it records in the lift of its mem-
bers, and it is now incorporated by Royal Charter.

i

1 2

(t Doctor

l.xviii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

* “ Doctor illustrissime,

“ QU A S hodie confociationis litteras offert tibi Regia Societas
Medica Parifienfis, ego tanto libentius ad te mitto, quod dulciffimum
et utiliffimum epiftolare commercium nobis procul dubio concedes,
quodque mihi jucundiffima maxime que proficua taiis erit confraternitas.
Inftitutionis edidtas difpofitiones, inauguralemque fimul orationem be-
nigne cum hac epiftola recipias velim. Plurimarum jam Academiarum
Codices condecorat immortale nomen tuum ; fed in Academia fere me-
dica confcribi a confodalibus fummse exiftimationis teftimonia recipere,
tua fama non indignum fore credidimus ; ego que praefertim, vividiffime
gaudeo, quod locus ille quern in noftra Societate mihi concedit Rex
Chriftianiffimus Galliarum, frequentiae meae totius erga te obfervantiae
fpecimina redditurus fit, iftafque multiplicabit occafiones, in quibus me
dicam femper,

J ; “ Dodtor illuftriffime,

“ Obfequentiffimum tui fervum
Lutetive Parisiarum, “ et cultorem,

; d;e menfis Decembris 1776. *■* VlCQ^ D’Az YR.’

fj \ ;

P. S. Tantam

* “ Illustrious Doctor,

“ I the more willingly fend you the letters of admifiion into memberfliip, which the
Royal Medical Society of Paris this day offers you, hecaufe we fhall doubtlefs gain a
moll agreeable and ufeful literary correfpondence with you, and becaufe fuch an affociation.
and brotherhood will be extremely pleafant, and particularly ufeful to me. The edids of
the inflitution, the forms of it, and the inaugural oration, I wifh you kindly to receive,,
together with this letter. Your immortal name is already an honour to the regifters
of many academies; but to be enrolled a member of an academy almoft wholly medical,
by the Fellows of it, and to receive the higheft teftimonies of their efteem, we thought
would not be unworthy of your reputation; and I efpecially feel a very fenfible pleafure
in it, becaufe the place aligned me in our Society by the Molt Chriftian King, will
enable me to render frequent proofs of my entire efteem for you, and will multiply
thofe opportunities in which I fhall always fubfcribe myfelf,

“ Illuftrious Dotftor,

64 Your moft devoted fervant
46 and admirer,

46 VlCQ; D’Azyr.

P. S. The

Ixix

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

“ P. S. Tantam tibi offert vovetque Regia Societas ut quales illi cor-
refpondentes, numerandos efte in tua provincia judicabitis, tales acceptura
lit et libentiffime pro fuis lit habitura: fi ergo inftitutionis noftne fruftus
et commoda augere non recufes omnia quaecunque Societatis gratia facies,
jucundiffima et redtiffima reputabimus. Age igitur, co-operatores inter
amicos dodtiflimos que collegas quorum merita non nofcimus, elige
nobis, optima quae detexerunt, quaeque detexifti ipfe fedulo communica
medicaeque correfpondentiae per te crefcat utilitas et amplitudo, nos
conlbcios, eidem philofophise ftudentes, ejufdemque veritatis amantes et
aemulos reddat nova confederatio. Sefe nofcunt a longo tempore caeteri
viri Litterati median tibus academiis, medici vero nullo fere nexu jun-
guntur, celeberrimorum que tantum vix nomina callemus. Fiamus
autem mutuis epiftolis ex omnibus Europae finibus correfponden-
tes. Dein utinam, amici et quidquid eveniat uniti : medicina que
tandem fit una ut Hippocrates, nec amplius, ut eft hodie multiplex.
Haec funt quae fperat a te academica ilia Societas, quam tuam dicere
polfumus quippe qui Socius ab ea jam a plurimis menfibus denunciatus
fuifti.”

i nr | V '■ ■

“ P. S. The Royal Society places fo much confidence in you, that the perfons you
fliall judge proper for their correfpondents, within the fphere of your acquaintance, they
will receive, and very readily efteem them as fuch : if, therefore, you do not refufe to
augment the fruit and advantages of our infiitution, we fhall efteem whatever you do
for the good of the Society as highly agreeable, and to be depended upon. Let me entreat
you then to chufe out for us aftiftants and copartners amongft the molt learned of your
friends and colleagues whofe merits we do not know, and diligently to communicate their
heft difeoveries, and what you yourfelf have difeovered, that fo the ufefulnefs and extent
of medical correfpondence may be encreafed, and! a true confederacy render us brethren,
ftudents of the fame philofophy, and zealous, lover's of the fame truths. The living
Literati in other arts and fciences have for a long time, by means of academies, been ac-
quainted with each other ; phyficia,ns are fcarcely connected by any tie, the bare names
of the mod i 1 1 uftrious among them being hardly known. But let us eftablifti correfpon-
dents by mutual letters in every part of Europe. And laftly, I wifh that we may be
friends, and united together, whatever may happen * : medicine then would be uniform,
and but one in all places, as Hippocrates wifhed it to be, and not as it is at prefent,
diyided into . parties. Thefe are the things this academic Society wifhes to promote,
and which we may now call your Society, feeing you have been declared a Fellow of it
for fume months.”

Dr,

probably referring to the commencement of the war.

lxx SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

Dr. Fothergill had now attained the zenith of medical reputa-
tion : in national concerns, or public calamities from difeafe, his opinion
was fought after, and as uniformly adopted. When the Britilh Houfe
of Commons was informed of the dreadful fatality of the gaol diftemper,
among the French and Spanilh prifoners confined in Winchelter, Dr.
Fother gill’s opinion was inftantly taken upon the fubjedt, and he
recommended Dr. J. Carmichael Smith to fuperintend the prifon, to
avert, if pofiible, the fpreading contagion ; — the lingular fuccefs of
whofe attendance, whilft it did honour to Dr. Smith’s medical know-
ledge, refledted no lefs upon Dr. Fothergill’s difcernment in the
choice of an able phyfician, as the following report from the Office
for Sick and Wounded Seamen will fully jultify.

A Weekly progrefive State of the Sicknefs and Mortality among the Spanijh
Prifoners , confined in the King's Houfe at Winchefier from the firfi
Appearance of the fail Diftemper , until the Sth of July 1780.

i mi- * ' i-b dft fc.'Jion : 1 ' -p »mr> » - • ■ r

Date of

Weekly Accounts.

Number of Spanifh
Prifoners.

In

Cuftody.

Sick.

Dead.

March 26, 1780

1247

60

I

April 2, • ■ •

1243

106

4

g,

1475

150

10

16,

1457

172

18

1433

142

21

30,

1412

17X

21

May 7,

1388

191

25

' x4>

1351

197

27

21,

1523

205

3°

28,

1494

226

31

* June 3,

1461

262

33

10,

1437

212

26

142b

173

9

24,

1420

167

5

July 1,

1414

143

5

8>

H33

122

2

* The time of Dr. Carmichael Smith’s going to Winchefter. — It would prove highly
ufeful to the public, were this ingenious phyfician to communicate his method of treat-
ment, which was attended with fuch obvious fuccefs. A prifoner is an object of companion
in every point of view.

Long

3

lxxi

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

Long before this period, it is well known that the Emprefs of Ruffia,
with a fpirit of freedom and refolution, which added luftre to her dig-
nified flation, rel'olved to receive the fmall-pox by inoculation ; and
having heard of the Suttons as celebrated in this department, ordered
her ambaffador at the Britilh court to fend an experienced perfon to
Peterfburgh to perform the operation. When this order arrived. Dr.
Fothergill was confulted ; and by his influence, and by his alone,
the life of the emprefs was entrusted to a phyfician (Dodtor, afterwards
Baron Dimfdale) whofe experience entitled him to this diflinguifhed
employment. When Dr. Fothergill related this circumflance to
me, he mentioned it merely as a matter of confidential information,
without appearing lenfible of the influence and importance of his ex-
tenfive reputation.

But a life thus fpent in the confcientious difcharge of every duty,
and the uniform practice of every virtue, could not fhield him from
the mifreprefentations of envy, malevolence, and avarice, as the accu»
fations of two perfons, at different periods of time, amply proved.
Thofe who have been acquainted with Dr. Fothergill, during the
lafl ten or twelve years of his life, muff know that I allude to the pro-
fecution commenced againft him by one, for a fuppofed injury ; and to
the partiality of which he was accufed by the other, in adjusting a
difference between him and a refpedtable Baronet. Of thefe tranfadlions
it is unneceffary here to enter into a minute detail : the decree, pro-
nounced on the former cafe by that learned and fagacious judge, the
Lord Chief- Juflice of England, mofl honourably juflified the character
of our late Prefident from every imputation of wrong *; and his own
pen -f not only entirely vindicated him from every afperfion of partiality
and injuftice thrown upon him by his accufer, but alfo exhibited mofl
exemplary inflances of candour, liberality of fentiment, and generality..

Perfons, whofe flated employments preclude the enjoyment of lei fu re,
naturally acquire a habit of brevity in the difpatch of their concerns :
in converfation they apply immediately to the fubjedt of difcuflion ;

* See Gentleman’s Magazine, November 1781.

f Introductory Remarks on the Preface of Parkinfon’s Journal of a Voyage.

Ill

Ixxii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

in writing, they comprefs much in a fmall fpace. In addition to this
kind of compulfive difpatch, acquired by the urgency of important
tran factions, Dr. Fothergill polfeffed a remarkable quicknefs of per-
ception ; and, what is unufual with vivacity of mind, united folidity
of judgment. Thofe who did not perfonally know him, muft form
the fame opinion of him, from the difplay of genius and fagacity in
his early publications. Some of thele I have already adverted to; and
to them I might add his early effays in the Gentleman’s Magazine for
1751, and the three fubfequent years.

His pieces in the Medical Enquiries, a publication which commenced
in June 1757, and is ftill continued, have been read by the Faculty uni-
verfally, and always with approbation, as they contain fadts that cannot
be too well known ; and wherever they are known, they will be adopted,
with as little exception, at leaft, as can be fuppofed to arife in an im-
proving art. If his language was not always minutely corredt, pro-
bably owing to want of time, it was eafy and fluent, and, what in
filch compofitions is more valuable, it was accurately defcriptive.

His epiftolary writing was inftrudtive and fprightly. As he was not
confined to the didadtic folidity of medical dilquifitions, where know-
ledge is paflive, and genius fuperfluous, and where fadts and experiments,
rather than ornament and elegance, are the leading objedts, his language
was lefs reftrained ; it was more brilliant, but lefs corredt ; it was more
varied and amufing, and at the fame time it was chafte and inftrudtive ;
and, like his converfation, the fame fentiments were conveyed, in a
livelinels of colouring and franknefs of expreflion, that in any other
point of view might have afforded no emotion of pleafure, or proof of
fuperior endowment. There was indeed a charm in his converfe and
addrefs, as hath been ingenioufly remarked, that affedted fome with a
tranfport of admiration, and commanded the high regard and opinion of
thofe who employed him ; whilft, by a difcreet uniformity of condudt,
he fo fixed the capricioufnefs of mankind, that he was not apt to forfeit
the efteem he had once acquired. His mind was of that happy ver-
fatility, that he could eafily break off from important concerns, and
enter into a familiar and pleafant convention, with all the indifference

of

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D. Ixxiii

of a man of leifure ; and as eafily refume the variety of his ferious

engagements, as if they had never been interrupted *.

ditto VT ' :rh n >» . b.r.cn.. - 'v t ii v -• • ■»* v

Hilarifque, tamen cum ponder e, virtus. St at.
z*i ilii! j.-ijl h - if ri O’? . 10 U:. oo hr : sm-xUlfew ©rt 3s

As the higheft ftations are expofed to peculiar inconveniences, fo the
brighteft genius is not unfrequently clouded with a counterpart : the
mind that is endowed with the quickeft perception, whilft interefted
in multifarious concerns, is not only liable to acquire a habit of de-
ciding haftily, but a tenacioufnefs of its decifions. In this epitome
of Dr. Fothergill’s charadter, I have endeavoured to delineate the
outlines with impartiality, to appreciate his faults as well as his virtues :
and, though the brilliancy of the latter hath fhone through the clouds
of the former, I confider this promptitude of adopting an opinion, and
tenacious retention of it, as the moll cenfurable part of a life (fo far
as I know, and I knew it well) otherwife blamelefs. Perfedtion is
fcarcely the lot of humanity ; and in extenuation of this difpofition
it might be argued, that whilft he formed a hafty, his folidity of
judgment prevented a wrong, determination : like the ballaft of a fhip,
it kept fteady the fails that were expofed to the fudden gufts of a ftorm.
This failing, however, fuch as it was, has been fometimes remarked
by the Faculty, in confultations with the Dodtor, and remarked with
cenfure j and whoever has been honoured and confulted for a feries of
years as a medical oracle, muft have attained that experience, which
affords the beft prefumption for firmnefs of opinion : but were the
cenfure well founded, happy is the man, and happy the patients of that
phyfician, who paffeth through life with fo much undeviating redli-
tude !

In this place, I cannot but gratefully recall to mind how much I
owed to my deceafed friend, when I left Europe to revifit my native
illand : it muft be admitted, that though after feventeen years abfence,
I returned to the bofom of my relations and of my friends ; yet, as a
medical man, my charadter was folely refledted from the patronage of
-diil Jmftib Tmh cJ r.c Cinifh j i i i!" :* 4.0 c: ./

* Dr. Thompfon’s Life and Character of Dr. Fot-HEROIh, page 29, 30.

k Dr.

Ixxiv SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

Dr. Fothergill, whofe name was as familiar throughout North
America, and the Antilles, as in London.

^ ' Cj O

With refped to political affairs, as conneded with thofe of North
America, he had long formed a decided opinion. “ Whether we look
at the well-being and content of near two millions of Englifh fubjeds
on that continent, defcendeu from and connected with ourfelves ; or
weigh the Cffeds which their difcontent and unhappinefs muft un*
avoidably produce on this country, fcarce a more important objed can
prefent itfelf to an Englifhman.”

Without entering into the caufes and effeds of a conteft; which
it is now our irretrievable misfortune to lament in vain, it was from its
commencement the ftrenuous advice of Dr. Fothergill, to treat our
trans-atlantic brethren with a leniency due to fellow-fubjeds, whofe
rights and privileges being the fame, entitled them to fhare in the prof-
perity and the enjoyments of the whole empire. “ If we enquire,” he
obferved, “ into the condud of the wifeft ftates to their diftant colo-
“ nies, we (hall find it always to have been, to treat them with kind-
“ nefs and indulgence, to engage them to look back to the mother
“ country with duty and affedion, and to recompenfe the protedion
“ they have enjoyed by the produce of their labours, their commerce,
“ and, when needed, their afliftance. We meet not with many in-
“ fiances, comparatively, even of diftant conquered countries revolting,
“ till caufes of ftrong difguft had fown the feeds of difcontent, and
“ fucceeding ads of oppreffion and injuftice had ripened them into
“ rebellion.”

“ Colonies fprung from Britain,” he obferved, “ will bear much :
“ but it is to be remembered, that they are the fons of freedom ; and
“ what they have been early taught to look upon as virtue in their
“ anceftors, will not foon be forgotten by themfelves : nay, they will
“ the fooner be apt to vindicate their wrongs.”

As he was of opinion, that whatever the motives of their migration
may have been, the eifeds of this migration have undoubtedly been
fignally beneficial to this country; and therefore, if any diftindion
were to be made, a particular diftindion was due to thefe diftant fub-
jeds, whilft harlh and ungracious treatment would make them defirous

lxxv

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. IX

of forgetting that they are of Englifh defcent, leflen their duiyiand
allegiance, and induce them impatiently to look forward to that in-
dependency, which their fituation favours; and this the more eagerly,
in proportion to the prejudices they have imbibed againft a govern-
ment they think opp re (five. f > , r

Unfortunately for this country, thofe nlieafures which the Americans
deemed oppreffive, were eagerly purfued ; and what Dr. Fothergill,
and mofl men who were acquainted with the continent and its inhabi-
tants, early predicted, he lived to fee realized.

Uniform as he was in opinion refpeCting the political objeCts which
fo long convulfed the empire, he was either mifreprefented or not
underftood. He was fo accurately informed of the power of America,
and with the wifhes of fome of the principal of its inhabitants,, that,
long before the fatal tranfaCtion at Lexington, he foretold, as probable
confequences of the projected meafures, many of the great events which
time has fince evolved. If a man is cenfurable for the accompHih-
ment of his predictions. Dr. Fothergill was certainly fo ; but were
fuch reafoning admiflible, all the great characters of facred and general
hiftory, whom we have been hitherto accuftomed to reverence, mull
fall under a fimilar predicament : if their fagacity, or their fuperior
information, had enlarged their views, and enabled them with precifion
to eftimate the refult of certain actions, the rulers to whom they com-
municated their obfervations, and who, polfeding the power, but being
perhaps otherwife informed, did not take adequate precautions to pre-
vent what had been foretold, have been deemed anfwerable for the
event. I can venture to alfert, that no man laboured more anxioufly
than Dr. Fothergill did, to prevent what he predicted as eventual
from the profecution of certain meafures — the difmemberment of the
empire.

As he had accefs, by his profeffion, to families of the firft diftinCtion,
he embraced occafional opportunities of fuggefting his opinion of the
prevailing fyftem of politics, and the effeCts molt likely to refult from
the profecution of it : but although his advice was not adopted, I do
not hence infer that the governing powers were Cenfurable; my inten-
tion in introducing thefe obfervations, is to elucidate Dr. Fother-

k 2 gill’s

Ixxvi SOME ACCOUNT O? THE LATE

gill's political conduct refpeding the contefl between Great Britain
and America, and clear it from the mifreprefentations of perfons lefs
intimately acquainted with him ; and this affords a fufficient apology
for communicating to the public the following narrative of fads, dated
from authentic papers that are now in my hands ; leaving to the decifion
of the public, whether Dr. Fothergill did not ad the part of a true
patriot, and a real friend of the conflitution.

In the latter end of the year 1774, previous to the departure of Dr.
Franklin out of this kingdom, an intimate friend of Dr. Fothergill
being in company with a nobleman of great political experience, be-
tween whom the converfation turning on the critical fituation of the
American colonies, he prefled this gentleman to attempt a compromife
with Dr. Franklin, before his intended departure; and he accordingly
undertook it, from a cordial with to promote a permanent reconciliation,
between the two countries : on this account he immediately applied to
Dr. Fothergill, who heartily united in this undertaking; and ‘they
mutually invited Dr. Franklin to a conference the fame evening, and
Dr. Franklin as readily accepted the invitation. This triumvirate,
zealous for the welfare of both nations, devoted many hours to the
important fubjeds of deliberation ; and, after much difcuffion, it was
mutually agreed, that they fhould meet again on the fucceeding even-
ing, when Dr. Franklin fhould commit to paper fuch a conciliatory plan
as he conceived America had a right to exped, and that the other two,
as Englifhmen, fhould then objed to fuch claims as they might judge
Great Britain ought not to grant.

On the appointed evening. Dr. Franklin produced the following
propofitions (fee A.); and thofe lines which appear in italics were ob-
jeded to by Dr. Fothergill and his colleague, and which Dr.
Franklin gave up, and fuffered to be expunged.

In this date a copy was taken, and imparted for negociation ; and
the anfwer was, that the propofitions were fuch as appeared to demand
too much ; and in confequence feveral attempts were made to reconcile
the fubjeds of contention : but as the 12th article of the propofitions
was infilled on by Dr. Franklin, though many of the others were ac-
ceded.

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D. lxxvii

ceded to, the negociation was broken off, and in a fhort time afterwards
Dr. Franklin embarked for America. j '

The man of urbanity, who reflects upon the fatal carnage of 1 00,000
victims of war, drawn from the loom, and from rural tillage ; and with
it the fruitlefs expenditure of 100 millions of money, muft unavoid-
ably regret, that the laudable exertions of the phyiician and the patriot
were thus unhappily fruftrated. Seeing, however, though diftantly,
the impending danger, he perfevered in the fame line of conduct, and
renewed his endeavours to flop the effufion of blood, and to reconcile
the contending parties, as will appear by the following letter, marked
(B), which he wrote in 1 775 to a noble Lord.

In 1780, Dr. Franklin wrote to Dr. Fothergill’s colleague the
fubfequent letter, marked (C), which I introduce to corroborate the
above narrative.

In the preceding year Dr. Fothergill publiffied a pamphlet, in-
titled, “ An Englifli Freeholder’s Addrefs,” which I have preferved in
his Works : it contains fentiments further explanatory of his political,
character y fentiments that will ever be revered.

( A. )

H 1 N T s for Converfationy upon the Subjeft cf Terms that may probably

produce a durable Union between Great Britain and her Colonies *.

* 1 ft. THE tea deftroyed, to be paid for.

2d. The tea duty adt to be repealed, and all the duties that have been
received upon it to be repaid into the treafuries of the feveral provinces
from which it has been collected.

3d. The adts of navigation to be all re-enadted in the feveral Colo-
nies.

4th. A naval officer, appointed by the crown, to relide in each
colony, to fee that thefe adts are obferved.

* The Editor conceives the following propofitions to contain all the grievances com-
prized in the petition of Congrefs to the King, brought over by Governor Penn in 1775.

5th. All-

lxxviii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

5th. All the a£s retraining manufactures in the Colonies, to be re-
cpnfidered.

6th. All duties arifing on the adts for regulating trade with the
Colonies, to be for the public ufe of the refpedtive Colonies, and
paid into their treafuries.

7th. The collectors and cuftom-houfe officers to be appointed by
each governor, and not fent from England ; the prefent officers to
be continued only during each governor’s pleafure.

8th. In confideration of the Americans maintaining their own peace
eftabliffiment, and of the monopoly Britain is to have of their com-
merce, no requifition to be made from them in time of peace.

9th. In time of war, on requifition made by the king, with confent
of parliament, every colony /hall raife money by fome fuch rule or
proportion as the following : viz. If Britain, on account of the war,
pays as high as 3^. in the pound to its land-tax, then the Colonies to
add to their laft general provincial tax a fum equal to (fuppofe f)
thereof ; and if Britain, on the fame account, pays 4/. in the pound,
then the Colonies to add to their faid tax a fum equal to (fuppofe £)
thereof ; which additional tax is to be granted to the king, and to be
employed in raffing and paying men for land or fea fervice, furniffiing
provffions, tranfports, or for fuch other purpofes as the king fhall
require and direCt : and though no colony may contribute lefs, each
may add as much by voluntary grant as they fhall think proper.

10th. No troops to enter, and quarter in any colony, but with the
confent of its legffiature.

nth. Caflle William to be refcored to the province of the Maffa-
chufets Bay.

1 2th. The late Maffachufets and Quebec a<5ts to be repealed, and a
free government granted to Canada*.

13th. The extenfion of the adf of Henry VIII. concerning treafon,
to the colonies, to be formally difclaimed by parliament.

14th. The American Admiralty courts reduced to the fame powers

* Thefe a£ts include the Bofton port bill ; the alteratioi^gf the charters of the MaiTa-
chufets Bay j and, the extenfion of the limits of Canada.

they

9

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D. lxxix

they have in England, and the ads relative to them to be re-enaded
in America.

*

15th. All Judges in the king’s colony governments to be appointed
during good behaviour, the Colonies fixing ample and equally durable
falaries : or, if it is thought befi: that the king fhould ftill continue to,
appoint during pleafure, then the colony afifemblies to grant falaries
during their pleafure, as has always heretofore been the pradice.

1 6th. The Governors alfo to be fupported by voluntary grants of the
afiemblies, as heretofore.

ijtb. All power of internal legijlation in the Colonies , to be dif claimed
by parliament .

The following letter, which covered that above referred to, marked
(B), evinces the pains Dr. Fothergill took to prevent that difunion
of the empire he had predided and feared ; and upon this account,
Ihort as it is, I infert it here : it was addrefied, under cover, to his
colleague in the tranfadion with Dr. Franklin.

** Dear Friend,

€t I CAME home lafi night at ten o’clock extremely fatigued. I
could not forbear giving, perhaps, a very ftrong proof of it. If the
enclofed remarks are worthy of the lead: notice, or any part of them, I
wilh we could fee one another this morning, any time before nine
o’clock.

J. Fothergill.’*

8th of the ioth mo. 1775.

. * 1 . . • . , ■ x , \ r - r ' * r* - „ ,r

\ . *! * ./ . • • . * . r ... i I'V.Ji

( B. )

t( THE following Iketch will fhew rather my withes than my hopes,
of feeing the moft certain, fpeedy, and honourable means of effeding
the propofed meafures.

“ To fend as fpeedily as pofiible fome perfon or perfons, on whom
Government may rely, and who are not unknown to fome of the leaders

of

lxxx SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

of the Congrefs, and on whofe chara&er and probity they may have fome
dependence, to propofe to them,

** That an ad: fhall be paffed this feffions, virtually repealing all the
blameable ads, by declaring that the Colonies fhall be confidered as
being governed by the fame laws, or placed in the fame fituation as they
were in in the year 1762. < • *

“ That in confequence of this declaration, if accepted by the Con-
grefs, the fame perfons (hall have inftrudions to the commander in
chief to ceafe all hoftilities.

“ That a general amnefly fhall be declared, all prifoners releafed,
the provincial forces be difbanded, and the ports reciprocally opened
for both countries.

“ That thefe preliminaries being fixed, inftrudions fhall be fent to
the feveral governors, to convene the affemblies, and require them to
chufe two or more delegates, to meet a proper number of commiffioners
from England, at New York, and there to fettle the due limits of
authority on this fide, and fubmiffion on theirs. The fword will never
fettle it as it ought to be. Submiffion to force, will endure no longer
than fuperior force commands fubmiffion ; — intereft only can make it
perpetual : and it is the intereft of Britain that the union fhould be
perpetual, be the prefent facrifice what it may.

“ The mode of proceeding in the union between England and Scot-
land may be adopted, fo far as circumftances require ; that is, the diffe-
rent conditions of the contenders confidered. The objeds are in moft
refpeds very different. From Scotland this country had chiefly in view'
negative advantages — that the Scots fhould not be any longer the tools
of other powers, to work with to our undoing. From America we
have every poffible advantage to hope for ; not only the benefits of
commerce, but their power to proted us*. No power in Europe, who

* “ Let it be confidered, that Scotland is reputed to contain but about one million
and a half of people— America almoft three millions : that Scotland is not fuppofed to
encreafe in population — America, by population, and emigrants from other countries,
becomes double every twenty-five years : — therefore, that the prefent ftate of America
claims fomething more than Scotland could claim at the Union, both in re/ped to
numbers .and future benefit.”

knows

lxxxi

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

knows its intereft, and has any poffeffions in the weftern world, will
chufe to offend us, whilft we and America are united; becaufe thofe
poffefllons are immediately fubjedt to the powers of America, directed by
us : — what thofe powers are we now know full well by experience.
Every diftant poffeffion of every power in Europe, is a pledge for the
good behaviour of its owner to Great Britain. — Is any objedt wre are
now contending for, an equivalent to fuch an extenfive and moft certain
influence ?

“ It is therefore much to be wished, that fome fuch perfons might be
pitched upon, and fent out, rather in a private character, as friends to
both countries, than with a public authoritative commiffion : for if
thofe who are now inverted in America with power, Should diftrujl them,
the bufinefs is at an end; and this country and that are left expofed to all
the dirtrefles, which are only beginning to be felt by both.

“ Adminirtration may think it an eafy matter to avert any rtorm
which may arife from a difcovery that they have been milled, mifin-
formcd, and grofsly abufed, by thofe on whofe opinion they had too
confidently relied. — This, however, may admit of fome doubts ; and I
have too much regard for many of thofe who compofe it, to wifli the
experiment may ever be made.

“ Let it be confidered, that every provocation we give widens the
breach ; that the Americans have fully Ihewn they are the defendants
of Englishmen ; and if they are warm and impetuous like us, like us
alfo they are placable ; and inrtead of endeavouring to fubdue them by
force to a condition unworthy of our fellow-fubjedts, our countrymen,
and our relations, let us open the Ihortert road to a Speedy, honourable,
and effectual reconciliation.

John Fothergill.”

( C. )

Copy of a Letter from Dr. Franklin to * *, dated Pajfy,

Feb. 12, 1781.

“ Dear Sir,

“ I CONDOLE with you moft fincerely on the lofs of our dear
iriend Dr. Fothergill. I hope that fome one that knew him well,

1 will

Ixxxii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

will do juftice to his memory, by an account of his life and character*
He was a great doer of good. How much might have been done, and
how much mifchief prevented, if his, your, and my joint endeavours ,
in a certain melancholy affair, had been a little more attended
to !

With great refped and efleem,

I am, &c.

B. Franklin/*

■ nT Jv , ?•’ A* /um ' ' f

A mutual friendihip had early commenced between Dr. Fothergill
and Dr. Franklin, and continued to the death of the former. Dr.
Franklin, to whom I am under obligations for many civilities for-
merly, has fince augmented them by his late very obliging communica-
tions ; and the following extract of a letter is fo applicable to the fubjed
of my narrative, that I lhall infert his own 'words, as the molt honour-
able and expreffive teftimony of his regard for his deceafed Fother-
gill.

: t i) I . . i i • ' ( j . t "I t ' ‘ • •. U. i • •• v • . . ’ > ■'

<( Our late excellent friend was always propofing fomething for the

good of mankind. You will find inllances of this kind in one of his
“ letters, which I enclofe*, the only one I can at prefent lay my hand
“ on. I have fome very valuable ones in America, if they are not
“ lofc in the late confufions. Juffc before I left England, he, in con-
“ junction with Mr. and myfelf, laboured hard to prevent the
“ coming war, but our endeavours were fruitlefs. This tranfadion
“ is alluded to in the firfi: page. If we may eftimate the goodnels
“ of a man by his difpofition to do good, and his conftant endeavours
4< and fuccefs in doing it, I can hardly conceive that a better man has
“ ever exifted *f* . ”

* In this letter Dr. Fothergill introduces the fubjeXof this negociation ; and, among
other pertinent reflexions, he fuggefts the importance of an uniformity of weights and
meafures throughout the continent of America; taking it for granted, as he long fore -
faw, that £he would become independent. To make thefe more familiar, he recommends
Shat they fliould be framed of numbers eafily divifible, as 4, 8, 16, 32, &c.

f Letter to the Editor,, dated Pafly, March 17, 1783.,

Whilft

lxxxiii

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

Whilft he thus early difapproved thofe political meafures which
have lince been generally reprobated as eventually ruinous to the empire,
and long afterwards exprefled his fentiments to a friend of his in York-
shire, previous to the general aSTembly of the county, held on the 30th
of December 1779, he uniformly mentioned his Sovereign in the moft
refpedtful language ; it was not on men, but on meafures, that he
animadverted. Henry Zouch, of Sandal, in Yorkshire, a clergyman, and
a juftice of the peace, of distinguished reputation, was this intimate
friend (and he was worthy of his confidence) to whom he addrefied
the following letter, which I am informed was read in a committee
of the above meeting, and met with the moSt pointed approbation;
which induces me to think that its infertion here will be acceptable to
the reader.

“ THOUGH I am very apprehenfive that the fubjedt of this letter
will be of very little confequence, yet I could not eafily forego an
opportunity of mentioning to thyfelf fome fentiments that have oc-
curred to me in refpedt to the very important meeting about to be held
at York.

“ I know my voice is feeble and infignificant ; but being a native of
the county, and having a great regard for it, on this and many other
accounts, I think I ought not to be totally filent on fo important an
occafion, though I know there are fo many perfons will be prefent,
who, in every refpedt but one, I acknowledge to be greatly indeed my
fuperiors ; — that one is, a difinterefted and impartial regard for the good
of my native county, and the influence it will hold in the great national
bufinefs that will come before you.

“ If the motions made for retrenchments in expence are to be the
bafis of your deliberations and petitions, I think them altogether un-
worthy ; — all that could be obtained in thefe retrenchments, either
by Savings to the public treafury, or abridging the power of the crown,
are beneath the notice of Such an allembly, even were you Sure of ob-
taining all you have in contemplation.*— I am morally certain you will
obtain nothing ; and every unfuccefsful contefl: disheartens the van-
quished, and in proportion adds vigour to the conqueror.

1 2

** Have

Ixxxiv SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

“ Have we not feen this to be the cafe, in all the petitions and remon-
drances that have been prefented ? and is it not mod: certain that the
majority will be doubly firm againfl you, as their intered is fo much at
ftake ?

“ I confider thefe motions as well intended, and they may be fol-
lowed by others equally (Economical and wife ; but they will all be re-
jected, and thofe who have flood forth in their fupport be difcouraged.

“ There is one neceffary point, which I think you ought in the fird
place to date mod' clearly — the general decay of the county — and keep
clofe to your own y manufactures declining, commerce languifhing,
value of land decaying, all public improvements at a dand, bankruptcies
numerous, taxes encreadng, multitudes didrefled ; and, was it not for the
late favourable feafons, univerfal poverty and wretchednefs mud have
taken place. Pray, therefore, that peace may be redored between us
and America, as the only means of faving your county from every
fpecies of calamity y — the war with that country, and its confequences,
having been the general caufes of thefe didredes. — I do not mean that
thefe expredions fhould be ufed y you will find much better : but if
you do not lay the axe to the root, in vain do you attempt the
branches.

“ Let not afingle reflection on the King or the minidry efcape you —

I mean not to appear in your petition.. The acrimony that loaded the
American petitions, and difgraced many of our own, have done un-
fpeakable rnifchief y I beg therefore, and earnedly entreat, that every
degree of inveCtive may be fhunned. Produce your faCts, and date
them in the cleared light y but if you mean well to your country,
and wifli to fee an example followed in other counties, fhun every thing
offend ve. As there is no great room for dattery, fo neither give way to
the reverfe temper ^ — if you do, poderity may load your memories with,
deferved reproach.

“ Forgive me for thus offering my fentiments to men much better
informed than myfelf ; but it is my drm opinion, from the know-
ledge I have of the temper of thofe who mud be the judges of your
petitions, that fo fare as you deviate from a line of language, tem-
perate yet drm, fo fure will you fhut a door more clofely againd all that

you

Ixxxv

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

you can urge; — and what muft be the confequence? A perfeverance in
the fame meafures, to do defpite to thofe who condemned them. Once
more, therefore, let me entreat that every thing manifeftly offend ve in
language may be ftudioufly avoided ; that no bagatelles may be afked
for, but the removal of the great caufe of expence — the war with Ame-
rica : the lelfer arrangements of ceconomy may then be folicited, and
thefe only take place at the deceafe of the prefent occupants,

“ Once more excufe me, if I am taking a liberty unbecoming me;—
the honour of our county, the good of the country in general, are at
flake. If you afk for what is evidently great and right, your example
will be followed by all ; if you afk for things which you know before-
hand will be refufed, let your numbers be ever fo great, you may
poflibly meet with many counter-petitions, and an attempt for general
reformation be flifled in its infancy.

“ J. Fothergill.”

London , 8th of the ioth mo. 1779.

? • . r .. ' .

With a natural attachment to his native country, flrengthened by
every tie of intereft and connection, and confirmed by his writings and
patriotic exertions, yet, in the philanthropy of his breaft, his affections
expanded beyond the confines of empire. The Chriftian Patriot, whilft
he direCls his views to one univerfal Parent, and contemplates his unli-
mited goodnefs, feels his regard extended to all his creatures ; and in
the individual enjoyment of bleffings, he delights in their univerfality
and reciprocity. — Man was formed to be happy; and would be fo,
were the policy of nations directed to the communication of mutual
benefits. In a fmall community it is ever found, that the happinefs
of individuals will be in proportion to the fum of happinefs of the
whole; and national felicity will be proportioned by a fimilar feale.
No man has the power of encreafing his own happinefs, beyond the
neceffary and common enjoyments of life, by any other medium, than,
by that of benefiting his fellow creatures ; and the true policy of an
individual might become the true policy of nations, were national policy
fubfervient to reafon and religion.

In this view, no language can be more impolitic and irrational, than.

that

Ixxxvi SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

that which inculcates the exiflence of the natural enmity of nations.
We know that the wolf, impelled by hunger, becomes the natural
enemy of weaker animals ; but man, whofe paflions ought to be huma-
nized in the fchool of Him who invariably recommended Peace on
earth, can never become the natural foe of man. The different habits
of nations, and the variety in their productions, naturally point him out
as the friend of his own fpecies ; and were religion of no avail, interefl,
one might imagine, would urge him to the communication of mutual
benefits.

If we feleCt an example, where habit has rendered the language of
natural enemy familiar to national prejudice, even France might be
united to us by interefl: and friendfhip, were we to encourage a mutual
intercourfe in trade, inftead of interdicting it by the fevered: reftraints.
Whilft (lie takes off our Woollens, our Hard-ware, and other heavy
articles of manufacture, we might receive in exchange her Laces, her
Wines, and other articles, which the gaiety of the people, or the con-
ftitution of the foil, feem better adapted to produce. Mutual interefl
being thus created by nature, and eflablifhed by the communication of
mutual advantages, we fhould become natural friends ; at lea t, that
enmity, to which fo many thoufands have been facrificed, woi; no
longer exift. — Thus I have heard Dr. Fothergill reafon ; and may
his fpirit defcend upon the rulers of the earth !

The manufacture of our fine Laces, which is carried on with fuch
fedulous induflry in fome parts of England, and particularly in Buck-
inghamfhire, fupports indeed many poor families ; but the employment,
inflead of being ultimately beneficial, may really prove injurious, neither
fuiting the conflitution of this country, nor the genius of the people :
thofe engaged in it, as well as in the manufactory of gauzes, &c. as I
am informed, already appear like another race of people ; that vigour
and ftrength which diftinguiflf d the labouring poor of this kingdom
from thofe of every other, is funk down into pallid debility. It is true,
that women and children are chiefly occupied in thefe fedentary employ-
ments ; but it is from thefe enervated females that the next generation is
to fpring !

Even in the contracted fpirit of national policy, if we have any rivals

6

lxxxvii

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

or natural enemies , it cannot be true policy in us to rob them of thofe
employments that debilitate the labourer, and confequently his offspring;
but rather to encourage among them fuch fedentary manufactories, whilft
in return they exchange our wrought iron, and other products of ath-
letic induftry, which at the fame time conduce to preferve that health
and vigour, upon which perfonal happinefs and national ftrength fo
much depend.

When a man hath distinguished himfelf by extraordinary efforts of
genius, and gained the fummit of popular fame, we naturally wifh to
be acquainted, not only with the moft interesting circumftances of his
life and character, but even thofe which may be trifling in themfelves,
and which by no means would bear to be recorded, did they refer to
perfons of little fame ; yet, when connected with a character that hath
excited our admiration, or with works that we have contemplated with
delight, they derive a kind of adventitious confequence from their rela-
tion, and are fought after with more avidity than greater matters of leffer
men*. This fentiment, doubtlefs, induced the writer -f of An Af-
“ feCtionate Tribute” to give the fubfequent relation of Dr. Pother-
gill’s drefs, addrefs, and manner of living ; which I (hall literally
tranfcribe, for the information of fuch as never enjoyed his acquaint-
ance.

“ The perfon of Dr. Fothergill was of a delicate, rather of an
extenuated make ; his features were all character ; his eye had a peculiar
brilliancy of expreffion, yet it was not eafy fo to mark the leading trait,
as to difengage it from the united whole. He was remarkably aCtive and
alert, and, with a few exceptions, enjoyed a general good State of health.
— He had a peculiarity of addrefs and manner, refulting from perfon,
education, and principle ; but it was fo perfectly accompanied by the
moft engaging attentions, that he was the genuine polite man, above
all forms of breeding. — I knew him well, and never knew a man who>
left fuch pleafmg impreffions on the minds of his patients.

His drefs was remarkably neat, plain, and decent, peculiarly be-
coming himfelf ; a perfeCt tranfcript of the order, and I may add, the

* Monthly Reviews vol. lxv. p. 443. f The late Dr, William Hird.

neat. net's.

Jxxxviii SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

neatnefs of his mind. — He thought it unworthy a man of fenfe, and in-
confiftent with his charadter, to fuffer himfelf to* be led by the whim
of fafhion, and become the Have of its caprices. — But this imprefiion
upon his underftanding was much {Lengthened by his firm attachment
to his principles as a Quaker, which lead to that decent plainnefs and
modefty in drefs, which may be prefumed to be one, at leaft, amongft
the external evidences of a fpirit elevated in its views above all tranfient
and fublunary things.

“ At his meals he was remarkably temperate; in the opinion of
fome, rather too abftemious, eating fparingly, but with a good relifh,
and rarely exceeding two glades of wine at dinner or fupper : yet, by
this uniform and fteady temperance, he preferved his mind vigorous and
adtive, and his conftitution equal to all his engagements*.”

Religion, when it works upon the heart, and fubjedts the paftions to
the exercife of beneficence, generates all thofe attradtive graces, which
can be acquired by no other medium. Rules of exterior imitation may
be delineated with the elegant pencil of a Chefterfield ; but the purity
of the heart is the genuine fource of true politenefs : for that religion,
which breathes good-will unto man , whilft it refines the underftanding,
and foftens the affedtions, begets that complacency from which necef-
farily refult thole amities, and that unaffedted politenefs, which alone
fhould form the gentleman ; fuch as the Scholar fhould cultivate, and
the Chriftian recommend; and thefe rendered a Fothergill beloved,
refpedted, and illuftrious.

But the time was approaching, when neither temperance nor virtue
could exempt our valuable aftociate from the final lot of humanity.
For a feries of years, indeed for the moft part of his life, he had
enjoyed good health, and time feemed flowly to diminifh the vigour
of his body, or weaken the exertion of his mind ; but it was perceptible
to thofe who were much with him, and what he often remarked him-
felf, that fatigue became lefs fupportable, and recruit of ftrength, in
his annual retreats into Cheftiire, was of late years more flowly acquired.
There are many caufes, befides thofe refulting from advancing age,

* Page 27, 28.

which

Ixxxix

JOHN FOTHERGILL..M.D.

which diminifh the conftitutional vigour and vivacity .of a feeling
mind; his was fenfibly awake to all the endearments of brotherly
affinity : he had loft his youngeft brother Jofeph, and afterwards his
brother Samuel, both of Warrington ; the latter my paternal Guardian,
by whom I was early introduced to the protection of the phyfician : it
was thefe relatives, and others in the vicinity, that firft induced him
to retreat to Lea-hall in Cheftlire, which is but a few miles diftant from
Warrington. Thefe fucceftive Ioffes fenfibly affeCted his mind, and in-
terrupted that conftitutional benefit, which he had formerly experienced.
From this time many of his letters from the country teftify the depth
of his grief, and the irreparable chafm of enjoyment which he had
thereby fuftained :

tfuis defidcrio fit pudor, aut modus
Tam chari capitis ! Hor.

In 1772, fome months after the deceafe of his brother Samuel, * ** I
“ lUve been obliged,” he remarks from Lea-hall, “ to write many
“ letters, which I am at prefent very unfit for, or any thing elfe : but
** I will not fpend all in unavailing complaints. I meet with many
“ things to put me in mind how much I have loft ; and I feel fuch a
“ void in my enjoyments of this life, as reduces my wifties to a great
“ mediocrity indeed

In a lucceeding year he acquaints me, “ that he came down to
<l Lea-hall much opprefted : and now I am here,” he adds, “ I have
“ enough to do to command myfelf, when I recoiled my brother,
“ whofe countenance, count'd, and fympathy, relieved every anxiety,
“ gave tafte to every enjoyment ; but I will try to banifh every thing,
“ but a wifh to follow him through the remains of this life, with
“ fubmiffion to every difficulty, and gratitude for many many blef-
“ fings ~f.”

I have the rather indulged thefe digreffions, as they recal to mind the
virtues of my deceafed guardian, the want of whofe counfel, if Dr. Fo-

* Letter to the Editor, anno 1772.
t Ibid, sumo 1774.

tn THERGILLf

I

xc

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

T her gill, with a comprehenfive underftanding rarely to be equalled,
could fo deeply lament, what inuft the public have fuftained when this
god-like man was no more ? for, if this facred appellation may be ap-
, plied to him who devotes his life to render mankind wifer and happier,
I have ample fandion for adopting it on the prefent occafion ; and more
particularly as he was fo nearly connected with the immediate fubjedt
of my narration * : but the progrefs of folicitude upon the mind, which
*is not the refult of remorfe, is always flow, and rarely fatal; and the
.difeafe under which Dr. Fot-hergill finally fuffered, was certainly
independent of this fource. It Was about the middle of November 1778,
-that, on waking out of a fliort fleep, a forcible inclination to make

* This pious man, a little before his death, addrefled the following expreffions to fome
of his relations, when they took leave of him, previous to their fetting out for the Yearly
Meeting in London, anno 1772.

tc Our health is no' mote at our command, than length of days ; — mine feems drawing
4t fall towards a conclufion, I think: but I am content with every allotment of Provi-
itc dence, for they are all in wifdom — unerring wifdom. There is One Thing which,

as an arm underneath, bears up and fupports ; and though the rolling tempeftuous

billows furround, yet my head is kept above them, and my feet are firmly eftablifhed. —
“ Oh I. feek it— prefs after it — lay faft hold of it.

j fl J . 3 - J I > - - l • ^ J

** Though painful my nights and wearifome my days, yet I am preferved in patience
*e ahd refignation. — Death has no terrors, nor will the grave have any victory. — My foul
“ triumphs over death, hell, and the grave.

“ H.ufbands and wives, parents and children, health and riches, mufl all go ; — difap-
“ pointment is another name for them.

<C,I fkould have been thankful, had I been able to have got to the enfuing Yearly
« Meeting in London, which you are now going to attend, where I have been fo often
“ reffefhfed with my brethren ; but it is otherwife allotted. — The Lord knows befl: what
“ beft for us ; — I am content, and refigned to his will.

I feel a foretafte of the joy which is to come ; and who would wifli to change fuch a.

tc ftate of mind ? 1 fhould be glad if an eafy channel could be found, to inform the

v‘ Tearly Meeting, that as I have lived, fo I (hall clofe, with the molt unfhaken aflu-
x‘ rartce, that we have not followed cunningly-devifed fables, but the pure, living, eternal
“ fubftance.

, bet the aged be ftrong, let the middle-aged be animated, and the youth encouraged y
for the Lord is with Sion, the Lord will blefs Sion !

“ if I be now removed out of his church militant, where I have endeavoured in fome
“ meafure to fill up my duty, I have an evidence that I fhall gain an admittance into his
“ glorious church triumphant, far above the heavens.

“ My dear love to all them that love the Lord Jefus.’*

,JJlOR£-.r g

water

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M.D. xc i

water enfued, but without the power. For a day or two preceding, fome
heat, and an unufual difficulty had attended : at length a total fuppreffion '• *
came on, that required manual abidance for upwards of two weeks',
which was fometimes accompanied with excruciating pain, though no
lefs than two hundred drops of Thebaic tinCture had been given in the
fpace of a few hours, without much relief. In the height of his didrefs
I vifited him, and found him calm and recollected : he defcribed, with >
wonderful ferenity of mind, his acute mifery, expreffing a pious and
Chridian resignation'; and adding, “ that if he had left any thing un-
“ done which he wiffied to have done, it was perfecting the plan of

“ Ackworth School; and likewife, the complete arrangement of the
“ rules of our religious Society.” The firffc, I have ^Ijready intimated,
was an undertaking worthy of a great and illultrious fage;,and rthe
latter was equally arduous, though the difficulty could be known only
to the Society intereded in it: and he lived to accomplifh his ardent

n

wiffies.

nedl

.0/ no

ie.:io ni .eon.Jn o'

In the commencement of December of the fame.year,: he was able
to Fee his friends; and foon afterwards the importunities of the fick
forced him again into his former arduous and aCtive life, and for the
fpace of two years he enjoyed his ufual degree of health, at lead; he
rarely complained, and he certainly was equally occupied in the duties
of. his profeffion, and in numerous exertions for the benefit of indivi-
duals, and of the community ; for he never feemed fo happy, -as when
he was rendering others fo. • ' - •

It was after this illnefs that he, vifited Ackworth School, and en-
deavoured to perfeCt his plan, and perpetuate its advantages to pofterity.
He retired as ufual, the latter end of the year, to Lea-hall, and once
returned by Buxton, where he projected thofe improvements in that-
celebrated refort of invalids, already hinted ■at, and which, as Tam in-
formed, are now carrying into execution. . ’

He likewife vifited Knarefborough, in Yorkffiire, after many years
abfence, “ to pay,” as .he, with filial piety, relates, “ the gratefu) tribute
“ of a tear at the fide of an honoured parent’s grave. — -To fee that
“ his fepulchre was not laid wade to the beads of the field, but fecured

" from

m 2

ft

xcii

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

from the ravages of negledt, was to us (himfelf and fider) a pleafing
“ duty* Firmly perfuaded that we had not the lead: caufe to mourn on
“ his account, and nothing left more becoming us, than to call to
“ mind his precepts, and his example, we left the folitary fpot, with
“ hearts full of reverent thankfulnefs, that fuch was our father, and
<f that we were fo far favoured, as to be able to remember him with gra-
titude and affection

But the firmed: conditution, like the mod perfedt eladic, may be
extended beyond the power of redoration. It was on the 12th day of
December 1780 that he was again feized with a fupprefiion of urine,
which no art could remove. I faw him in a date of acute pain, which
feemed almod infupportable ; he had drength enough to raife himfelf
up in bed, but with fuch extreme third, that while he leaned on his
right arm, he held in the left hand a glafs of wine and water, to mode-
rate the infatiable third, of which fluid he was obliged to fip after every
fentence, in order to enable him to fpeak : he was then as ferene as in
perfedt health ; he .endeavoured, indeed, to aflume a degree of chear-
fulnefs, which was natural to him when well, and defcribed his com-
plaints, and their probable fatal termination, with a pious hope, “ that
“ he had not lived in vain, but in a degree to anfwer the end of his
creation, by facrificing intereded confiderations, and his own eafe,
to the good of his fellow creatures.” Some individuals might have
envied the univerfal edeem he acquired by his virtues, his manners,
and his fkill in healing; and all may admire that comfort of mind which
fudained him to his final diflolution, which was on the 26th day of
December 1780.

A man fo long, and fo refpedtfully known, dying in the fummit of
celebrity, and furrounded with the carefles of a numerous acquaint-
ance, mud be deeply and univerfally regretted.

Adts of friendfhip to the deceafed are animated, becaufe they are
difintereded, and virtuous minds are the mod ardently difpofed to fulfil
them ; but to prevent the inconveniencies that were feared, and might
refult, from the crowd that purpofed to aflemble, to pay the lad offices

* Letter to the Editor.

of

XC111

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

of efteem to his memory, had he been interred in London, it was
judged advifeable to carry his remains into the country; which, on
the 5th of January 1781, were depofited in the burial-ground of Winch-
more-hill, about twelve miles from town : neverthelefs, upwards of
feventy coaches and chaifes, filled with friends, attended upon this
melancholy occafion. “ The tender remembrance of friendfhip yet
lives in every bread: ; we mourn without form ; we fee and feel the
void his fall has left, and which only time can mitigate, and a refig-
nation to the difpenfations of that Power, which orders all things with
unerring wifdom and goodnefs, beyond our comprehenfion

■ ■ $uis talia fandoy

‘Temper et a lachrymis ? Vi r g .

# Dr. Fothercill’s Life of Dr. RufTell.

THE

/

xciv SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE

TH E following letter, though addrelfed to the filler of Dr.

Fothergill, has fuch an immediate reference to the prefent
fubjed of biography, that I have prefumed to infert it here.—
This affedionate tribute of the living phylician, after an intimacy
commencing in youth, and continued with unabated friendlhip to the
latell period of Dr. Fothergill’s life, affords the moll honourable
tellimony of the amiable character of the one, and of the tender and
fympathetic feelings of the other and mull convey lingular pleafure to
every reader, who hath enjoyed that genuine friendlhip, which we trull
doth not terminate with the grave.

“ Dear Mrs. Fothergill,

“ I DO not fear to encreafe your grief -by this early addrefs, nor
to recall to your memory the very affliding difpenfation which you
have lately experienced, as I am well convinced it has never once been
abfent from your mind fince it happened ; but I cata no longer defer to
mingle my tears with yours, and moll fincerely to condole with you
on the fignal lofs which you have fullained. Your lofs, it mull be
confelfed, is incomparably the greatell ; but you are by no means the
only fulferer — all his friends, his acquaintances, the publick — all par-
take of it, and lhare it with you.

“ As to myfelf, I feel it deeply. Forty-feven years have now run
their courfe fince I had firll the happinefs of his acquaintance ; during
which long trad: of time we have maintained an uninterrupted warm
mutual and difinterelled friendlhip. Often have I been benefited by his
counfel and advice 5 always happy and improved by his converfation and
.correfpondence. The regard and kindnefs with which he dillinguilhed

me.

xcv

JOHN FOTHERGILL, M. D.

me, has been ever my pleafure and my boaft. May the Almighty fanCtify
this fevere affliction to you ! and may we all profit by fo eminent an
example ! Great as your grief mufl be, you have every confolation that
can alleviate a misfortune of this kind. No one lived a more innocent
and a more ufeful life. No one was ever more beloved and refpeCted
while living ; none have died more univerfally regretted. I loved and
efteemed him highly alive ; I fhall ever refpeCt his memory. Submiffion
to the will of Heaven, we all know, is ever our duty under every afflict-
ing difpenfation. The reafon is very plain ; of this our judgment is
eafily convinced: but the practice is not quite fo eafy. We cannot for-
get the pleafure we enjoyed in the poffeffion of fuch bleffings ; we look
back with regret, and are deeply fenfible of the prefent void. Natural
affeCtion will have its courfe, and it requires time to foothe the paffions.
Of all the taxes on humanity, this is the greateff.-— Both on your own
account, and from the near relation in which you ftand to the refpeCted
deceafed, I muff ever intereff myfelf cordially in your welfare. I am
far from expecting, nay, I do not even wifh, you to take any notice of
this letter fcon. The prefent ffate of your mind cannot admit of it:
but hereafter, when time has mellowed your grief, and blunted the
edge of your prefent poignant affliction, I will hope to hear, either
from yourfelf, or by the hands of fome of your friends, of your ffate
of health and fituation. I hope I need not fay, that if in any refpeCt I
can be made ufeful to you, it will afford me a fenfible pleafure. I
commit you to the confolation and guidance of the Almighty; and
remain, with ffncere regard and efteem,

“ Dear Mrs. Fothergill’s

“ Faithful and refpeCtful friend,

“ W. Cuming,”'

** Dorchejler , Jan. io, 1781.”

j [ : in n H f o i

; • /'-> ' f l"

U-J4 *1 [• •

v 1

v ! , r

. ' ( • • 1

: * ' 1 ' V

i j ,

• M ■ * " "

> . i ' - • • - . .. j

-

■I - Y

* • • ' . J -in J '

• '•> - \ ‘ '' :

• ‘ •* ' *■

-

j1. •>.

^ . ' ' ‘ / ' ' ' ' • .

Dillertatio Medica

INAUGURALIS,

De Emeticorum Ufu in variis Morbis traSiandis :

(i.u A M,

Favente Summo Numine,

Ex Au A or it ate amplijfuni Senatus Academici, et nobilijjimce
Facultatis Medico Decreto ;

Pro G R A D U D O C T O R A T U S,

SUMMISQUE IN MEDICINA HONORIBUS ET PRIVILEGIIS, RITE AC LEGITIME

CONSEQUENDIS,

Eruditorum examini fubjicif,

JOANNES FOTHERGILL,

Anglo-Britannus,

Ad Diem 13 Augufti, herd locoqtte Jolitis,

EDINBURGH

MjDCCj.XXXVI,

B

the

CJ*HE following Inaugural 'Thefts was written when the Author was little more
than twenty-one years of age, and before Baron de Haller's immenfe work of
Phyftology made its appearance, and diffufed new light upon the Nervous Syjlem.

Publications, under the character of Juvenile Attempts , do not always afford
conclufive evidence of a rifing and fuperior genius they are too frequently the pro-
ductions of indigent individuals , who are always to be found in colleges, and who
fubffi by the indolence or ignorance of wealthier Jludents , furnifhing them with
performances to which they have no better claim than what the mere exhibition of their
names on a title page gives them . But whatever merit may be found in this Effay,

I have authority to fay, that it was the genuine production of the author, under
whofe name it was publifhed , without any ajfiftance either in the matter or the
compofition.

The fubjeCl is an important one, and too generally interefling for the Public not
to wifh for a tranfation of it into Englifh, efpecially as moft of the Doctor’s fubfe -
quent pieces were originally written in that language.

Viris

i 3 ]

F iris prcec laris,

Preeceptoribus fuis plurimum colendis ,

Joanni Rutherford, Med. Dod. atque in Academia
Edinburgenfi Medicinas theoreticas et pradicas Pro-
fefTori :

Andrew St. Clair, Med. Regio, Medicinae theoreticas et
pradicae in eadem Academia ProfefTori :

Andrew Plummer, Med. Dod. atque ibidem Medicinas
et Chemiae ProfefTori :

Alexandro Monro, R.S.S. et in eodem Lyceo Anatomiae
et Chirurgiae ProfefTori :

NEC NON

Carolo Alston, Med. Dod. et Reg. Botanices ProfefTori :

Ob plurima in fe collata benejicia , hoc fpecimen inaugurals , quod exegit mos
laudandus Academia,

Omni quo par ejl obfequio et
exijiimatione ojf'ert

Joannes Fothergill, A, R .

B 2

DifTertatio

v. . \ \ v .V A

„ . •- \ ' - ,

I ; ; >CJ ' ; ,-a - • l

; Ili ■' I ■

: h rh>t

;

. .j _ ■. iu ■ ■]!- »/•. i ,l Tii n ;

* • •• ' . ; b A/I • : "I :t. \r>M .. \

: r .. A — - " ^ ft

:i; .• ' .. rr. ! . . ^ <•- >' • 5; ' ' '•

: ho A . .. v. . j i i i A .■ ;•

0 : V

.

1

tv

, ■ i a . ro l »

'■W.

-

C 5 ]

.... - .. ■

Diflertatio Medica

INAUG URALIS,

De Emeticoritm Ufu in varus Morbis traElandis .

P R O CE M I U M.

OUUM corporis vigor, mentis acumen, falus perfeda pnefens, futurae
ftabilimen, vitae conftantis et integral dulcedo, magna ex parte ventriculi,
vifeeris pnenobilis, fata fequantur j nihil arduum aut moleftum ducebant turn
veteres turn recentiores medici, quo minus in vado eflet tantae utilitatis nego-
tium. Experientia gnari fadi fuerunt, fi folpe-s eflet ventriculus, minus metuen-
dumefie reliquis i eo autem male fe gerente, incolumem diu hasrere totius cor-
poris fabricam non pofle. Indies quoque compertum eft, quod arthritis, hy-
drops, fcorbutus, tabes, infania, febrefque peflimae (et fi quae graviora mala fu-
perfint, et hominibus infenfa magis,) rarius attollunt capita, illasfo interim ven-
triculo : et ft forte nafeantur aliunde, fseviunt eo magis, quo magis a fanitate
recedit princeps haec animalis officina. Iflinc itaque liquet, quantum naturae
miniftris incumbit, ejus incolumitati enixe profpicere. Ipfius autem ventriculi,
ejufque contentorum vitia, turn et morbi exinde nati, quorum fibrae altius
haerent, opem faepe pofeunt, quae depletione tentatur 5 neque ad culpam horum
delendam, prognatafque labes eradicandas, felicius adhibetur faepiflime reme-
dium, quam evacuatio per vomitum fada. Hac unica intentione adeo cele-
brata fuit Emefis apud veteres medicinae patronos ; ut etiam fanis, fi fani per-
fta'.re voluiflent, hoc medicinae genus praeferipferit (a) Hippocrates, quod faepius
repetendum fuaflt, licet afpera et intradabilia admodum eflent medicaments
vomitoria, veteribus familiaria j nec certe fine decumbentium faftidio, vel me-
di corum follicitudine, porrigenda.

PARS PRIM A,

1, CST aiutem vomitus ea ventriculi, diaphragmatis, et mufeuiorum ab-
dominalium adio, qua illi us contenta, quafi inter praela comprefla, vi
magna furfum per os rejiciuntur. Horum fiquidem vifeerum ccntradione
(a) Hippocrates dc dista, lib. 3. & alibi pafliin.

furfum

6 Dijjertatio meclica>

furfum urgentur omnia in abdomine contenta vifcera, conftringitur inde pylo-
rus, dum quas in ventriculo hasret materies, illius (a) et ambientium vi muf-
culari in orificium ejus fuperius imprefta, illud dilatat, et per contradas
oefophagi fibras longitudinales facilem fibiparat exitum.

2. Stimulus quicunque validus, ventriculo inditus, ejufque nervis applicatus,
adionem hanc incitare poll eft, ob commercium quod obtinent ventriculi nervi
cum eis, qui mufculis abdominalibus et diaphragmati inferviunt.

3. Copia etiam ingeftorum nimia atque moles, licet haud alio, faltem parum
ingrato potiantur aculeo, naufeam, deinde vomitum excitare queunt ; cujuf-
modi funt, aqua egelida, aromatibus imbuta, fuaviaque, nec non dapes illse
quse guftui fummopere blandiuntur, avide et fine norma deglutitas ; quicquid
porro nerVos ventriculi irritat, aliave aliqua ratione asquabilem horum li-
quidi fluxum perturbat admodum, vomitionem cietj qualia funt capitis con-
tufio vel concufllo vehemens, jadatio in nave vel rheda inaftuetis, valida.
imaginatio, five rei cujufdam injucundas memoria ; hasc enim aliaque fimilia
delicatulos fummo urgent quandoque faftidio vomituque..

4. Attamen compertum eft, objedla omnia, ftimulo licet prasdita, haud asque
Gerto vires fuas in ventriculum vicinaque exerere, fed nunc per unum ex
emundloriis, nunc per alterum, promovere feceftum : quasdam itaque quae
fere perpetuo vomitum producere conftabat, quasque prse casteris huic muneri
obeundo maxime aceommodata efte docebat experientia, in unicumhunc ufum
fepofuit vetuftas. ’Ejumxa hasc appellabantGrasci, vomitoria Latinis audiunt.

5. Mancus verb fuit horum apud veteres catalogus, licet amplus ; pauca
enim vomitoria cognita habuerunt, quas non acerba admodum et inclementia,.
vel lenia prorfus et invalida, comperiuntur ft modo iimplicia eadem, eifdem
infignita titulis, apud nos hodie proftant, ac apud iftos olim : uti cuique pate-
bit, antiquorum fcripta evolventi. Veratrum aliquando lethale fuit, infida
quoque aliorum adio. Non mirum itaque,. fi morbo graviore torqueri, vel
ad aliud quodcunque fubfidii genus, confugere maluerint tEgroti, quam durum
et immite, vel lenius, at incertum, faspe infruduofum,.experiri medicamen : quo
contigit ut abflerritus quandoque seger, medicum abhorreret ; medicus pariter
medelam, quas tanta pollicita eft, propinare dubitaret : unde uterque incom-
modum haud leve fepius tulit. Atque licet Hippocrates rationem intellexerit
temperandi emetica ; alii tamen multi, minus folertes,. fpe fua faspe exciderunt.
Neque chemia, quas tot prseclara medicamenta detexit, ulla fere fuppeditat:
emetica, quas tenellis et delicatioribus tuto dare licet : quin et dolebat fuo>
tempore Sydenhamus, defiderari adhucdum emeticum tutum, et Jatis interim
ejjicax , quale in celebri radice Ipecacuanha paffim hodie experiuntur pradicb
Hujus inftituti non eft, fingula, quae vi emetica pollent,, recenfere, horum fal-
tem dalles ratione virium indicafie fufftciat.

I

9

(a) Wepfer de cicuta aquatica, cap. 15. Hill. 1.

6. In

De Emeticonim Ufu, &c, j

6. In lenia, vebementiora , et fortijfima vomitoria, diftinguendi hunc Cvacuantium
ordinem, mos quibufdam obtinuit : nec quidem inepte ; diverfa enim ifta fim-
plicia, quae ad vomitum ciendum hodie ufurpantur, commode fatis fub triplici
hac ferie difpertiri poflunt. Nulla tamen fides efncaciae, fenfibus patefadtas,
odori faporive videlicet, habenda eft : fed experiential foli horum credenda
diftributio.

7. Emetica quae lenia appellantur, gemini funt ordinis ; 1 mo, Recenfentur ea
quae mole fua, vel irritamine levi, moli unito, ftomachum laceffunt ; qualia
funt, aqua tepida, vifcofa, faccharata, mellita, oleofa, falita, jura pinguia, in-
fufa thene viridis, cardui benedidti, florum chamaemeli, aliaque ejufmodi plura,
ex diverfis plantis aromaticis elicita. 'ido, Hue pertinet emetici cujufdam for-
tioris dofis refrafta, qure ftimulo gaudet tarn valido, ut naufeam, vomendique
conatum unum alterumve provocare poffit, nec amplius urgeat. Ex falium
numero haec plerumque petuntur, quse humoribus gaftricis ftatim folvuntur, et
celeriter undiquaque difperfa, applicantur nervis, mox furfum rejiciuntur, pe-
nitufque epotis liquidis eJuuntur foluta, ut brevi quiefcant omnia. Filum per
cefophagum trajedlum, irritatio gulae, per pennam oleo madefatftam ; idea fafti-
diens, inaflueta navis agitatio, currus per loca afpera du<fti conquafiatio', animi
denique pathemata leviora huic ordini confentiunt. Noviffime tamen memo-
ratas caufas quibufdam vomitiones inducere perquam violentas baud diffiteor ;
plerifque verb non item, neque eos diu et fortiter Annul moleftare folent.

8. Fortiorum claffis fit ex prioribus § 7. n. ido, audta faltem dofi, vel caufa ;
aut ex iis quorum firmior compages, et hinc tardior effedhis, fed vehementior :
namque emiflae particulae vellicantes, paulatim in cryptas plicafque ventris
rugofi fefe infinuant, nervulis adhaerefeunt, moleftiam creant, augentque, nec
ingeminato vomendi nifu, velatis fedibus excutiuntur, ufque donee corum vires
repetito opere decoquantur ; hinc emefis protraftior, nec non vehementior.
Medicamenta pleraque furfum purgantia, hodierna praxi maxime ufitata, huic
claffi addenda funt, uti v. g. afarum, ipecacuanha, radix raphani rufticani, fe-
men finapis, fcilla, horumque variae praeparationes, combinationes, ex vegeta-
bilibus. Ex metallicis fales quidarn Chemise progenies, ut vitriolum Martis,
et falia vitriolica : fed palmam pras aliis meruilfe videntur, quae ex Venere ac-
quiruntur, fal fc. cupri ejufque tindtura. Elis addendi funt tartarus emeticus,
et quorundam ex ferie fequenti imminuta dolls.

9. Fortijfma nuncupare licet ea, quae ars dogmatica et maxime rationalis, ob
fasvos et atroces effedtus frepius expertos evitac, qureque non fine imminente
machinae periculo exhiberi polfe perennis docuit obfervatio, quae rarius, nifi ab
audaci medicaftro, vel in morbo quodam acerrimum pofeente auxilium, a me-
thodico prseferibuntur ; licet inter hanc et praegreftam claftem, exquifitas me-
tas apponere, difficile quidem fit. Piurima hujufmodi fuppeditat vegetabile
regnum : eminent imprimis xeflv purgantia, quorum ampliticata dofis, praefer-

tim

8:

Dijfertatio medica,

tim fi ex refinofis defumatur, crudeles vomitus frequenter excitat. Refinofa
etenim humoribus noftris parum mifcibilia funt, indiffoluta cavo ventriculi ac--
crefcunt, fummos concitant dolores, fpafmos, et immanes per fuperiora deple-
tiones : evincunt hoc cruciatus ifti, qui sgrotis fuperveniunt poft ingeftam
jalapi refinam, aut ejufmodi quodpiam* non rite per attritum folutum, veh
mifcibiJe alia quavis ratione fadtum ; dum forte nativo fuo fapone fraudantur
humores inquilini, et aquofa pituita plena funt omnia. His annumerari poffunt,
helleborus albus, tithymali fpecies nonnulls, nicotiana, et plants alis permults.
deleteria didts : claffem augent, ftibiata acriora, et ilia quoque emitica quae dat
Mercurius, una cum plerifque metallicis venenatis.

10. Ex tradita hadtenus defcriptione liquet, i mo, Vomitum excitari non poffe, ,
fine quodam aculeo (intelligi velim omne id, quod liquidi vitalis fluxum five
nervorum adtionem mu tare que-at) fyftematis nervofi regioni cuidam applicato.
■ido, Quod ex illius in nervos, horumque in mufculos, § i. adtione, neceffario.
fit contentorum gaftricorum evacuatio,. denique ytio, Quod hsc neutiquam
evenire poffint, fine partium quarundam compreffione forti,. aliarum ingenti
concuffione, et infigni corporis univerfi motu. Lenifiims etiam vomitioni hsc.
femper ad fun t : crefcunt ut extenditur emetici potentia, et adaudto ftimulo,,
ufque in fabrics ruinam evehi poffunt.

11. Quum itaque prsfats conditiones nunquam non conjunguntur,,

quum ab hifce omnino pendeant plersque ex iis mutationibus qus ab emeticis.
fperantur, producuntur effedtus horum ex triplici ilia caufa nafcentes, quinam
fint, rimaturus, his qusfitis refponfa expediam ; fcil. Quid valeat emeticum,..
quatenus eft ftimulus ? Quatenus evacuet ? Quatenus denique vi fua mechanica.
totum corpus afficere queat ?

PARS S E C U N D A.

Be Emeticorum Ufu , a Jlimulo fuo derivato.

12. JJULLA adhuc inftrumenta in corpore animali invenit anatome, qus
ftimulorum objedta proprie exiftimari poffunt, prster ipfos nervos ;
qui effedtus horum, quales quales fint, primarid patiuntur, aliafque ad partes
propagant, uti multipli'cibus conftat experimentis : hsc enim docent,. quod non-
modo in ipfo pundto cui irritans applicatur, mutatio accidit ; quin et ad nervi
fontem, terminum, ramorum pullulantium fines derivatur effedtus, nec non ad
furculos, oppofitam corporis plagam luffrantes, a caufa licet diverfa.

13. Effedtus imprimis funt, .energis vitalis ad partem ita affedtam acceflio
major, in aliis ejufdem diminutio et perdita demum squabilis lenifque ejus
divifio, curfu magis accelerato, turbatoque fimul. Hsc verb omnia, grades
refpedtu, diverfa futura funt, . et plus minufve confpicua, prout caufs laceffentis

vehementia

De Emeticorum JJfu , &cc. 9

vehementia et copia, nervorum indoles, numerus atque moles, tegminis deni-
que quo involuti funt craflities, eft diver fa;

14. Caufiim hanc, five energiam, § 13. efie liquidum fubtilifiimum, mobi-
lifiimum, omnibufque fluidi dotibus communibus prasditum, e cerebro, jugi,
leni, pacato motu derivatum in fingulas corporis partes, agnofcunt plerique
Doftores. Nec inficias ibir, qui attente perlegerit quas de hac re fcripfit (a)
Boerhaavius ; vel quae ordine adhuc lucidiore expofuit inclytus nofter Ana-
tomise (b) profelTor, perpenderit.

15. Neque admodum verofimile videtur, effrasno vel prrecipiti quovis im-
petu fpiritus animales unquam ita rapi, ut enormium tot effedtuum caufa fint,
vel tot morborum efientiam conftituant ; hancve in motum proclivitatem ab
ingenti quadam et prasternaturali mobilitate oriri pofie : Quippe quod fpi-
rituum impetus a fortibus vitas viribus folummodo pendeat ; cum tamen in
nullis frequentius occurrant morbi a fyfiemate nervofio male affedto nati, quam
in eis qui oppofita potiuntur indole, laxis fcil. debilibus, et quibus vitas vires
parum firmas funt. Legibus certe oeconomias perquam videtur confentiens,
liquidum hoc, nunc pauio celerius, nunc lentius moveri : fed tantum interefie
difcrimen inter fummam velocitatem, pigritiamque fummam, ut fola fit hasc
morborum origo, haud facile conceditur. Spirituum insequalis diftributio
tumultuum plurimorum, qui nervis vitio dantur, parens efie poteft, omniaque
ifta phnsnomena, quse morbos, nervofos didtos, comitari folent, longe facilius
hoc filo duce panduntur : nec alia fuadet mufculorum adlio.

16. Pungens quodcunque fatis acre, nervo, ejufve propagini appofitum,
inasquabilem hanc difperfionem efficit, ut fpafini et convulfiones ad necem
ufque fsevientes oftendunt. Peragit idem quoque comprefiio, in nervi cujuf-
cunque infignioris ortum fadta; aut obfirudlus, alia quavis de caufa, fpirituum
per fuos can ales egrefius, unde propinqui pleniori horum rivo luftrari debent.
Hanc augent diathefin, vel minuunt fummopere diverfa fluidorum et foli-
dorum ratio, quse unicuique astati convenit ; turn et propria cuique temperies :
quo etenim tenerior aetas, quo mollior habitus, eo, cseteris paribus, promptius
irritantur nervi, vel comprimuntur. Sententiam confirmat experientia. Rard
enim opipare pafcentes pueros, quorum fanguis fpiritibus dives, et infigni
prsedita mollitie cutis, inquinat contagium variolofum, fi modo venenum
haud fuerit mitifiimum, quin excitantur contradliones horrendse : neque rard
fuperveniunt infultus, epilepfi^E veras prorfus asmuli. Nec femper ob egefia-
tern liquidi vitalis, invadunt infultus hyfterici, cum otiofas, et luxu folutas
feminas adoriantur magis, quam quibus fors anguftior obvenit.

17. His idciro ita pofitis, gcneralem hanc regulam licet ftatuere ; nernpe fi
morbus a ftimulo particulari cuivis parti applicato nafcatur, huic fuccurrendum

( *) Boerhavii Inflitutiones, § 275 ad Z93. (b) Monro’s Anatomical Treatife of the Nerves.

C elPj

10

\

DiJJertatio fnedica ,

eft, vel deftrudtione caufae llimulantis, vel alterius applicatione parti adverse 5
fie etenim reftituto aequilibrio folvitur morbus fpafmodicus.

18. Effectus memorati § 13'. nervis praecipue et mufculi-s contingunt. Alii
tamen et diverfi vicinas faepe partes corripiunt, uti dolor, cutis rubedo, calor ;
humorum affiuxus, tumor ; vaforum compreftio, obftrudtio ■> horumque def-
trudtio, fuppuratio, gangraena. Haec internis juxta et externis corporis parti-
bus eveniunt.

19. Generales aculeorum virtutes hadtenus enarratas poftidet remedium de
quo nunc agitur. Hoc tamen fibi fere proprium obtinet, quod emeticorum
adtioni certiores plerumque limites praefcribere liceat, quam interno cuivis
ftimulanti remedio. Haec enim quandoque frangunt repagula, feviuntque
ferocius quam expedit, vel fegnius agunt ; dum emetici vis ad votum fere
evehi vel reprimi poteft, ft atrociftima tantummodo excipias venena.

ao. Ex didtis [§ 13. ad 20.] patet quid valeat emeticum quatenus eft ftimu-
lus. Infignes equidem prasftat efredtus, e quibus eminent fequentes. Lenior
apoplexiae fpecies, quae ab inerti frigidaque pituita nafcitur, fi modo a caufa
recente, nec corpore valde fenili accidat, emetico prudenter exhibito faepe
folvitur : inde fiquidem crafla fubiguntur, excutiuntur ; aperiuntur nervorum
ofcula, horum tramites expediuntur, incitato fimul torpefcentis fanguinis motu.
Similes in fimili paralyfi prsftat effedlus.

Pueris frequens eft morbus epilepfia, ab acri quovis rodente nervos, eofque
vellicante. Adultis faepe contingit ab eadem caufa, turn et affedtionibus animi
gravioribus, a dolore faevo membra cruciante, a turbato fpirituum fluxu, qua-
ds hypochondriacis et hyftericis familiaris eft. In his cafibus, fi mobilis ftt
mali fomes, iterato vomitorio excutitur.

Membrana ifta mufculofa, quae tracheae fegmenta cartilaginea fibi invicem
adnedlit, ex fibris conflatur mufculofis contradlilibus fpafmo obnoxiis, in his
prsecipue quibus genus nerveum eft mobile nimis. Nidtu oculi faepe con-
ftringuntur fibrae, adducuntur fibi mutuo cartilagines, pertinaciter elongationi
folitae repugnant, crebros trahit fpiritus aeger, avide captat auras, profunde
gemit, tandem labore fatigatus, et mox angori fuccubiturus, prae defedtu fpi-
rituum folutum fentit fpafmum, explicatur pedtus, et vivere de novo mifer
exorditur. Quid prohibet quin fubitb propinata dofis falis vitrioli, cupri, hu-
jufve tindlurae, quae irritando ventriculum, ciendo vomitum, fpirituum iter
tramitemque mutando, tumultus ho fee fedet ? omni certe vacat periculo.

Ubi fanguis earn nancifci indolem incipit, quae apud veteres atra bills didta
eft, ubi fundtiones naturales labafeunt propter fpirituum abfentiam ; quando
quofdam tantummodo nervos inique petunt, hi certos duntaxat mentis corpo-
rifve adtiones exercent ■, vix praeftantius exhibetur remedium, quam emeticum
certis cautelis moderatum, ut poftea dicendi erit occafio.

In morbis fpafmodicis, aliifque plurimis nervofi ordinis, qui proventum ab
k*ertia et languore chylopoieticwn, ducere videntur, plurimum prodeffe vifa

funt

De JLmetlcorwn XJfu , See.

funtemetica. Chorea Viti, malum c.erte paucis hujufrnodi pertinacia fecun-
dum, vires tamen hujus remedii (a) quandoque jfatetur. Atque licet fola vi
ftimulante in his morbis non juvent, ea tamen plurimum profun t, fpirituum
audtiorem fluxum verfus organa follicitando, quas penuriam patiuntur, quaeque
exinde deveniunt morbis opportuna.

In mails denique plerilque chronicis, quum pituita crafla defefque habitum
obtundit, ignavius hac obfita vibrant folida, ftuida jam vifeida difficilius pro-
pelluntur, perditas vel depravatas facultates univerfas liquid! vitalis inopiam
fegnitiemve demonftrant, uti in glutine vel acore fpontaneo ■, emetica, licet
curationem haud abfolvant qua ftimuli, aiiis tamen remediis palmam prasri-
piunt ; praefertim fi ad reliquos vomitorii effedtus refpiciamus.

21. Adtionis iftius § 18. alter effedtus eft, fiuidorum tenuiorum feftinata fe-
cretio ; quas duplici ratione comparat ’EpsOnr/^a ; primo, motum fanguinis in-
tendit in vafis majoribus, horum crebriorem et fortiorem in fluida readtionem
excitando, attenuationem conciliando, et hinc fecefTui aptitudinem ■, dein ipfis
fecretionis organis prasparationem expedit, et tranfitum humorum accelerat.
Hinc ab eodem ftimulo diverfae augentur fecretiones, prout diverfimode in
hoc vel illud organ um fecretorium determinatur.

PARS TER T I A.

De Emeticorum UJu , evacuando produdlo.

ii.^METI effedtus, quatenus evacuat, in duplicem ordinem partiri ablo-
num haud videtur, i mus eft, Depietio ventriculi, contentis furfum re-
jedtis. idus, Aliarum partium excretio audta per conatus vomendi. Quum
verb hasc pro caufa proxima haud agnofeat vomitorium, inter effedtus quos
mechanice prasftat emefis commode magis recitari poteft, atque evacuatio uni-
verfalis appellari meretur : altera particularis, five eorum expulfio, qus jam
in ventre ftabulantur, vel eoufque per aculei vim pelliciuntur ; vel denique
per dvocfyofArii/ a viciniis in eum advehuntur ; de qua proxime fermonem inftituere
jubet bona methodus.

23. Nocentia per os ingefta, aut in ventriculum aliunde delata, promptam
emetici medelam exigunt, neque ullum novit medicina potentius adjumentum,
ad prolem horum morbofam radicitus exftirpandam, vel ad fymptomata quasdam
atrocia, fata hinc, lenienda.

24. Ex priorum numero, § 23. ex ingeftis fcilicet, cibi potufque in cenfum
merito vocantur. Sors enim vitas ineludtabilis, quamdiu vitales auras carpi-
mus, hos effecit necelfarios j rationes fupprimo. Et materiei diverfiftima

(a) CheyneYEffay on the Gout, p. 113. Edit. 4.

C 2 indoles,,

12

Dijfertatio medica, *

indoles, ex qua comparantur alimenta, et a noftra fiepifiime aliena, quorundam
incuria, improba aliorum ventris ingluvies, denique vetiti aut nocivi appeti-
tus, error in efcarum potuumque deledtu, et menfurse jufto moderamine, vitia
induxerunt ventriculo multiplicia. Hinc ferax malorum progenies, ftomacho
ipfi crudeles minitans dolores, ultimifque vaforum anfradtibus nocitura. Quae
fane fingulatim explicare jubet inceptum, denegant autem temporis angufti li-
mites. Et quidem eis excutiendis operam fruftra navarem ; quum penfum
iftud omni numero abfolutum, veftris fub aufpiciis, non ita pridem, in lucem
prodiit, in diftertatione (a) eleganti, de noxis ex cibi potujque uju & abuju
oriundis.

25. Copia ingeftorum major jufto mala parit ibi defcripta : his levamen
afferre folet depletio quae, fi aeger fit ivepi if, vomitoriis facienda hac enim
ratione citiftime aufertur materies ventriculum gravans, et praecavetur ne in-
codti alimenti reliquiartim pars qusevis in corporis interiora ducatur.

Vitiata qualitas idem petit auxilium, dum adhuc in cayo ventriculi remanet
materia nociva, aut non longe ab eo propagatur. Sic, quae nativa gaudent
tenacitate, majore quam quae domabilis fit per corporis vires, fuum fecuta ge-
nium corrumpuntur, abeuntque in dudtile phlegma. Eadem res eft, ft expultrix
ventriculi facultas praepedita fit, ut in debilibus faepe fieri teftantur pradtici :
tunc enim, licet nec copia nee qualitate infigniter vitiabili gaudeant, fponte
tamen labem contrahunt ingefta, natam ab ipfa mora audtamque. Hinc pro-
deunt acrimoniae diverfte fpecies ; hinc muci et pituitae tenacis fcaturigo : quse
prout fingulatim dominantur, vel conjundtim permifcentur, adjuvante hominis
temperie huic illive proclivi, producunt diverfa et nonnunquam plane atrocia
fymptomata. Sic multiplices appetitus depravationes, deletio integra, immi-
nuta vel fublata codtio vel incodti corruptio, haec fsepe pro fuis caufis proximis
agnofcunt.

Ex xgroto ipfo facile difcendum erit quid praegrefium fuerit pr^difponens ;
atque hinc patet indoles materiae, et quibus utendum remediis. Vomitoria
fomitem exhauriunt, caufam proximam funditus eradicant : hifce tamen folis
non fidendum, fed exhibitis roborantibus (inter hsec repetito, poll debita inter-
valla, vomitu) ima de ftirpe tandem morbus reciditur.

26. Subftantis quascunque acres, cafu vel induftria in ventrem acceptse, vel
medicamenti, vel veneni titulo, fi moleftia denunciet fabricae noxam infidiari,
citifiime funt expellendae, et per ea loca prsecipue, quae portam dant maxime
periculis imrnunem, qua emigret hoftis, intadta aliarum partium falute. Si
nulla aut parva copia tubum inteftinalem ingreflae funt, emeticvim cseteris re-
mediis longe prseftantius, et curationem fepe abfolvitj neque erit ommittendum.

(a) Autore Henrico Tong.

etiamfi

De Emeticorum XJfu , &c. 13

etiamfi portiuncula tantummodo hsreat adhuc in vcntriculo. Claffis prima
§ 7. amplam prsbet pharmaciam, qua plurims venenorum fpecies debellantur
et expelluntur ; atque fi antidoton univerfale fit, aqua tepefadta copiofe in-
gefta, id forte fuppeditat. In deledtu tamen horum prudentia opus eft ; ex-
pulfio quandoque haud implet vota, quin tenets partes quibus applicantur, ab
iftorum injuriis tuends, mitigandi dolores, et veneni ftevities compefcenda,
etiam dum citam molimur ejedtionem. Hie iterum aflumpti natura cognita
medenti auxilia indigitat, ad infelicis aegri levamen tempeftivum procurandum.
Sic falia alcalica diluta toxicis opponuntur acidis faponacea mifturam con-
ciliant oleofis ; aquofa fales quofeunque dividunt, fternuntque vires ; acria
retundunt ea, qus oleo vel glutine vifcofo gaudent ; et fic de csteris exifti-
mandum. Confulat ledtor qus de hac re egregie feripfit (a) Boerhaavius in
capitulo de antidotis.

27. Neque tantum per emetica fit ingeftorum evacuatio, fed et humorum
omnium qui in ventriculum deferuntur. Proveniunt illi, vel a vafis ipfius
ventriculi, vel vicinorum : atque equidem nullibi clarius confpiciendus pun-
gentium effedlus, § 21 expofitus, quam in hoc vifeere. Id patebit, ft atten-
damus ad nervorum per tunicas ampli ventriculi difperforum frequentiam, ad
glandularum numerum, earumque munus, ad capacitatem denique vaforum
quibus hoc vifeus inftruitur, molis refpedlu. Mollities tunicarum facilem dat
nervulis introitum, cavitas fpatiofa latam exhibet fuperficiem. Hinc nafeitur
infignior adlio, five gaftrici liquoris uberior fecretio ; quae, quum femper larga
fit, fi augeatur, necefiario totum corpus quodammodo mutat, humores ferofos
difpellendo, exficcando : et hinc alii emeticorum effedtus pulchri, in morbis a
ferosa vapidaque colluvie natis ; ut in catarrho, leucophlegmatia, diabete, et
foedo ifto morbo virginibus exfecrato, qui ab excretorum colore pallente
nomen accipit ; aliifque'. hujufmodi, de quibus in fequentibus fufius di-
cendum.

28. Finitima ventriculo funt hepar atque pancreas. Utraque fua fecreta
fluida in ejus cavum quandoque immittunt; quae vel copia, vel acrimonia, vel
utraque chylopoiefin temerare poftiint : bilis fiepius, rarius fuccus pancreaticus,
morbos excitandi reus incufatur. Bilem culpabant veteres, ac fi morborum
faevifllmorum parens eftet : hanc fententiam multi inter hodiernos improbant,
neque bilem efle malorum caufam adeo frequentem contendunt. Si verb pro-
be patuiftet his quid per bilem antiqui voluerint, faltem ex iis fagaciores haud
temere abjicienda fuifle eorum dogmata forfan judicaftent. Non enim folus ille
liquor ab hepate, ejufque vefica fuppeditatus, Bilis titulo infignitus fuitj
fed totius fanguinis molis pars haud afpernabilis, et ipfifiima ilia qus recen-
tiores oleum vulgo appellant ) quod, ut ex chernia difeimus, sque fertilis

(a) Inftitutioncs medico, § 1119.

morborum

H

DiJJertatio jnedica ,

morborurn ftirps hodie exiftit, ac fuit olirn fub nomine celebri Bills flav<e.
Verum hie agitur de bile veficularia et hepatica, in ventriculum furfum pro-
pulfa, vel de liquore alio quovis, ibi advena, qui fimilia parit incommoda ac
ipfa bilis ; et tabs eft humor oleofus, interdum vomitu rejedus, flavefeens,
horrenda dot at us amaritie, nec unquam pene oblivifeendo fapore, bilem fere
referens, fi folium excipias quod bilis in igne ardeat nunquam, hie autem inftar
olei finceri flammam concipiat, fi in ignitos carbones evomatur. • Nafciturab
oleofis ingeftis, loci calore mutatis in illuviem hanc ingratiflimam, accedente
gula nimis infatiabili, ut monet Horatius,

Nempe inamarejeunt epula fine fine petit a ;

Illufique pedes vitiofum fierre recufant

Corpus.

Et vera bilis, atque flavefeens illuvies ejus aemula, fimiliter hac dote gaudent,
quod fc. ftagnatio, in loco calido, acriores et magis horrendas utrafque facit :
eadem pene ratione ac oleum quodcunque tepore leni et diuturno fotum, a fa-
pore, blandiflimo, odore non infigni, colore fubflavefeente, tranfit per diverfos
corruptelte gradus ad fummum ufque putredinis faftigium, tandemque max-
imam guitui acredinem induit, exhalat mephitim olidiflimam, et nigredine
deformi ferit oculos. Similia plane patitur utraque mox fupra deferipta bilis,
iifdem fubjeda legibus, ubicunque in corpore congefta, donee fuam promovet
expulfionem irrequietus hofpes. Aliter enim diris et acerbis doloribus, tor-
minibus, naufeis atque vomitibus, pcenam non finientibus, fed ad mortem
ufque vexantibus, excruciatur miferandus sger ; praefertim fi temperies ho-
minis calidior, fobs ardor, vidus denique rancefcens, aut fermentefeens, pa-
bulum flammamque praebuerint. En cholera ! morborurn teterrimus : febris
accenditur, inflammantur vifeera,- laboribus fuccumbunt proftratte vires, et
nifl affideat ledo Sydenhamus alter, obrepens in vifeera gangrasna duros cum
vita termtnat labqres. Intra confinia, qus emetici vim fuftinent, materies
fedem habet, quae caufa morbi eft. Indicatur ablatio caufse ; cur non eme-
ticis, aut tfeorfum purgantibus, vel utrifque tentatur egeftio, cum in primis
viis adhuc ftabuletur ? Haud fane immerito, in tanta morbi feritate, horum
ufum repudiant medici prudentes : nam utcunque frudus perplurimum in
abis, vel in inferiore ejufdem morbi gradu, prteftat hoc vel iftud medicamen ;
in violenta tamen cholera, loris quam ftimubs magis utendum eft, ut facile
attendenti patebit. Acer enim et inflammans ifte liquor, abrafo prius omni
mu co gaftrico, et, quoufque perdgerat, inteftinab, nudis applicatur nervi^
ftevos excitat dolores, fpafmos fortes, pertinaces, febrefque adurentes in-
cendit ; vomitu perpetuo evocatur mucus fuperftes, caufa proyehitur, et con-
tinuato emetici impetu, redupbeantur effedus horrendi. Licet etenim mi-
nimo polleat aculeo, hie tamen, qualis qualis eft, hofti indigene addit vires,

o ftimulus

De Emeticornm Ufu, See. 15

ftimulus ftimulo committitur, et horum fociato nixu perit reger. Si ad hoc
ftadium morbus non attigerit, neque fpem occidunt mali ominis fymptomata,
ut curationem vomitoriis tentemus jubent omnia. Rei cardo eft deledtus me-
dicamenti peritus. Nec bills, nec oleofa materies, five bilis altera, omni fiuido
promifeue unitur; hoc refpuit, illud verb fequitur petitque. Quod itaque ad
mifturam parandam maxime idoneum eft, iftud ufurpandum ; indolis morbi
cognitas habita interim ratione, cui femper opponi debet auxilium. Hinc fac-
charata, mellita, faponacea acefcentibus permifta, ea omnia quoque § 7. n. 1.
recenfita, quae mole fua plufquam erethifmate quovis agunt, pne caeteris con-
ferre videntur.

“ Quandocunque bilis vacuanda eft, inquit “ (a) Foreftus, poll jufcula
“ multa, vel poll potationem liberalem, provocandus eft vomitus ; nam bilis
“ ut oleum his fupernatat, et ob id facilius evacuatur : adde quod acrimonia
“ ejus temperetur mixtione harum potionum.” Norma certe in vomitionibus
biliofis fanandis nunquam non obfervanda ; neglefla quippe peflima quan-
doque profert incommoda. Catharticum temere ingeftum corrupts material
partem abripit ad inferiora, forte et in fanguinem clefert : hinc iterum novte
miferiae.

29. Tanta liquoris pancreatici diluvies occurrit rarb, qufE folitaria mor-
borum caufa queat liaberi, natos tamen augere poteft : quum enim in fanitate
larga adeo fit ejus fecretio, ut Brunneri experimenta docent, in morbis ex
lympha redundante ortis, deveni^t adhuc copiofior, hujufque per emeticum
evacuatio ferofam colluviem imminuet.

30. Febrium accefiiones naufea et vomitu plerumque ftipantur, aliifque
fymptomatibus, qute ventriculum male afiici fignificant. Caute tamen erit
diftinguendum, an ab ipfo vilcere, an ab ejus contentis, oriatur aegritudo :
alia enim curatio ventriculo, cujus membrante vexantur inflammatione, alia
corruptis fordibus gravato, inflammatione libero, fubminiftranda. Antiqui--
oribus haud adeo perfpeblum fuifle videtur, hoc vifeus morbis iftiufmodi aeque
eflfe obnoxium, ac aliud quodcunque ; donee Fredericus HofFmannus (b), in
fuis exercitationibus, hoc malum flupius obvenire docuit, quam vulgo creditur.
Signa pofuit diagnoftica, quibus fcopulos latentes vitaret medicus, in quos
facillime aiioquin impingeret incautus. Hacc omnia pro fuo more, cum largo
foenore in libello de cognofcendis et curandis morbis expofuit Boerhaavius, niti-
damque medendi methodum illi attexuit. Ab iftarum commotionum, qu?e in
febris initio toties ventriculo fuperveniunt, veri fontis infeitia, lites iftte folli-
cits inter pradlicos agitate, de emeticorum frudtu in hifee traflandis enato,
profluxerunt. Adverfus horum utilitatem hi ftrenue arguunt, effedtuum exi-
tialium adducunt teftes, et fronte torvo vituperant ufus. Alii fucceflus fa-

( a ) Forelli obferv. lib, xviii, obf. 3. (1) F. Hoffman. Differtationum Decad. 1.

lutares

1 6

Differ t a th medic a,

lutares ad iidera tollunt, nec minus indubitatam hiftoriarum fidem appellant,,
ad fuas partes firmandas. Et quidem facile liquet neutros a veritate penitus
aberrafle. Quantos etenim cruciatus induceret vomitorium ventriculo, cujus
vafa fanguine craffo turgent, et infarciuntur ■, cujus diftraefti nervi, leviflimo
contra ingefta ccllifu, atroces patiuntur dolores ; cujus denique tunicte dif-
tenfe tumore, duritie, atque dolore, phlcgmonem verum in corporis exteriori
natum omnino referunt. Quantas itaque clades in hoc rerum fitu editura eft
operatio cum tanta violentia conjunda ? Saepius autem vitia, ab inclufis con-
tentifque produda, moleftiarum autores exiftunt : tunc fane laude dignos
prasftat effedus, et Elippocratem, Sydenhamum, et clariftimos quofque in arte
viros, ufum eorum fancientes habemus ; nec non et ratio fuffulta praxi idem
effatur. (a) “Si vomitus, ait Sydenhamus, vel inanis aliqua vomendi pro-
“ penfio, interturbaverit segrum, medicamentum emeticum omnino praeferiben-
“ dum erit.” “ Namque, ut teftatur (b) Hippocrates, fi quis homini vomenti
<l aquam multam bibendam dare velit, Ux\v<r5r,&iTcu a <rvv tu cptTta,
“ toura) -y.lv to o i^/.iT of v: ot.\)iT o-i . ” Nec folum hoc cominodufti feenera-

tur, quinetiam et medico et aegrotanti per totum morbi decurfuum quaeftui
ingenti erit, uti ex Sydenhamo difeimus. (c) “ Sane vomitorium propinare,
tc ubi iftiufmodi prasgreffa eft vomendi proclivitas, adeo eft neceflarium, ut nifi
“ humor ille expellatur, in fentinam complurium malorum difficilium fit abi-
• “ turus, quae crucem figent medico toto durante medicationis tempore, regrum-
“ que in haud leve periculum conjicient. Ex horum prascipuis et maxime fo-
“ litis eft Diarrhoea, qure ut plurimum in defervefeentia febris confequitur, quo-
“ tiefeunque emetica, quando ea fuadebat indicatio, omiffa fuere. — Porro
“ etiam compertum habebis, etiamfi proclivitas ilia ad vomendum jam pridem
“ pneterierit, diarrhoeam tamen, quamprimum vomitorium exhibueris, ple-
“ rumque ceffaturarn, dummodo emetico ferendo pares fuerint asgri vires.”
Nec fane teterrimum rerum confpedtum vir egregius delineavit; namque pu-
trida hasc materies in ventriculo ftagnando magis putrida evadit, perque bi-
bula vaforum orificia, vacua jam per calorem et liquidi jadturam reddita, in
fanguinem ducitur, fc-rdibus malignis cruorem polluit, et febrem omni numero
farviorem feddit ; quae cuntfta feliciter anticipata fuiffent, li vomitorium, quam-
primum fe patefecit hsecce propenfio, fuiffet exhibitum. De emeticorum de-
leftu monitum hie quoque repetendum erit, fcil. quod ea eligamus, quae for-
■ dibus abluendis aptiffima, quae harum indoli adverfentur, eamque mutent vel
corrigant ; qua? denique diluentis vicem gerant, fi forte (quod pote eft)

(a) Sydenham, de merbis acatis § i. cap. 4.

(b\ Hippocrates de locis in homine,. Claf. zdae, p. 16. Edit. Men

fc) Sydenhamus ubi fupra.

porno

De Emeticorum XJfu , &c. 17

portio aliqua in fanguinem hauriatur. His intentionibus arrident clafie 1 may
§ 7. memorata, cum nonnullis ex § 8. decerptis efficaciora reddita ; oxymel
fcilliticum v. g. cum radice ipecacuanha ; haufto dein largil manu oxymelitc
fimplice, aliove liquore tenui, prout res nata fit.

31. Dum de febribus agitur, cautelam fas eft in memoriam revocare, quae
apud pradlicos plerofque proftat, nec praeteriri debet; fcil. quod in omnibus
morbis, ubi plethoram adefle, vel ad earn efie vergentem habitum, fua figna
demonftrant, et fimul segri conditio vomitorium poftulaverit, fanguinis mifiio
Temper praemittenda eft ; ne fortafle illud ingens conamen, et tetanus momen-
taneus, vafa diftenfa rumpat ; vel major faltem quam par eft fanguinis impetus
ad ea loca feratur, in quibus refiftentia minus firma vi cedat illatae ; difrupta
vafa fua liquida fundant, et immediate pereat aegrotus per apoplexiam, vel
haemoptroe, vel infanabili inde phthifi, pulmone labefadlato, tandem trucidetur;
aliifve vifeeribus pariter infradlis e medio tollatur. Ilia vomitio videtur op-
tima quae brevi poft fedlam venam cietur ; certius enim incommoda evitantur
a plenitudine caeterum oritura ; certius -fimul infequuntur emetici effeftus fa-
lubres, praefertim fi ex febrium genere fit morbus, qui utrumque expetit auxi-
lium. Depleta fiquidem per v. f. vafa, cito quandoque de novo turgent ; vel
ob fanguinis rarefadtionem, vel ejus audlam molem per largos potus, in quos
ardor et fitis ^grum impellunt, eadem nafeuntur ac prius incommoda : nec
ante repetitam v. f. exhibere licet emeticum, quod paucis poft primam eya-
cuationem horis tuto fuiftet propinatum.

32. In febribus intermittentibus mirum quid exfequi videtur Ila'iJWj?

quae effedtus quandoque exhibet ^que difficiles explicatu, ac fere ipfius morbi
natura. Licet enim illius fedes pr^cipua fit in extremis vafis fanguiferis, aut
aliquando forte in nervis ; humorum tamen evacuatio, qui in alvo colliguntur,
haud minimi eft momenti. Proliant fiquidem exempla hominum, qui vomitu
folo curati fuere ; hoeque vel fpontaneo, a benignis naturae aufpiciis excitato,
vel arte famulante indudlo ; dum interim fanguinis evacuatio, nifi in plethori-
ris, plerumque obfit, et grave medenti tsedium pariat. At repetita prudenter
emetica, corruptum in primis viis morbi fomitem fenfim confumunt, fubigunt,
fanguinis fiuxum accelerant ; morbum denique vel tollunt, vel tutam expediunt
febrifugo viam, quod csteroquin vel morbi’ fomitem figeret magis, vel eva-
cuatione, furfurn aut deorfum excitata, proprias fuas perderet vires.

33. Multiplices affedlat natura vias, per quas domitam febrium materiem,
aptatamque ut per portas arte cafuve recludendas eliminet, iterumque fanum
corpus reddat. Nunc per emundloria certis excretionibus afiueta, per falivam,
vornitum, feceflum, fudores aut urinas earn ejicit : nunc autem ad alia minus
idonea loca defpumationes emittit. Tumores ad exteriora nati, aliaque fimilia

D hujufmodi

i S Dijfertatio medica ,

h.uj u fmodi iunt. (a) “ Qit<£ educere oportet, quo maxime vergunt , eo ducito per
“ loca convenient la," omnibus eft regula bene nota. Si per falivam febrem ju-
dicatam fore conflet, manus auxiliatrices eo funt movendse. In vomitu idem
erit prreftandum, fi criticum eum efie novimus, vel a materia excitatum naturae
inimica ; fedandum verb, ft a ventriculo infiammato, et vomitus vomitu de-
mulceri nequit. Eadem res eft, ft per alia qusevis excretoria egredi tentet.
Quo diutius enim in corpore ftftitur coda fluenfque fanies, eo pejora creat in-
commoda. Trifle, fed verum hujus rei prsebet exemplum febris purulenta,
quae a reforpto tabo variolis fepius fupervenit, fecundaria plerifque nuncupata.
Nec maligna minus eft alius cujufcunque febris acutas materies critica pu-
trefcens, quae inftantem exigit evacuationem. Prsefto adfunt remedia, fingulis
evacuationibus promovendis deftinata: haec ufurpanda prout viam monftra-
verit natura. Advertendum tantum eft, quod uti materies morbi coda per
cutis fpiracula difflatur, corrupta labe ufque adeo inquinata ut fanos fsepe
polluat j ftmilis tamen ad interiora ventriculi et intellini, per horum exhalantia
vafa deponitur, cathartico nunc, nunc emetico feliciter auferenda ; ne forfan,.
(b) cc per morbos pojl judicationem intus relinquuntur, morborum reverfiones
“ faciant. Atque fuadet ea propter Celfus (c) ; Vomitum pofi febrem eliciendum

“ #

34. His numerofum morborum agmen liceat adjicere, qui bona et eximia
multa ab hoc fubfiaio mutuantur. Pauci enim ex chronicis exiftunt, qui eme-
ticorum ope non indigeant ■, fed eorum recenfto particularis ultra metas pro-
traheret orationem. Morbi enim plerique, puerilis aetatis afieclae, diathefis
rachitica, ftrumofa, faburra vermium fomes nidufque, vidlus errores, atque
ftmilia, fepe emeticis feliciter emendantur. Arthritis, hydrops, fcorbuti fta-
dium clementius, adultis infefta, quandoque lenimen ab evacuatione per fu-
periora fada fentiunt ; chlorofts et fluor albus molliori fexu, eadem faepe pof-
cunt auxilia. Catarrhus, diarrhoea, dyfentdria, coeliaca affedio, morbufque
omnis a ferofa colluvie natus, vomitorii commodum agnofcunt. Vix opus eft
memorare, quantum ad grandjevos annos comparandos conducant, idoneis
intervallis exhibita. Hodie non defunt homines, qui veterum confilii me-
mores, licet guise placends parum dediti, nec fcopis indigentes ad reliquias
crapularum auferendas, tanti seftimant vomitionem, ut bis terve per menfem
contradas in ftomacho fordes per fuperiora propellant. Illi, qui accuratam
maxime vivendi normam fervare ftudet, fsepius in potu viduque errare necefle
eft. Hinc ferius ocyufve culpa ingruit ventriculo, ibique formatur primo
morbi futuri ftamen : segritudo five naufea molefta interdum fentitur, minuitur
cibandi defiderium, aliaque imminent fymptomata, varia pro genio caufse

(a) Hippocratis Aphor. § i. Aph. 21. (h) Idem. § ii. Aph. 1 2.

(tj Celfi medicina, lib. iii. cap. 7.

vitiique

19

De Emeticorum Ufu , &c.

vitiique diverfo. Plerique ftatim ad tindturas celebres plantis amaris aromati-
cis, fpiritus ardentis ope elicitas, confugiunt, iftis confidunt, indulgent; donee
horum Tub jugum mi(Ti torrefadlis et efFoetis vifeeribus moriantur. Nullum
quidem remedium novimus, quod tot tantaque eis polliceri videtur, qui ad
cruditates generandas a vitae genere fedentario proclives funt ; natum enim
morbum aufert, caufam proximam delet, eradicat, acorem eluendo quae hanc
plerumque conftituit. Iis, itaque qui vitam ftudiofam degunt, vel quorum
corporis affedtus exercitationes motulque prohibent, qui denique artibus utun-
tur fellulariis, vel qui ob aliam quameunque caulam eifdem malis obnoxii
vivunt, iis, inquam, crebrum emeticorum ufum commendarem.

PARS ULTIMA.

De Emeticorum Ufu , a mochlica fud Virtute ■peterido.

35>rjpERTIUM adhuc fupereft quaefitum enodandum, quid fc. emetica
profint, quatenus vim exercent mechanicam, et virtute mochlica
expugnant morbos ? Quae itaque partes afficiuntur, quid patiuntur, quae in
reliquis exinde mutationes producuntur, et in toto corpore contingunt,
proxime ferutandum.

36. Contradtis itaque [§ 1.] mufeulis abdominalibus et rigefadlis, fere inftar
columns iftius ofieae, quae pofteriora tuetur, vi hujufmodi nulla movendae ;
compulfo fimul valide diaphragmate, cui inferius ofia pelvim conftituentia
immobilia opponuntur ; omnimodo ventris infimi capacitas angullatur, dum
hinc atque hinc, fuper fubterque, contenta ejus ardtifiime conftringuntur ; nec
pundtum fere in tota regione abdominali ingentis prefiurae expers reperitur ;
cujus vim admodum infignem efle teftatur vehementia, qua furlum exploduntur
ventris contenta : certa enim fuadent experimenta, nullam inelfe ventriculo
potenti-am contradtilem, quae ifta polfunt exhaurire ; donee confpirans fimul
partium modo memoratarum comprefiio fortis evacuationem integram abfol-
vat. Tantae ergo violentiae vifeera fubjedta mollia participes fiunt, unde in-
fignes utilefque effedtus exfpedtandi.

37. Ante'quam verb harum difquifitio inftituatur, incolarum abdominal ium
adtiones, m'ethodo fequenti, generation difponere haud alienum eft; ut per-
fpedlis horum muneribus, facilius cernantur mutationes morbofae, clariufque
patefcat quot quibufque modis in fubfidium venire pofiit comprefiio vehemens,-
mechanica, alterna, in haec vifeera.

38. Horum munera praecipua funt, imo, Ingeftorum praeparatio, ut naturae
egeftatibus fuccurrendis nata fit materies. ido , Hujus feparatio, ut qus re-
fedtioni apta fit ab ineptis amoveatur. 3H0, Ejufdem in fanguinem, per inftru-

D 2 menta

20

Differtatio medica,

menta extra abdomen pofttajam convert ulterior elaboratio. 4 to, Secretio
liquorum vitse ufibus egregie famulantium. 5/0, Denique partium folidarum
et fluidarum refidui, effoeti nunc fadti, a nutrititiis feparatio et ejedtio.

1 mo, Officinam prasparantem ventriculus et inteftina tenuia praebent. 'ido,
Fluidiora a craffis fegregant vafa ladtea et abforbentia. 3 tio, Sanguis ad ar-
terias am pi as meferaicas, casterafque per ventrem difperfas, perpetuam patitur
concuflionem, compreffionem reciprocam, propulfionem : quae omnia, in fplene
prssfertim, confpicua. 4 to, Cruor ita fubadtus, per appropriatas portas, v. g.
per hepar, pancreas, totamque glandularem catervam, ubique per infimum
ventrem difpofitam, perpetim emanat, indole et forma mutatis, juxta determi-
natas organi cujufque natural leges. 5 to, Ramenta crafiiora, corrupta, et per
tubum protrufa tempeftive excernuntur : fanguinis pars tenuis et aquofa, de-
tritis onufta falibus, oleifque nutritioni ineptis, per renes abit, conftituitque
urinam. Cundta ha;c officia, tempore eodem, et eodem auxilio promoven-
tur ; alternata fcil. et conftanti agitatione ; quse refpirationis eft comes aflidua
et neceftaria. Patet enim, quod ft fifteretur motus abdominis, et lenis ifta
fuccuflio ceffaret, nulla vis adefiet, quae per tot tamque anguftos tortuofofque
canales, ingenti interdum oneri fubjedlos (ut ii funt, qui per inferiora repunt)
contenta in eis ftuida propellere valeret 1 impetus quo vibrat cor, labori efiet
impar ; et inftgnis ilia poteftas, abforptio didta, qua fluida ex cavis intra venas,
hauriuntur, licet tanta ut nullis praefcriptis finibus coercenda fit, cito deficeret.
Nam fponte nata vifciditas, celfante motu externo, canales paulatim obturaret,
atque in exilibus tubulis tot impedimenta deponeret, ut fenftm in omnibus
progrefius brevi tolleretur, in quibufdam vifceribus, vel in omnibus, prout
malum proferpfifiet latius, aut ardtiora caftra metaflfet. Et quidem morborum
iEtiologia demonftrat, plurimos ex eis, qui abdom'ini infenfi funt, ex hac vei
ifta, vel utrifque fimul caufis nafci. Remedium igitur attenuans, motumque
properans, prae caeteris indicatur.

39. Nifu itaque vomitus, vifcerum ftiperficies contra fe mutuo valide com-
primuntur, eorum moles imminuitur, compinguntur tranantia fluida, atterun-
tur, propelluntur j adverfus canalium latera ufgentur, et qua datur exitus.
confeftim exprimuntur. Hinc fecretio fit expeditior, celerior expulfio ; craffi
refolutio, ejufque fubadlio et ejedtio ; denique adtionum omnium [§ 37.] ma-
turatio, organis ipfis vigor, et, omnibus fuperatis obftaculis, agendi facilitas j
ex quibus primarib pendent et quantitas et qualitas iftarum lecretionum, quse
fanitatis praefidia haberi poffunt.

40. Interior ventriculi cavus conferto glandularum agmine vafifqtre exha-
lantibus obftdetur, ex quarum ofculis, villofis, flexilibus, aflidub fluit humor,
quo lubricus madidufque fervatur ipfe, defenduntur ab aflfumptorum injuriis
nervi, promovetur chylopoiefts. Humorum verb craflities., five indoles mu-

7 cofa.

De Emeticorum Ufu , See. 21'

cofa, qui haec loca fahitant, accedente motu languidiore (prioris plerumque
comite) neceflario fecretionem minuit tardatque ; glandulas infarcit vifeidis,
fenfimque munus earum evertit. Hinc gaftrici fluoris penuria, cruditas inde
et indigeftio, appetitus deletus, aut nimius, ftomachi ardor, aliquando naufea
fitifque. Eadem quandoque occurrunt mala, ab arefada fordium crufta ca-
vitati ventris obduda ; ficuti poft febrem acutam diuturnam, ubi vuigus ad-
ftans, aut medicus. forte crudelior, injufte naturae pofeenti ipfam lymphanr
denegabant. Diluentia in hifee cafibus haud fufficiunt ; haec enim ulterius
laxant vafa; hinc tardius propulfa fluida cundando brevi craflefcunt, haud
parvo labore iterum folvenda. His infortuniis iftud remedium haud infimi
ufus eft, quod praeltat effedus fupra enarratos [§ 29.] Inftar enim pulmonis,
alterius totum abdomen cenfendum eft. Munera quidem fibi propria fingula
vifeera nancifcuntur, fed motus fupervenit aliunde, quo perpetua fluidorum
in unoquoque mutatio inducitur, provehitur ; perinde ac in pedore res agi-
tur, miftio fell. compreflio, attritio, folutio, atque fimilia : ejufdem caufae
effedus idem, licet organis diverfis abfolvatur. Vomitu itaque citb perficitur,
quod lentis vicibus- confequi nitebatur, fed incafium, natura.

41. Alvus conftrida, fegnis, et folitariae vitas affueta comes, haud nafeitur
faepius quam a deficiente muco inteftinali, et liauoris gaftrici, glandularum
et vaforum [§ 40.] fobolis abfentia. Hie enim molles fluidafque faeces red-
dere debet ; ille vero lapfum facilem iis conciliare. Caufa defedus eadem,
ac fupra [§ 40.] memorata, et levamen eadem medela, adfeito motus et exer-
citationis auxilio, tentandum. Ab hoc folo fonte femper enafei malum non
afteritur ; at verb ft ab alio quocunque femel fuerit inceptum, augmentum
exinde capit, et alvus fegnis tandem aftrida devenit. Faeces quidem edu-
cunt xarw purgantia blanda, praefens auferunt incommodum, moleftias iftiuf-
modi ftatus plerumque confortes leniunt. Si verb remediis, qure tarn pul-
chra prae fe ferunt, nimis indulgeat aeger, queries alvus obftipata reducit
asrumnas, fecutura nocumenta vix evitabit. Talia funt, alvus adhuc aftridior,
humiditate omni cum faecibus eduda, et vifeerum oppilationes, infardiones a
crafib relido. Duplici itaque de caufa [§ 34, 40.] fefe commendat emelis,
hominibus iftis, qui vita fruuntur inerti j quatenus fcilicet et expellit cruda, .
et vifeidos attenuat liquores, accelerando motum, et proinde humedantis
optimi vice fungendo.

42. Ventriculum et inteftina gravat nonnunquam vitiurn priori oppofitum -T
fcilicet aquofi laticis diluvium, quo fubmerfa ilia fatifeunt, calorem amittunt,
et inltrumenta rnuneri vitali dicata huic obeundo imparia hunt. Gravitas et
languor circa praecordia ; fputatio frequens ; edendi cupido perexigua ; aquofe
colluviei ejedio per os, mane prtefertim infefta; naufea gravis brevi defmens ;

fedes

2 2 Dijfertatio medica ,

fedes liquids*, crebrae, doloris expertes ; una cum corporis univerfi debilitate,
inertia, atque pallore hanc indicant illuviem, fimulque ferofam folutamque
fanguinis indolem. Memorata fymptomata corredlionem haud obfcure in-
nuunt. ExprelTio liquidi redundantis, et robur additum canaliculis primo
necelfaria funt, turn fecutura inde compadla fanguinis crafis, et mutata dia-
thefis pituitofa : his imprimis conferunt emetica. Hinc itaque patet cur ven-
trem folutum vomitus comprimat, comprefifum folvat, juxta Hippocratis pla-
citum CaJy Celfo repetitum, ratumque.

43. Pancreatis llrudtura et munus, fali valium glandularum aemula, illud
objiciunt fimilibus malis, fecretioni nempe impeditae, vel nimi^. Utrique
prodell emeticum ; obllrudlionem quippe, fi non nimis pertinax fit, referat,
exuberantem laticem potenter emungendo exficcat.

44. Inferius paulo, ab ofculis ladteorum exfuguntur liquefacla ingefta, qute
llatim ad glandulas meferaicas feruntur. Tardus iftorum motus, et vafcula
tarn exilia et tortuofa tenuiorum a crafiis feparationem promovent, dum diffi-
cile reddunt chyli ad fanguinem iter; illis prascipue qui debili ftamine po-
tiuntur, pravifque fimul vefcuntur efcis ; vel quibus harum partium llrudlura
mala contingit. Imprudens aetas, temperies fequax, et vidlus crudioris male-
fuada fames, pueritiam, prae aliis vitae ftadiis, morbis ex infardlis et tumefadlis
glandulis meferaicis opportunam reddunt. Caufae fimiles in adultis limiles
edunt morbos, fed rariores ; nam reipfa conftat puerulis hujufmodi infardtiones,
glandulas abdominales occupantes, frequentiores devenire. Illis enim annis
/ix nobis occurrunt epulae gratiores, quam frudtus crudi, immaturi, legumina
et farinacea vifcida, et, fi magis indilfolubiles pariat natura cibos, illis utimur
imprimis, eos importune petimus, eventus luxuriofae gul^ nulla fadta ratione.
Inde mafia tenax in alvo formatur, quae in fluorem v, lcidum, vix nili forma
mutatum, tandem refolvitur, dilabitur e llomacho, occurrit bili inerti, ea di-
luitur, vix tamen folvitur : tenuior pars abit in ladlea, brevi prae tenacitate
haefura ; quotidie renovator caufa, crefcit augeturque obllrudlio, durior evadit
tumor, vicina comprimit, aditum in venas claudit, atrophia nafcitur, et ho-
munculus indies marcefcit. Vel, fi ad tantam fevitiem morbus non attigerit,
nec penitus obturentur glandulae, imperfedlus chylus fanguini affunditur,
eumque labe contaminat ; fecreta, cruoris proles, vitiantur, affedlis ubique
fere glandulis ; eifque praecipue tumefadlis, quae collum faciemque obfident :
unde vultus fit praetumidus, torvus, et veram llrumam, aut diathelin ed ver-
gentem, adelfe defignat. Tetrica certe rerum facies haec, et medenti nodus
intortus; fuum enim robur perdidere folida, jullo vifcidius fluida coguntur :

(a) Celfi medicina, lib. i, cap. 3.

hinc

De Emeticorum XJfut See. 23

hinc depravantur, et quas affumptorum mutationem in corporis naturam ut
plurimum debebant perficere, earn imperfebtam relinquunt. Prasterea, glan-
dulis obturatis, praecluditur ipfe meatus, per quern novas vires ad fanguinem
mitti oportebat. Hue adde quod femel oppilatae glandularum cryptre diffi-
cilius purgentur, et muneri fuo minus aptre reddantur : unde facile conftat, act
morbum adeo pervicacem debellandum omni fubfidii genere utendum efle.
Tumorum refolutio imprimis tentanda, ut vit£e pabulum, depravatis medela,
robur debilibus, quantum vibtu et remediis fieri poffit, fubminiftrentur.
Deinde partium, in quibus mali fedes, ita firmanda crafis, ut gravantia li-
quida fubigant,. expellant ; curata interim vivendi norma. Qui fitum mefen-
terii callet, intelligit facile, quanta cum violentia, nifu vomitus, illud unde-
quaque prematur; et quinam inde futuri fint effebtus in glandulas recens in-
farbtas : in vicina foeda fpurcitie cumulata [§ 39.] in pancreas eadem fcatens
[§ 43.] in ventriculum denique, furfum evocando liquores acres [§ 34.] hunc
infeftantes, et novas fubinde vires morbo fuppeditantes. Sedulo autem per-
quirendum erit, fi integra fint vifeera, fi nullo ulcere corrupta, fi a labe pu-
trefeente penitus immunia ; fin minus, imprudens emefis hominem lredet.
Idem quoque verum eft, fi ex fola laxitate continui folutio metuatur : tunc
enim virtus mechanica parcius adhibenda eft. Nil fere aliud prohibet, nec
magni fruftus fpes erit inanis, dirmmodo mobiiis fit obftipans materies, et
repetita vomitoria commode ferant asgri vires.

45. Inter caetera abdominalia fplen vifeus eft tenerrima compage donatum,
cujus columnae carneae, mufculofae, ad fluxilem firmandam fabricam, plus
quam ad infignem cruoris quam accipit copiam propellendam, aptatae viden-
tur; nec labori par eft arterias robur, aut cordis impetus, per vaforum nume-
rum, et anfra<5tus tortuofus, retufus. His verb fuccurrit affidua et lenis agi-
tatio, quam connexio fplenis cum diaphragmate, mufculorum abdominalium
propinquitas, pofitio pendula, ifti conciliant. Atque per has caufas praecipue
fanguinis progreflum per vafa lienalia confervari cenfendum eft. Ideoque fi
motus afluetus fiftatur, vel diu minuatur, (ut in eis fit, qui vita utuntur dc-
fide, et domi peradta) cunftatur in cellulis cryptifque fanguis, evadit crafiior,
et maximo cum*obftru<51:ionis periculo res agitur ; quum debita mobilitas, et
impetus affuetus, facilis liberique transfluxus autores, ceflant. Diverfa morbi
astas, caufa diverfa varium poftulant lenimen ; nec una medendi ratio lienofis
omnibus convenit. Si recens infarctio, nec ingens durities j fi ab exercitatio-
nibus omiflis, et ex acriore abhibita rei cuicunque cura nafeatur ; fi gravedo
diftenfione dolens, nec copiofa materies, atque temperies tvtpogos quoad cretera,
compreftio mochlica cum frudtu poteft adhiberi. Si verb durities fchirrum
indicet tabtu, aut fi prtegrefia febris inflammatum lienem in .puris facculum

converterit.

24- 'DijJ'ertatio me die a,

converterit, ad alia fugiendum remedia, ne fchirrus irritatus in cancrura
abeat ; vel perruptis clauftris, quibus pus coercetur, purulento diluvio fub-
mergatur abdomen, aut fordida tabe obruatur hepar.

46. Inter morbos, qui jecori infenfi Hint, feeda ifta, et luteo colore cutirn
inficiens aurigo, faspiflime fenfibus fe prodit. Caufas hujus mali proximas in
feriptis medicis plurimas invenimus ; fingulas autem enarrandi vel difeutiendi
laborem mihi minuit elegantis illius exercitationis autor, qui de idtero tradta-
tulum Tentaminum Med. vol. 1 mo (a) inferuit. Casterum cum egregio viro,
qui nomen fuum latere voluit, cenfere licet, longe frequentifilmas idleri cau-
fas calculos efle, in vefica fellea fatos, per meatum tortilem ex ea derivatos,
et limine nimis angufto haerentes. Nam praster hiftorias, quas ipfe audtor
adducit, ratiocinia ejus plurimum ftabilire videtur alia, (b) quae volumine
fequente traditur. Si itaque haec fit vera rerum facies, (ut maxime verofimile
videtur) caeteris remediis mechanica funt anteferenda : ambulatio, equitatio,
aliique motus quibus fortiter jabtatur corpus, in hunc cenfum vocantur, ut
eorum ope lapillus ab anguftiis extrudatur, et bilis reprefTa effundatur. De-
feenfum fane egregie promovent auxilia recenlita fed deficiunt nonnunquam,
et duriori cuneo morbus indiget. Si unquam profit emeticum virtute qua-
vis mechanica ; unquamve fperandi effebtus hujus falubres ; et morbi fedes,
et caufas genius, hie mentem frubtus fpe labtant, nec faepe inani. Haufto
enim copiofe liquore, turgidulus fotu tepefabto faccus, ipfi fere dubtui
conftribto apponitur, eumque laxat ; dum urget a tergo bilis, ingenti con-
tractions [§ 36.] protrufa. Aut fi caufas alibi ponamus, v. g. in poro
biliario, in primo ejus exortu a portarum extremis, aut ubiyis prasterea,
eafque materiem craffam, purulentam, vel hterentes lapillulos agnofeimus j
haud minimae efficaciEe erit emeticum, fi artis adjumento malum debellari
poffit,

47. Per fympathiam, ob commune nervorum confortium inter ventriculum
atque renes, perque motus turbafque in illo concitatos, quotiefeunque hi
dolore afficiuntur, viam indigitafle videtur dux natura, qua fedibus excutiatur
quicquid inimicum foret renibus diuturniore mora. 1 mo, Gypfea, mucofa,
purulenta materies hie nata, vel per metaftafin aliunde hue provebta, craflior
quam quas per exiles canalium fines exire pofiit, vel egrefia diutius quam fas
eft in finu renali iftabulans, augmentum quotidie capit, mole crefcit, vicina
premit, vel atterit, et cruciatus atrocifiimi exifti aubtor. Saepe formatus jam
calculus cafia in ureterem, hofpiti tanto recipiendo nimis anguftum, protru-
ditur; cujus tunicae mufculofas, fenliles, fcabra lapilli fuperficie rafas, arbtius

fa) Medical Eflays, &c. Vol. i. Article 33. ( b ) Idem, Vol. ii. Article 28.

hunc

De Emeticorum Ufa, &c. 25

hunc comple&untur, et ulterior! progrefiui fortius obftant, faevientibus interim
doloribus omnem fere tolerantiam fuperantibus. V. S. imprimis celebrata,
univerfalibus et topicis ftridtura tollenda eft j deinde vis mochlica praeftat quod
arte praeftandum. Nec unica hsec eft vomitorii virtus in hoc morbo, fed fo-
ment! vicem gerit epotus liquor, qui cum injedto clyimate balneum internum
faciunt, quod aquofo fuo halitu relaxat contradturas, et, ventris infimi con-
tenta adaugendo, in renes aut ureteres vim magis intendit.

ido, Morbofa renum flacciditas, infradto vaforum robore, tale nonnunquam
emitti patitur aquofi laticis profluvium, ut fpeciem iftius morbi fimulet, qui
Aia&irjjf Graecis appellatur. Exit crebro urinae aquofae, tenuis, decolorate,
odoris faporifque pene expertis, copia fpedtabilis ; fitis adeft molefta, virium
proftratio, fluidorum ingens difpendium, et folidorum detritio. Pejor morbi
fpecies ea eft, in qua fit effluxus liquoris albicantis, chylofi, fubdulcis, reli-
quifque ftipata fignis, quae propria huic morbo dedit praxis vetuftior, et
comprobat hodierna. Licet enim morbus rarifiimus, cernitur tamen aliquando.
Sive jam natus fit a relaxatis renum vafis, five a fluidorum difloluta crafi, five
ex alia quacunque zrpo<px<rt i, uti loquitur (a) Sydenhamus, <c Curativae indi-
“ cationes, ad fanguinem corroborandum, invigorandum, ac pariter ad fluxum
“ urinae praeternaturalem reftringendum omnino dirigendae funti” cui addere
licet, ad morbofam renum laxitatem auferendam.

Quae de virtute emetici exficcante fupra [§ 42.] di<fta funt fatis evincunt,
quantum prioribus indicationibus haec refpondeant. Renum fitus, oflibufque
duris vicinitas, quid mochlice ii patiantur oftendunt, et quam fortiter impetus
humidum redundans ex ipfa renum fubftantia emungat. Sane excutit quod-
ammodo macerantem lympham, et amiflum tonum fibris elatere fuo privatis
reftituit.

48. Vix opus eft monuifle, quam immaniter uterum farcina tumentem com-
primant mufculi [§ 36.] fpafmo validiflimo contradti. Propius igitur inftante
partus exclufione, fedulo fugienda funt quaecunque iftis calcar addunt. Sed
eandem ob caufam videre eft, quanta fpes ab eodem fonte profluat, fi partu-
rienti deficiant vires et repetito conamine eoufque robur profternatur, ut
quamvis fitu legitimo potiatur infans, nec juftam molem multo exfuperet,
nec adeo ardletur exitus, quin par operi potentia partum produceret; emeti-
cum, quod prompte, quod potenter agat, quod cito coercendum, faufte fiepe
rem peragit ; nec tumultus, calores, aut incendia febrilia parit, quae comites
■ atque lequaces fibi adfcifcunt aromata, et praefertim ardentes fpiritus iftis acu-
minati, et ejufmodi plura, quae ab aniculis, fuo more, in magnum plerumque
cegrae incommodum affatim porriguntur.

Alii funt uteri affedlus, qui levamen ab eodem remedio capiunt : quum
verb, licet ultimas fedes in hoc vifcere pofuerint, vitia tamen per totum cor-

(a) Sydenharai Epill. Refp, oper. p. 272,

E

pus

26

Differtatio medica ,

pus difpergunt, hse tanquam effedtus generalis caufae fpedlandae. Fomes ita-
que in univerfo habitu delendus, priufquann utero redierit priftina falus. Quan^
turn huic intentioni arrideat emeticum, poftea dicendum.

Perfpedtis hoc pa6to fingulatim praecipuorum vifcerum culpis, faltem quae a
remediis mochlicis commoda accipiunt, effedtus qui totum corpus refpiciunt
perpendendi, et mutationes indagandse, operationis tantae progenies.

49. Prater infignes vaforum truncos, qui ventrem pervadunt, qui ad or-
gana diverfa fanguinem deportant, qui ab extremis referunt, quique in unum
colledti portarum ftirpem conftituunt ; milleni iftorum furculi vifcera per-
reptant, et variis ambagibus iter tentantes, plures formofofque vaforum plexus
conftituunt ; per quos aftlduo propelluntur humores inquilini. Per vomitum
vaforum fitus, magnitudo et figura omni momento variantur, ita ut adtio nata
fit pulmonum adtioni ftmillima. Si verb numerum vaforum abdominalium,
et vim quae eis eorumque contends nifu voraitorio applicatur, in cenfum re-
voces, pulmonum vires,, et adtiones maxime potentes longe fuperari videas*
Adde quod hoc ipfo temporis pundto, ftrenuius multo ab iis res geratur quam
folito more fit. Inferre itaque nil vetat uniufcujufque munus fanguificandi
fummopere exinde provehi; id eft, compadtio, denfatio, attritio, folutio,
mifcela cruori eximib conciliantur.. His quoque famulatur audta fanguinis
velocitas ; comprimuntur enim arterial, et quae per ventrem vadunt, quaeque
etiam per artus difpertiuntur. Mufculi enim plerique leviori tetano, dum
nifus inftat, horrefcunt, ut euivis patebit hominem evomentem fpedlanti. Muf-
culi, qui pedtus humerofque ambiunt, fuftentant coltas figuntque ; exporredta
brachia fuffulciunt corpus, quibus opitulantur illi mufculi qui dorfum veftiunt,
antrorfum curvatam fpinam in fitu commodiftimo detinendo,; crura rigefcunt,.
et inftar immobilis ftat'use £ger ore hiante vomitus infultum exfpedlat. Vafa
itaque fanguifera mufculorum comites, aeque ac abdominalia, preffurae fub--
jiciuntur, et eadem pati debent minuuntur arteriarum diametri ; ruit ergo
compreffum fiuidum quo patet exitus ; receffum prohibe.t urgens ejufdem a
tergo columna j progredi necsffe eft, ocyus itaque venas. appetit harum tu-
nicae minus rigidas facilius vi cedunt externse ; idem itaque his accidit, cortv
orimitur nempe pelliturque fanguis ; valvulae frequentes pedem revocare ve.-
tant, pergit ergo celerius et pleniori fluvio ad cor accedit ; inde crebro re<-
petitis idt'ibus perculfus, propere curfus iterat eofdem.. Praedidta docent, nac
obfeure ; imp, Hsematopoiefm emendari. ido , Secretiones. augeri,. 3 tia,

Solidamo.vis viribus inftaurari. 4 to, Denique fanguinis momentum intend!,
et fepofitis impedimentis. circulo liberiori frui. Atque ex hifee principiis fa-
cile patebit, , quinam fint morbi -rift. pi, et quare tot tantaque, .

tum. in huida, turn in folida, efheiat vomitorium : in paucis tamen ejufmodh
morbis horum ufus perftringere hand a propofito alienum erit.

50. Pneterita jam hyeme, folida, acri gelu prius rigefeentia, laxantur ite~

rum,.

De Emeticofum Ufa, 6cc. 27

rum, atque fluida, ab enervatis vafls minore impetu propulfa, verno tepore
fpiflefcunt, et levi de caufa in extremis vafculis fiftuntur, deficiente quoque
confueto folidorum robore ; aeris humiditas fordes accumulat, et corpus debile,
fascibus gravatum, multis malis opportunum reddit. Inducit fortafle natura
febrem benignam intermittentem, quae moleftum onus brevi excuteret, fanum
vegetumque corpus daret, fi fibi commifla ab opere non deturbaretur. Urget
tamen querulus aeger, diftis amaris medicum laceflit, et fpreto confilio, forte
ab aniculis intempeftivum morbi levamen, millenis ftepius malis ftipatum, fibi
comparat. Emeticum fecundat naturae aufus ; et, fi radicitus haud exftirpet,
tutam tamen expedit in fanitatem viam [§ 32.] etiam faspius repetitum pro-
deft. Febris intermittens autumnalis emetici fubfidium haud minus efflagitare
videtur, turn ad amurcas ex primis viis exhauriendas, turn ad vitia, quorum
radices altius ha;rent, corrigenda.

51. Febris lenta, continua, morbo priori affinis, gradu major, ab eifdem
forte caufis, idem circa tempus, quandoque gralfatur ; immobilior videtur ma-
teries, quaeque diuturno naturae labore nullo modo fubigi vel expelli poflit :
hinc nulla remiflio; parum tamen mordax eft, ergo haud impetu magno
exardet. V. S. cum fanguine emittit vires, quae in hac febris fpecie fatifcunt
nimis j alvi fubdudtio, ft lenis, parum confert, ft fortius res agatur, debilitat.
Naturae inceptis favere medici eft ; febri ergo flammae fubjiciendae, ut irritos
conatus abfolvat, crafla fubigat, et expellat fubafta quo nocitura non funt.
" At fi frigus eft et torpor, inquit Celfus ( a), et jaftatio corporis ; non alie-
“ num eft, in ipfa febre, dare mulfi tres aut quatuor cyathos, vel cum cibo
“ vinum bene dilutum. Intenditur enim faepe ex eo febris, et major ortus
“ calor fimul et priora mala tollit, et fpem remiftionis, inque ea curationis,
“ oftendit.” Nec quidem minora ab emeticis efficiuntur. Adeft nempe
vis infjgnis fpirituum motum accelerans [§ 18, 19.] evacuantur fordes in ven-
tre latentes [§ 30.] vifcida fubiguntur, ft qute abdominis incolas obftdeant
[§ 39.] denique fanguinis intenditur curfus, et augentur fecretiones [§ 49, n.
2, 3, 4.] tenues, per exteriora pra?fertim.

Neque ulla fortafle eft methodus efftcacior vel utilior, qua fudor elici po-
teft, quam poft exhibitum vomitorium ; non modo enim in ipfa operatione
copiofus plerumque exprimitur, fed exteriora verfus tarn valide truduntur li-
quida attenuata [§ 49.] ut dimotis obftaculis, quae orificia cutanea claudunt,
eflluant pleno rivo humores iftuc determinati. Atque hue egregie confert
opiatum, quod poft emeticum dari optimo conftlio fuadent pradlici. Vomi-
torium prsterea evocat fquallorem primas vias foedantem, et praecavet ne ex-
hibito hydrotico, eoque difperfo per corpus fomite, manus hoftiles in vifeera
convertantur.

f a) Celfi Mcdicina, lib. 3. cap. 5.

E 2 52, Eadem

28

Dijfertatio medica,

52. Eadem dodrina innuit quanti fit ufus emeticum in tenui acrique ca-
tarrho, in afthmate humorali, aliifque ejufmodi morbis a frigore correpto
natis } quum fciz. retenta materies perfpiranda, vafa eoufque inerti fluido re-
plet, ut fundiones omnes poenas luantj quum gravitate pigra fenfus hebefcant,
et ad ftateram fere corporis pondus audum effe diceres j diftenfa denique vafa
doleant, partefque fenfiles £gre laceflantur. Cum hsec et alia ejufmodi
fymptomata fe produnt, remedium exhibendum eft, quod portas referare, li-
quores fuperfiuos expellere, atque folitam agendi facilitatem corpori reftituere
pofiit. Haud parum his confert emefis j et quacunque corporis parte asgri-
tudo fuas fedes pofuerit his caufis orta, multum valere pofiit. Ponamus
glandulas, cseteraque vafa circa fauces et collum, tanta fcatere aquarum copia,
ut defluxionem brevi adfore indicent figna, vis mochlica faepe falutaris eft.
Rubens etenim tumenfque facies, oculi fcintillantes lachrymis fuffufi, liquore
fuo madefadi nares, et falivse mucique rivulum fundentes oris fauciumque
lacunae glandulofe, conatus emetici nunquam non comites, liquidd demon-
ftrant quanta cum vi appetat has oras fanguis, et quantus in vafcula obftipata
impetus fit : dum canales oflei cedere nefcii, et infignes vertebralium et
carotidum internarum arcus et afcenfus obliquitas cruoris ad cerebri appulfum
valde retundunt : fluxilis ergo hujus compages minus periclitatur, impetu ut
plurimum extrorlum determinate ; parum tamen introrfum vis au<fta devenit.,
Et partim forte hinc, partim a virtute ftimulante et evacuante, ratio patebit
cur in vertigine, hemicrania aliifque fimilibus, vomitus tanti fit ufusj cur
in epilepfia quandoque in fenibus adeo profuerit, ut fatentur obfervatorum
feripta ; cc Inveteratam epilepfiam, quse etiam per xx annos aegrum traxit,
“ curatam novi, inquit Hoffmannus (a), ab emeticorum ufu et fpecificis
11 antiepilepticis ex animali regno petitis.” Nec mihi defunt hiftoris fimiles,,
at referre prohibent limites pr^eferipti.

53. Impedit eadem ratio, quo minus horum ufus in. variolis diftinfte enan-
retur; non modd quatenus evacuant, et avertunt alioqui futura mala [§ 30.]
fed ob alios etiam quibus potiuntur effedrus [§ 49.] et eximias inde ma-
nantes mutationes. Puftulis refertam effe cutim ponamus, vafcula perfpi-
ratoria ita comprefia ut coadam materiem vis folita nequeat protrudere : hoc-
in cafu contentorum moles augetur;. calor febrilis ita ad interiora exteftuat,,
ut organa intus exhalantia adeo arefada, vel alioquin obftipata evadant,
ut fuum munus exfequi non poflint. Ex utraque parte- cohibetur idcirco
fluidum, quod diuturnum nimis circuitum jam. patitur,. quodque longiore
mora pefiima mala pariturum eft. Calor enim nimius acrimoniam gignit,
unde ftimulus partibus nervofis : hinc iterum febrilis sftus fitifque, fortafie

(a) HofFmanni di/Fertat. Decad, 1. p. 204..

delirium^

De Emetic or urn Ufa , &c. 29

delirium, huic fupervenit; ab audla fluidorum mole anxietas praecordia in-
feitat : quum interim calore craffiora deveniunt fluida, coagulantur, et inepta
magis redduntur ad exitum fibi aperiendum per ea loca quse fepe indigitat
natura, fciz. per fauces vel inteftina. Exigunt haec mala coagulati in vafis
exhalancibus utriufque loci refolutionem, evacuationem, reliquifque conciliatam
fluiditatem, nec audla interim febre plufquam per lene opiatu u tuto coerceri
queat. Qui prnedidla [§ 13, i3, 39, 49.] de emeticorum eftedlibus, turn in
fluida, turn in folida, in mentem revocaverit, haec non inepta efle auxilia,
imo aptiflima forfan pncdicabit. De febribus acutis agens Sydenhamus hsc
profcrt. (a ) “ Snepe miratus fum, inquit, dum forte materiem vomitu re-
“ jedlam aliquando curiofe contemplabar, eamque neque mole valde fpec-
,f tabilem, nec pravis qualitatibus infignem, qui fadtum fuerit, ut asgri tan-
« turn lcvaminis exinde fenferint ; ncmpe vomitu peradlo feva ilia fympto-
“ mata (naufe.i v. g. anxietas jadlationes, fufpiria ludluofa, lingua; nigredo,
“ &c.) quae et ipfos excruciarant, et adftantes perterrefacerent, mitigari fo-
«c lent ac folvi, quodque morbi reliquum ell lu6ufa; tolerari.” Quum verd
ex antea didlis pateat, fluida crafla folvi, canales obturatos reddi tranabiles,
totum corpus arefadtum humedlari, fimulque nociva expelli, mirandum non
ell levamen tarn fubitum inde evenire.

54. Beneflciis fic curfim enarratis, quae ab emeticis lucrantur morbi acu-
tiores, via fternitur ad alios, in quibus occafio minus prjeceps, nec adeo fal-
lax experientia, licet judicium fatis difficile. Vomitoria certe ifli morborum
cohorti praecipue adverfari videntur, qui vel in ipfo ventriculo, vel in vifce-
ribus prope fitis ortum fedemque obtinent, et hujufmodi omnes fere morbi
chronici funt. Vitia enim hinc nata longe lateque brevi difpertiuntur, iterum-
que effedtus temeratas falutis ad hsc loca revertuntur. Hoc nullibi clarius
confpicitur, quam in eis morbis, qui cum mentis alienatione junguntur, qui-
que a pravo vidlu,. vel in eo aflumendo errore, ut a caufa proxima eveniunt.
Licet enim ab animi pathematibus, ab evacuationibus, aliifve caufis remotiori—
bus enafcantur, vidlus tamen inepta ratio fepe conflituit propiorem. In-
numeri nervorum fiirculi ad ventriculum emifli, neque ad ipfius nutritionem,
neque ad motum quemlibet provehendum tantummodo comparati funt, fed
potius ad chylificandi operam adjuvandam. Difperfis itaque nimia copia fpi-
ritibus, perditur ex caufis fanitatis una ; afluetae fcil. ciborum menfurs, in
noftri naturam mutandae, imparia deveniunt inftrumenta: affueta tamen men-
fura afliimitur, et dum caetera aequalia non funt, neceftarid enafcitur indi-
geftio, et inde alia mala. Haec origo fepiflime eft affedtionis hypochon-
driacae,. et reliquorum quandoque graduum mentis iaefe, a vacillatione le-

(a) Sydenhami Op. fe&. i. cap. 4.

vifllma

go "Differ tatio medic a,

viffima ad fummam ufque infaniam. Docent phenomena hujus morbi in
fluidis prse primis hasrere culpam, hancque efle nimiam craflitiem, five par-
tium mobilifiimarum difflationem : hte funt fpiritus animales, halitus cruoris
vaporofi, et aquea dein ejus elementa, quorum minus majufve difpendium
morbum efficit leniorem vel graviorem, dum fanguis per varios fpiffitudinis
gradus tranfit, donee in veram bilem, a veteribus atram diftam, degeneret.
Quodcunque de hujus morbi natura cognitum habemus, prseceptis chemicis
ut plurimum acceptum referendum eft, quorum ope hie, uti etiam in aliis
bene multis, plurima phasnomena, alioquin abdita prorfus, deteguntur. Ex
chemica fanguinis analyfi conftat, difflatis aquofis fuperefie faiina, oleofa,
terreftria, diverfimode conjuncfta, fanitatis muneribus parum apta, utpote quse
.crafliora et leviora fanguine fano. Eadem etiam chemia fidis experimentis
demonftrat, oleum, falem, terramque unita, plus aeris in fe continere, quam
aquam reliquis conjun&am. Hujus teftis fit calculus humanus. Ergo folida
prajpollent fluidis, ocyus htec circumaguntur, et augetur tenuioris difpendium,
dum craflefcens reflduum intimam cum diluentibus admiftionem refpuit.
Ingefta haud fatis fubafta morbo addunt, vifeera molliora obftipant, aftionem
minuunt tolluntve : hineque fplenis, hepatis, hypochondriorum oppilationes,
tumores, dolores. Sanatio requirit vifeido reftitutionem fluoris et mifcibili-
tatis. Hasc fiunt per diluentia, faponacea et attritum. Diluentia fola pa-
rum valere oftendit expofita morbi natura : fola faponacea, efticaciora licet,
raro fufheiunt; adjuvantibus verb attritu et calore omnem quam poflident
vim exerunt, docente chemia. Denique attritus in hoc morbo raro per fti-
mulantia vulgaria intenditur, quin hasc ftepe nociva comperta fint. Inde qui-
dem augetur fanguinis celeritas, fed flmul augetur ejufdem rarefaftio. Com-
pertum autem eft attritum elfe in ratione celeritatis, foliditatis, et com-
preflionis. Si itaque auftas rarefaflionis ratio fuperet rationem auftae celerita-
tis, inde non modo non augebitur attritus, fed, e contrario, minuetur. Pof-
tulatur itaque remedium quod fanguinis celeritatem intendat, rarefeentiam
cohibeat. Tale, in nifu vomitus, reperiri, facile ex prsegreflis liquet. Hinc
obiter patet utilitas fubmerlionis in aqua frigida.

; 55. Huic morbo ex diametro opponi videtur hydrops, in quo lympha ferofa
vifeera fubmergit, et pallefcens fanguis corpus deturpat ingrato colore, docet-
que aquam exuberare, et vitio diverfo, oleum, terrain, falemque deficere.

Difpofitione pituitofa in fluidis fuborta (quse a multiplici caufa fit, qua-
.xum aliquas haud inconcinne memorat Poeta (a),

(a) Sammonicus.

Corrupt

3i

De Emcticorum Vfu , &c.

Corrupt i jecoris vitio vel fplenis , acerlus
Crejcit hydrops : aut cum ficcatte fehre medulla:

Atque avid a fauces gelid um t rax ire liquor em :

T um lympha intercus vitio glifcente tumejcit ,

Secernens miferam proprio de vifcere pellem.)

ftatim ita debilitantur folida, ut torpidos liq.uoresvix propellere poffint. Hinc
ftagnatio in lateralibus vafis, et fundtionum languor. Indies accumulator
ferum, turget, propinqua lasditr et perpetuo renovantur morbi caufte. Si con-
tingat haec in unico vafe, hydatis formatur; fi y. <pAe(3as, feu per tunicam
cellularem per omne corpus difperfam, fit leucophlegmatia ; fi ruptum vas
eftundat contenta in cavum quodcunque, localis hydrops fuboritur: fi denique
(quod faepiffime in caufa eft) a&io venarum abforbentium debilitetur, five
ab obftrudtione in eis nata, five a mero languore et inertia folidorum ; dum fuo
munere funguntur arteriolae inhiantes, et fquallentem laticem fine fine, in ca-
vitatem erudtant : hie continuo accumulatus fpilfefcit, vafa omnigena brevi
effoeta reddit, et hydropem topicum producit. In hoc morbo curando pri-
maria morbi caufa minuenda vel adimenda eft ; attenuantia, evacuantia, exfic-
cantia, roborantia uniufcujufque ordinis ufurpanda ; ut tandem amoveatur
onus humidum, minuatur latex, et vafa eoufque viribus inftaurentur, ut officio
debito fungantur, et fluidorum nativa bonitas redintegretur. Hifce omnibus
abfolvendis dicata plurima apud pradticos remedia invenimus. Nefcio quot
fpecifica celebria ab iis recenfeantur, quae uno fere idtu morbum profligent, fi
fides eorum promiftis fit habenda. Difplicet aliis hsec curta fupellex, et in
vitium incidunt contrarium ; pompofam memorant farraginem, et remediorum
cumulo obruunt aegrum. Utraque praxis evitanda, neque folis emeticis cu-
ratio committenda, nec fine his tentanda; cum longiores adimant labores, et
compendio quafi rem gerant, qu,Te pluribus adminiculis caeteroquin indiget.
Remedia antiliydropica, prius memorata, fuum opus abfolvere videutur, mo-
tum et attrition fluidorum ciendo, pellendo, difflando exuberantem lympham.
His omnibus fimul conducit nifus emeticus fortis, fiepius repetitus : crafla
quippe comminuit, obftrudta referat, propellit ftagnantia, humida exficcat, fe-
cretiones aquofas auget, folutum fanguinem compingit, refolvit vifeidum, ce-
leriorem ad extrema facit appulfum, movetque fudores. Adde quod ingentem;
in tumefadtum abdomen vim exerit, et quum in hoc tantummodb federmhabet
morbus, nec quopiam vifcere peflfundato, nec in corpore valde fenili, et re-
cens fit, repetitis emeticis, bene inftituta diteta, et exercitatione modica, res
tuto expeditur, nifi in iis fit, (a) “ quibus inutilis libertas eft, nec tarn facile
“ coguntur ac ii, qui fervitutis beneficio convalefcunt.” In hydropis etiam

(a) Cclfi medicina, lib. iii. cap. 21,

proveeftiori

32 Differ tat to me die a,

prove&iori gradu haud parum conferre vifa eft emefts. Idem comprobat hif-
toria apud Foreftum (a) recitata de quodam hydropico, qui “ infiatus ventre,

“ manibus, pedibufque et facie, a medicis deftitutus, et tanquam defperatus,
adiit littus marinum, et naviculam per aliquot miliaria afeendit in altum
cc maris, et provocato yomitu, poft vomitum exercitio utens, fanitati reftitutus
ft eft.” Hue afferre licuerat Sydenhami fuffragium, quod in tractatu fuo ele-
ganti de hydrope crebro fert, et fententiam de horum commodo plurimis
exemplis iterata obfervatione ratis, fuffulcit; at diferta ejus verba in arte fe-
niores probe callent, ad ipfum libellum juniores lubenter amandantur, cujus
•evolutio,

ft propius Jies

Te capiet magis ; et

decies repetita placebit.

Hoc tamen in morbo haud mochlicispugna committenda eft, nifi vifeera aliaque
ita fe habeant, ut antea [§ 44.] obfervatum.

56. Ex enarratis ha&enus liquido patebit, in morbis plerifque a colluvie
ferofa natis, quaenam ab emeticis exfpedtanda Tint. Patebit quoque horum ufus
in morbo qui puerulis utriufque fexus infenfus, gravis nec infrequens, rachitide
fcilicet j qui a vitiis in abdomine natis, ad medullam ufque difperfis fepius
produ&us, ipfa corporis fulcimenta pedetentim fuffodit, et duriflima ofta, in-
flexibilia fere, nimis facile fle&enda reddit. Mali ortus et progreflus, cura-
toria indicata, nec non ratio, qua huic morbo vomitoriis iteratis occurri
pofiit, ex fequentibus clarius cernuntur (b).

1 mo, Ofta, quae in toto corpore jam folidiflima funt, olim gelatinas fluxiles,
membranae, cartilagines fuere, quae paulatim durefeentes, per diverfos folidi-
tatis gradus, ofta tandem Hunt rigida.

2 do, Hujus indurationis caufa duplex exiftit, materiae fcil. oftifics a fanguine
fecretio, et fecretae appofitio firma, five compreflio particularum ad fe invicem
fortis. Haec effefta funt virium vitae integrarum, et mufculorum vicinorum
incumbentium. Ideoque

gtio. Si fanguis particulis oflium ftrufturae idoneis minus dives fit, fecretio
minor erit, et muneri fuo ineptior. Porro, fi abfit adio mufculofa, et vires
langueant, altera caufa ofiificationis abeft. Hinc itaque

4 to, Liquet iftas conditiones, quae rachitidem parere poftint, omnes ejuf-
modi efie qu£ chylopoiefin et haematopoiefin depravare folent. His ergo im-
primis erit profpiciendum, et medicina id genus eligenda, quae et vitium In
ipfts officinis diverfimode corrigat [§ 18, 27, 39.] auferat, nocivos ejus effe&us,
in aliis locis pullulantes, emendet, atque impetus motufque formantis defe<ftui

joptime fubvenire poflit [§ 49.] Vifcerum quidem faburram feliciter educunt

••

/ a ) Obferv. lib. xix. obf. 33. (b) Vid. Alex. Monro’s Anatomy of human Bones, p. 34, &c.

l purgantia;

De TLmeticorwn XJfu, 6cc. 33

purgantia: fed fi fortiora fuerint, aut nimis liepe repetita, vires profternunt
admodum, crafiiora relinquunt, fed vapida, et obftrudionibus creandis magis
opportuna; et debilia jam fada folida adhuc debilitant. Emetica valide ex-
purgant vifcera, nec vitae viribus adeb funefta, folida corroborant ; imprimis
fi vidus accuratus inftituatur, fi corpus in frigidam fiepe immergatur, fi de-
nique fpecificis leniantur fubinde nata fymptomata.

57. An in arthritidis infultibus utilis fit vomitus necne, quibus, quando et
quoties exhibendus, definire haud leve eft, Illi, quorum audoritas mecum pne
plurium valet, in paroxyfmis omnino ejus ufum dehortantur, nifi urgeant nau-
lea, vomitus, aliaque ventriculi forde fcatentis figna; et tunc lenia tantum-
modo admittunt. Alii (a) verb haud infimi fubfellii medici ftant contra;
urgetque unus (b ) fe obfervafie <f infultus arthriticos confuctos, perpetud
<< fere mitiores, quando ftatim inter initia leni emetico, vel folo, vel cum
“ laxante mixto, prima regio a fordibus evacuata fuerit.” Qui valet, has
lites dirimat: ego, iis miffis fadis, emeticorum ufum in alio ejufdem morbi
ftadio demonftrare paucis conabor; id eft, inter paroxyfmos, ad futuros aver-
tendos. Acris ilia materies, in anguftiis hserens, et dolores cruciantes exci-
tans, poft exacerbationem podagricam (ft rede res geratur, nec intempeftivo
medicaminum externc vel interne applicatorum ufu fuffocentur incepta na-
turae) expellitur, fudor lenis locum affedum perfundens, vel, ft deterius adhuc
malum, et fedes habeat profundiores, erumpens tophus, infequens inde leva-
men, fymptomatum omnium remift'10, hanc evacuationem criticam fuifte de-
fignat ; ideoque morbi fomitis in fanguinem, partefque nobilioribus vit$ func-
tionibus dicatas, nequaquam metuendus eri1: regreftus, fed quod morbi jam
fupereft inftar alius cujufque chronici ftevioris abigendum. Fluida, fi prava
fint, mendis purganda, infirma folida roboranda, vires totius corporis inftau-
randae, ftirps denique atrocis mali quantum valet ars fuccidenda. His pluri-
mum confert medicina gymnaftica, quae prre caeteris aliis fuppetiis infrada
membra nova virtute reficit. Equitatio, vedio in rheda, curru, &c. funt op-
tima fubfidia. At quoties haec prohibet parum arnica tempeftas anni ? Hyeme
aut vere faepiftime contingit podagras deceflus, pejus tamen adhuc ft autumno
intermittat. Aer enim humore gravis frigidufque foras egredi omnino prohi-
bet ; atque intra porticus, vel domus penetralia, pedibus infiftere, aut motu
quovis corpus torqueri, aegre admittunt artus diftorti, et nuperis cruciatibus
claudicantes. Fridio fane leviter tantummodo mundat exteriora, neque eva-
cuat e vifceribus pituitam, quae ob omiffum tamdiu motum ea neceftario gra-
vare incipit. Praeterea raro defunt aegro gratulabundi fodales, qui pignus
amicitiae charius dare nefciunt, quam propriam falutem poculis evertere, ho-
minifque ex morbo recreati exitium moliri, dum fanitatem priftinam verbis

(a) See Dr. Cheyne’s Eflay upon the Gout, p. 77, &c.

F

( b) Hofrmantfi Differt. Decad. j. p. 411.

exoptant.

Dijjertatio medicay

34

exoptant, revera autem infidias fanitati ftruunt. Ex his atque fimilibus caufis*
emeticum faspe fepius perquam necefiarium eft convalefcentibus, neque ex prae-
didtis colligere arduum erit qua ratione exercitationis etiam fortioris vice fun-
gatur. Patet etiam quibus modis adbionibus animalibus opitulentur vomitoria,
crafia quomodo fubigant, denique plus minufve fingulis indicatis refpondeant :
neque verentur ex practicis fagaces, bis in menfe, faepius quandoque, iftiuf-
modi hominibus vomitum praecipere. Perfpedtis itaque horum commodis in
chronicis plerifque, eos morbos levi pede percurrere animus eft, qui fexui fe-
quiori tantummodo infefti funt.

58. Non modo vitae ratio, fed ipfum fere vitale ftamen foeminis molliorem
ac laxiorem temperiem dedilfe videtur, nili fors durior alienam impertita fit*
atque mens fana, in corpore fano laborious improbis indurato, eis firmitudi-
nem donaverit mafculte vi omnind aemulam. Eft tamen vitae ftadium, quo<
etiam hffic mulierum conditio ex errore levi peflimis obnoxia malis evadit ; eo
fcilicet quo fexus difcrimina jam adfutura fint, id eft, ad vel circiter annum
aetatis 15 : hue ufque enim, fenfu medico, genus unum idemque eft. In qui-
bus autem diferepant, quare, qus caufe phyficae diferiminis, referre non opus
eft ; fufius ea ab aliis tradtantur. Sed.brevis marborum recitatio, quum lu-
cidiori argumentorum explicationi infervire poflit, propofito haud incongruum
videtur.

1 mo, Adveniente molis augmenti termino, eadem organa, quae corpori vir-
gineo pabulum miniftrarunt et incrementum, plus pergunt conficere quam
fola corporis nutritio jam exigit ; quod fupereft fanguinis per vafa uterina jam
periodice emittitur. Si diutius retineatur ob deficientes vaforum vires, vel im-
peditum exitum, plethora plethorae fuperadditur, et morbi virginei indicia
cito fefe produnt.

ido. Si verb aquofus, folutus vel acris fanguis uterum pervadat, et momen-
tum abfit quo dilatentur vaforum ofcula, eoufque ut rubrum fanguinem de-
ponant is lateralia permeat, in glandulas, quae cavum uteri ubique obfident,
infunditur, cralfefcit ; exit tandem liquor vifeofus, colore diverfus, nunc
albus [a quo fluor albus appellatur] vel albicans, vix lintea tingens, flavefeens,
viridefeens, nigricans, et omnibus affedlus coloribus qui inter hos exiftunt;
nunc fine feetore tranfit, nunc graveoiet ; nunc mitis, ut in initio plerumque,
et diutius vigente morbo acrior, coloratior, feetidior evadit. Patentes glan-
dulse tenuiores quofeunque feparant humores, et eliminant; inter quos nutri-
tivos, qui folidis vigorem, momentum fluidis fuppeditaiTe debebant. Hinc
indies a viribus aliquid fubtrahitur, perit membrorum virtus, labitur digeftio,
vitio magis indelebili fluida corrumpuntur, et per totum corporis ceconomiam
ferpit labes, qua nulla (expertos afferentes audivi) ex toto chronicorum ag-
mine, fexui crudelior, curatu difFicilior, aut effedtibus exitiofior. Nam fatifeunt
imprimis inftrumenta ipfa, quorum ope cetera reparari debuerant, et morbi

fedes

De Emeticorum U/'u, &c. 35

iedes in vifcere ponitur, cui omnium diflicillime fie medicina. Id quidem hand
cito labefadtatur, fed fi femel infedlum fuerit, vitium din fervat ; cc Quia
« pars eft, inquit Foreftus (a), qua? prompte recipit aliarum partium excre-
te menta, turn ob fitum inferiorem, turn ob multitudinem venarum eo per-

tingentium, turn etiam propter confuetam illam naturalem purgationem.”
His adde compagem folidam et vafculofam, remediis, quorum vires longo
circuitu decoquuntur, antequam hue deferantur, haud facile cedentem. Etiam
poll emendatam cruoris indolem, laxa glandularum fabrica pertinaciter obftat
medeloe, atque ea medicamina, quae harum mollitiei adverfantur, conftringunt
quoque arteriolarum orificia, et moleftiorem reddunt menftruationem. Laxi-
tas nativa, vidtus prava ratio, vita defes et luxuriofa hunc morbum plerumque
inducunt, Rarius enim , ut ab eodem Forefto obfervatum, id pati vif# funt
egreftes mulieres. Eadem quoque (b) fluxum uterinum fuppreflum ftepe
prtecedunt. Remedia ergo hifee morbis adhibenda funt, quae noxis, ex iftiuf-
modi caufis fubortis, obviam eant ; neque vomitoria repetita omittenda funt :
prreter enim effedtus, qui hadtenus indicantur, ftomachum expurgandi, folida
ftimulandi, et fanguinem mire atterendi, hunc tanto impetu verlus uterum pro-
pellunt, ut exempla proftent ( c) in quibus fola vis ejufmodi mechanica
tardatum fluxum repente profuderit : atque, nifi funprit fit nsgra, vel incom-
mode ferat emetici adlionem, haud minora in fluore albo quam in plerifque
chronicis exfpedtanda funt. Saepius autem in hoc morbo motu leviflimo fa-
tifeunt vires, unde incommodi plus quam frudlus accipiunt. Hoc ergo in
primis indagandum, prrufquam porrigantur emetica aegris hujufmodi.

59. Nihil etenim ex omni parte perfedtum atque beatum : fua fecum tra-
hunt commoda, et etiam incommoda vomitoria ■, nec minus verenda h$c,
quam appetenda ifta, fi forte infelici aufpice porrigantur. Infaufti autem
eventus remedii utHitatem haud minus praedicant quam effectus optabiliores ;
infitam ejus vim demonftrant, efficaciam probant, dum porrigentis imperitiam
vel temeritatem redarguunt, nec hominis excidii reum habendum eft medica-
men, fed manus quae inepte vel intempeftive miniftrant. Quamvis autem, ex
tradita de emeticis dodtrina, facile perito patere poflit, in quibus cafibus
utilia, in quibus nociva fint ; haud tamen alienum eft, ut brevi horum mor-
borum enarratione claudatur diflfertatio, in quibus vomitus imprimis vitandus.

1 mo, Nativa corporis ftrudtura apud nonnullos (d) feriptores caufa e»ftat,
quo minus quibufdam propinentur emetica ; quibus habitus macer et gracilis,
collum extenfius, pedtus anguftum, atque ad vomendum difficultas ; quibus
deniejue fanguinis fputum, animi deliquium, tuftis molefta, familiaria fuere,
ab erneticis liberati funt : qui vero contraria temperie prsediti funt, horum

(a) Forcfti obferv. lib. 28. Obf. 21. (b) Opera Doaoris Freind, p. 67, 80.

( t ) Piateri obf. medL.p. 191. Hildan. obf. cent. 3. obf. 58. (d) Vide Fallcpium de

Purgant. p. 8i.

F 1 ufum

36 Differ tatio me die a, See.

ufum falutarem ex confulto medicorum faspe funt experti. In vehementiorum-
ufu h$c fane perpendenda funt, ne forfan temeritatis vel incuria; pcenas
luamus ; nec in- leniori vomitu prascipiendo penitus omittenda. Idiofyncrafia
qu.asdam, experientia asgroto cognita, at a medico, nifi ab ipfo didicerit, nun-
quam detegenda, hujus vel illius medieaminis ufum vetaret, quod aliter ab
ignaro porredum multa mala eft pariturum.

ido, In morbis inflammatoriis, ubi fanguis adufto lentore inquinatur, im-
meabilis in arteriarum finibus fiftitur, neque vi propellendus ; ut in febribus
acutis, inftammationibus topicis, pleuritide, phrenitide, hepatitide, aliifque
ejufmodi ; vires vita; minuendse potius quam provehendae : ergo perada ac-
ceffione, urgente feviffimo dolore, tutum non erit emeticum.

2 tic, Neque, ft multum laedatur vifeeris, five partis alicujus adio, quae
tonica dicitur, five asquilibrata potentia, qua folida fluidis reniti deberet,,
minuatur, emetici fortioris vim mochlicam experiri licet, antequam ratio
partis habita fit, an tantae vehementise impetum commode ferat, vel incom-*
modi majoris fiat particeps/ Sic v. g. in hydrope abdominali exficcat emeti-
cum, fed tumorem pro aliquo faltem tempore extendit.

a. to, In pulmones emeticorum vis fane ingens eft, quia nifu vomitorio tarn
fubito per eos dimittitur fanguinis inaffueta moles, qua diftenduntur vafa,,
comprimuntur veficulae, quibus fortiter reagens intra detentus aer, prefFuram
validam longe validiorem reddit ; et, fi dehifeentia prius vafa fanguinem efFu-
derint, vulnufcula certo certius ampliata hoemoptoen augebunt. Quin et in
incipiente hcemoptoe, ab externa caufa produda, dum fanguis adhuc blandus,,
nec fordida tabe contaminatus, vix fere ad emeticum licet confugere, quo e
veficulis pulmonicis excutiatur latens cruor, qui, ftagnando corruptus, mor-
bum, alioqui haud periculofiftimum, intenderet. Pulmonicis igitur vix porri-
genda funt, nifi puris inundatio pulmones obruat, et lethum a fufFocante
materia, alias inevitabile, adfuturum fit.

5/0, Denique cavendum eft ab horum ufu in eis morbis, qui pro caufis
agnofeunt fanguinem multum crafFum, pituitam valde tenacem, copiofam,
pene irnmobilem, aliamve quameunque hujufmodi materiem, cerebrum et ner-
vorum fontem gravantem, ut gravior apoplexiae, paraplegias,, hemiplegia;
fpecies, veternus, carus et ejufmodi. Aldus enim morbum plerumque figunt,
vel in ipfa forte operatione hominem interimunt. Vix ad eorum ufu dehor-
tatione opus eft, licet aliqua fymptomata ea necefFaria elFe alioquin innuerent,
quando imminet adhuc haemorrhagiae metus, poft vulnerata aut detruncata
membra ; vel denique quando per ampliores abfeeffus, aut aliud quodcunque
oftium, apertus paratur exitus, per quern fado ingenti impetu emanet cum
vita cruor.

A MEDICAL

MEDICAL INAUGURAL

DISSERTATION

ON THE

USE OF EMETICS,

IN VARIOUS DISEASES.

By JOHN FOTHERGILL.

EDINBURGH,

M,DCC,XXXVI,

£ 38 1

To the following celebrated Prof 'effort, his Preceptors ; viz.

John Rutherford, Dodor of Medicine, and Profeffor
of the Theory and Pradice of Phyfic in the Uni-
verfity of Edinburgh l

Andrew St. Clair, Phyfician to the King, Profeffor of
the Theory and Pradice of Phyfic in the fame
Univerfity :

;i H 'I MO

Andrew Plummer, Med. Dod. Profeffor of Medicine and
Chemiftry at the fame Place: - .

Alexander Monro, R.S.S. Profeffor of Anatomy and
Surgery in the fame School of Phyfic :

AND ALSO

Charles Alston, Dodor of Medicine, Phyfician to the
King, and Profeffor of Botany :

On Account of the many Favours conferred upon him,

THIS INAUGURAL SPECIMEN,

•T J 5 . . I ;

Which the laudable Cuftorn of the Univerfity requires.

Is offered, with all due Submiffion and Efteem, by

John Fotke.rgill, A. & R.

A TRANSLATION

[ 39 J

A

TRANSLATIO N

OF THE PRECEDING

MEDICAL INAUGURAL DISSERTATION,

ON THE

Ufe of EMETICS in treating various DISEASES,

PROCEMIUM.

AS vigour of body, acumen of mind, prefent health, and a foundation for fu-
ture, with the fweetnefs of a life unmolefted by difeafe, depend in great
meafure on the ftate of that noble vifcus the ftomach ; fo phyficians, both an-
cient and modern, have ufed every effort to preferve a funftion of fo much
utility to the body in a found ftate. They knew, by experience, that if the
ftomach was healthy, lefs was to be feared from other parts ■, but this being
difeafed, other parts could not long remain found. We daily obferve that the
gout, dropfy, fcurvy, confumption, infania, the worft kinds of fevers (and
other ftill worfe difeafes, if worfe can be) feldom happen but the ftomach is
firft affefted ; and if by chance they fhould arife from fome other part, yet
they become more fevere in proportion as this great animal laboratory recedes
from a healthy ftate. Hence therefore it appears, how much thofe who minifter
to the aid of nature in curing difeafes, ought earneftly to attend to its fafety.
But the faults of the ftomach itfelf, and of the matters it contains, as alfo the
difeafes which arife from hence, often require the aid of depletion ; and moft
commonly there is no remedy more happily exhibited, either to take off the
faults of the one, or eradicate the effefts of the other, than evacuation by
vomit. Hence emetics were fo much celebrated among the antients, that
Hippocrates (a) even recommended them to the healthy, if they wifhed to re-
main fo, and often advifed to repeat them ; although medicines of this clafs,
common among the antients, were extremely rough and unmanageable, and,
could not be given without difguft to the patient, and anxiety to the phyfician.

PART THE FIRST.

i. \ 7 OMIT IN G is that attion of the ftomach, diaphragm, and abdominal*
mufcles, by which the contents of the ftomach, being fqueezed as in a

(a) Hippocrat. de diseta, lib, 3, et alibi paffim*

prefs,

1

40

On the life of Emetics.

prefs, are thrown up by the mouth with great force ; for by the contradtion
of thefe vifcera, all the other vifcera of the abdomen are prefled upwards ;
hence the pylorus is conftringed, and the matters contained in the ftomach
being prefled by the mufcular force of it (a ), and the furrounding parts,
into the upper orifice, they dilate it, and eafilv force their way through the
contracted longitudinal fibres of the oefophagus.

2. Any powerful ftimulus thrown into the ftomach, and applied to its
nerves, may excite this aCtion, on account of the connection between the
nerves of the ftomach and thofe of the abdominal mufcles and diaphragm.

3. Too great a quantity and bulk of things taken into the ftomach, though
they lhould have no other difagreeable ftimulus, or at leaft but very little,
may excite naufea, and then vomiting ; fuch are cold water mixed with fome
aromatic fubftance, fweetmeats, and thofe dainties which, pleafing the pa-
late, are greedily fwallowed beyond the bounds of moderation.— Whatever
irritates the nerves of the ftomach, or any way greatly difturbs the equable
motion of the nervous fluid, will excite vomiting ; fuch as, a contufion, or
vehement fhaking of the head ; the motion of a fhip or carriage, to thofe not
ufed to it ; a ftrong imagination or recolleCfion of fome unpleafant naufeous
thing : thefe, and the like, will fometimes afFetft the delicate with great difguft
and vomiting.

4. But it is found that all fubftances, though endowed with a ftimulus, do
not with equal certainty produce their effeCts on the ftomach and neigh-
bouring parts, but fometimes promote an excretion by one, fometimes by
another of the emunCtories : antiquity therefore fet apart certain fubftances
for this purpofe only, which they found aimoft conftantly excited vomiting,
and which experience had taught were peculiarly adapted above others to
perform this office. Thefe the Greeks called ’E/^rixa, Emetica ; the Latins

VOMITORIA.

5. But the catalogue of thefe was defective among the antients, though
large; for they were acquainted with few emetics, which are not found to be
either extremely rough and unfavourable, or altogether gentle and weak;
at leaft if our catalogue of fimples, marked with this title, be the fame as
theirs, as will appear to any one who examines their writings. The Yera-
trum, or White Hellebore , was fometimes fatal, and the abcion of others doubt-
ful. What wonder then if patients affli&ed with fome dangerous difeafe,
preferred any other kind of remedy to a violent and cruel, or elfe too gen-
tle, uncertain, and often an ineffectual emetic? Hence the patient, alarmed,
detefted the phyfician, and the phyfician hefitated to give the remedy which
promifed fo much relief ; from which both the one and the other buffered

(a) Wepfer dc Cicuta Aquatiea, rap. 1^, hill. 1.

confiderable

On ihe XJfe of Emetics . 41

confiderable inconvenience. And although Hippocrates underftood the me-
thod of moderating the force of emetics, yet many others lefs fkillful were
often difappointed in their expectation. And chemiftry, which has difco-
vered fo many famous remedies, hardly fupplies us with any emetic which
we can give with fafety to the young and delicate. Sydenham alfo in his
time lamented, that even then there was wanting an emetic, which was
both fafe, and at the fame time fufficiently efficacious, fuch as practitioners now
find in the celebrated Ipecacuanha root. But it is not my purpofe to defcend
to particular emetics ; it will be fufficient only to point out their claffes ac-
cording to their various powers.

6. It has been the cuftom of fome to divide this order of evacuants into
gentle , more powerful, and the ftrongefl emetics ; and not improperly ; for
thofe different limples ufed at prefent to excite vomiting may be conveniently
ranged under this threefold order. No regard however mull be had to their
efficacy as difcovered by the fenfes, that is of fmelling and tafte, but the
diftribution mull; be founded wholly on experience.

7. Emetics called lenient or gentle are of two kinds; 1. Such as by their
bulk, or by a very flight irritation united to their bulk, offend the fto~
mach : fuch are, water that is warm, vifcid, fugared, mixed with honey, oil,
or fait; fat broths, infufions of green tea, carduus benedidtus, chamomile-
flowers, and others of the like kind, drawn from different aromatic plants,
a. Of this order are, the fmall dofe of a more powerful emetic, which pof-
feffes a ftimulus fo ftrong, that in a diminiftted dofe it can provoke either a
naufea, or an attempt to vomit, without urging its effedts any farther. Thefe
are chiefly taken from the clafs of falts, which, being immediately diffolved
in the gaftric juices, and quickly difperfed every way, are applied to the
nerves, and ffiortly thrown up, and being wholly diffolved, are waffied off by

the liquors drank, and their effedts prefently ceafe. A thread paffed down

the cefophagus, an irritation of the gullet by a feather wet with oil, a nau-
feating idea, an unufual agitation of a ffiip, the fhaking of a carriage drawn
•over a rough road, and laftly, the (lighter paffions of the mind, belong to
this clafs. I do not deny but the caufes juft mentioned excite violent vomit-
ings in fome perfons, but in the generality they do not, nor do their effedts
•continue long and powerful.

8. The clafs o i ftronger emetics is formed out ©f thole mentioned § 7, num-
ber 2d, the dofe only or caufe being increafed; or it may be formed of
thofe fubftances which have a more firm texture, and hence produce a more
flow but more vehement effedt : for, (hooting out their vellicating particles,
they infinuate themfelves by degrees into the cells and foldings of the in-
ner coat of the ftomach, adhere to the nervous fibrillae, and create and in-

G creafe

42 Oh the XJfe of "Emetics,

creafe uneafinefs; and, the feat where they fix being covered, they can-
not be thrown off by the redoubled efforts of vomiting, until their ftrength ’
by repeated operation be weakened ; hence arifes a longer and more vehe-
ment vomiting. — Many medicines' which ‘operate by vomiting, in frequent'
ufe in the prefent ’ practice, are to be kdded to 'this clafs: of vegetables,
for example, afarum, ipecacoanha, wild horfe - radfffi, muftard - feed, fquills
with their various preparations and combinations : of metals, fome falts, the
produdls of chemiftry, as the vitriol of fteel and vitriolic falts ; but thofe
prepared from copper feem to merit a preference'- to all ’ others, that is, the
fal cupri and its tintture. To thefe muft be added emetic tartar, and a di-
minifhed dofe of fome out of the clafs following.

9. We call thofe the moft powerful emetics which 'the dogmatic and efpe--
cially rational art avoids, on account of the cruel and vehement effefls often
experienced from them, and which conftant- obfervation has taught cannot be
exhibited without imminent danger to the whole machine, and which are
very feldom prefcribed except by a bold medicafter, or by a regular phyfi-
cian in fome certain difeafe which requires the moft powerful remedy ; al-
though indeed it is difficult to fix the exaft limits between this and the pre-
ceding clafsk The vegetable kingdom affords many medicines of this kind,’
efpecially under the clafs of purgatives, the ' dofe of which being increafed,’
often produces cruel vomitings, and particularly if taken from the refins.
Refinous fubflances are but little mifcible with the animal fluids, and remain-
ing undiffolved, they accrete to the cavity of the ftomach, and occafion the
moft violent pains, fpafms-; and exceffive vomitings: this is evident from thofe
tortures which the fiok experience after taking the refin of jalap, or any other
of the fame kind, not rightly diffolved by triture, or made mifcible with our
fluids by fome other method; whilft perhaps* the natural humours are de-
prived of their native foap, and all is full of a watery phlegm. To thefe
may be added the white hellebore, fome fpecies of the tithymali, tobacco,
and many other plants called deleterious : the clafs may be increafed alfo
by the more acrid preparations of antimony, and thofe emetics prepared from
mercury, together with many poifonous metals,

10. From the defcription hitherto given it is evident, 1. That vomiting
cannot be excited without fome ftimulus (I mean any thing which can alter
the motion of the vital fluid, or the action of the nerves) applied to fome re-
gion of the nervous fyftem. 2. That from the a&ion of that upon the nerves,
and of thefe upon the mufcles, (§1) there neceflarily happens an evacuation
of the contents of the gaftric region. 3. Laftly, That thefe can by no means
happen without a ftrong compreflion of certain parts, a powerful concuflion
of others, and a great motion of the whole body. Thefe always attend the

moft

On the XJfe of Emetics. 43

moft gentle vomiting; they.increafe, as the power of the emetic is extended;
and, the ftimulus being increafed,.they may be carried even to the ruin of the
ftrudure of the parts.

11. The fore-mentioned conditions are always connected with vomiting, and
moft of thofe changes produced or expeded from emetics, are entirely depen-
dent upon them: being about, therefore, to enquire, what are the effects of
thefe, arifing from that threefold caufe, I fhall reply to thefe queftions ; viz.
.What is the ufe of an emetic, merely as a ftimulant ?. or, merely as an evacuanti
..and daftly, How farcin itaffedthe whole body by its mechanical force ?

TPART THE .SECOND.

Of the Ufe of Emetics , derived from their Stimulus .

era. A NATO MY has not yet difeovered any parts of the body which may
properly be efteemed the objects of ftimuli, except the nerves, which
primarily fuffer the effeds of- them, whatever they be, and propagate them to
other parts, as appears- by many experiments. For by experiments we learn,
that not only the part to which the irritating fubftance is applied fu'ffers a
..change, but alfo the effed is propagated to the origin, termination, and extre-
mities of the fpreading branches of the nerves, and alfo to the branches Ihoot-
ing off to the oppofite region of the body, though from a different caufe.

13. The principal effeds are, a greater acceftion of the vital energy to the
part affeded, and a diminution of it in others; and, the equable moderate
diftribution of it being loft, the motion is both accelerated and confufed. But
thefe will all be different in degree, and more or lefs confpicuous, according
as the vehemence and force of the exciting caufe is different, and according
to the difpofition, number, and bignefs of the nerves, and the thicknefs of
the coats with which they are covered.

14. Moft of the learned acknowledge, that this caufe or energy, (§ 13) is
a moft fubtile moveable liquid, endowed with all the common properties of a
fluid, and derived from the brain, by a conftant, gentle, placid motion,' to every
feparate part of the body. Nor will any one- deny’ this, who has attentively
.read over what Boerhaave (a) -has written on this fubjed ; or well confidered
what our celebrated profeffor of anatomy (b) has faid upon it, in an order and
method ftill more clear and beautiful.

15. Nor does it feem probable that the animal fpirits are ever hurried along
with fuch unbridled precipitate impetuofity, as to become the caufe of fo many

( aj J3oerhaave’s Inft, § 275, ad 292. (b) Monro’s Anatomical Trcatife of the Nerves.

G 2 prodigious

44 On the XJfe of "Emetics.

prodigious effects, or to form the offence of fuch a number of difeafes : or that this
difpofition to motion, can arife from any exceffive preternatural mobility; for the
impetus of the fpirits depends only on ftrong vital powers, whereas difeafes of
the nervous fyftem molt frequently octur in perfons of an oppofite habit and
difpofition of body, that is, in the relaxed and feeble, in whom the vital- powers
are weak. It is certainly extremely confonant to the law's of the animal ceco-
nomy, that this liquid fhould be moved fometimes quicker and fometimes
(lower: but there is fo great a difference between the greateft velocity, and
the greateft degree of inactivity, that we cannot eafily allow this to be the
only origin of difeafes. The unequal diftribution of the fpirits may produce
many tumultuous motions in the body, commonly attributed to a vitiated ftate
of the nerves ; and thofe phsenomena which ufually accompany difeafes called5
nervous, are much more eafily explained on this fuppofition ; nor does the
aCtion of the mufcles oppofe our theory.

1 6. Any pungent acrid fubftance,- applied tt> a nerve or its branches, pro-
duces this unequal diftribution, fo that fpafms and convulfions arife; which
may increafe even to the extinction of life. Compreffion alfo made on the
origin of any more remarkable nerve, produces the fame effeCt ; or even an
obftruCted egre'fs of the fpirits through their canals, from any caufe what-
ever ; by which the neighbouring tubes receive them in a fuller firearm The
different proportion of folids and fluids peculiar to every age,, as alfo the tem-
perament peculiar to every perfon, very much increafe or diminifh this difpofi-
tion ; for the younger the perfon, and the fofter and more relaxed his habit
of body, the more readily, other circumftances equal, are the nerves irritated
or compreffed. Experience confirms this opinion : for the variolous contagion,
even of the mildeft kind, feldom attacks children richly fed, whofe blood is
full of fpirits, and whofe fkin is endowed with remarkable foftnefs, but dread-
ful contractions and fpafms enfue : fits alfo not unfrequently fuperyene, altoge-
ther fimilar to a true epilepfy. Nor do hyfteric fits always happen from a
poverty or want of the vital fluid, fince they attack women of leifure, and dif-
folved in luxury, more than others to whom a harder fate is allotted.

17. Thefe things thus premifed, we may eftablifh this general rule; that if
a difeafe arife from a ftimulus applied to fome particular part, it is to be re-
lieved by deftroying the ftimulating caufe, or by applying another ftimulus
to the oppofite part ; for the equilibrium being thus reftared, the difeafe will
terminate.

18. The effeCts mentioned § 13, chiefly take place in the nerves and muf-
cles. Other, however, and different effeCts arife in the neighbouring parts, fuch
as pain, rednefs of the fkin, and heat ; an afflux of humours with tumor or
fwelling ; a compreffion and obftruCtion of the veffels ; a deftruCtion of them,

9 fuppuratiom,

On the l Jfe of Emetics . 4^

fuppuration, and gangrene. Thefe happen to the internal as well as ex-
ternal parts of the body.

1 9. The remedy of which we now treat, pofiefies all the general virtues of
ftimuli hitherto mentioned. It has this, however, peculiar to itfelf, that we
may commonly prefcribe more certain limits to the adtion of emetics, than to
any other internal ftimulant whatever j for other internal ftimuli fometimes ex-
ceed the bounds intended, and rage more fiercely than is proper, or elfe are
too fluggiih and inactive ; whereas the force of an emetic may be increafed or
reprefled almoft at pleafure, if we only except the more vehement poifons.

20. From what has been faid § 13 to 20, it appears what ufe an emetic
is of, confidered as a ftimulus. It produces remarkable effedts, among which
the following are the moft confiderable. The jlighter fpecies of apoplexy,
which arifes from a cold, fluggiih, pituitous matter, the caufe being recent,
and the body not very old, is often terminated by an emetic prudently ex-
hibited ; for hence the thick humours are concodted and thrown off, the final!
mouths of the nerves are opened, their pafiage is rendered free, the motion of
the torpid blood being at the fame time accelerated. It produces the like ef-
fedts in a fimilar kind of palfy.

The epilepfy is a difeafe common in children, arifing from fome acrid mat-
ter corroding and vellicating the nerves. It often happens in adults from the
fame caufe, and alfo from the ftronger paflions of the mind from fevere pain
affedting the limbs ; from a difordered motion of the fpirits, fuch as is com-
mon to hypochondriac and hyfterical perfons. In thefe cafes, if the fomes of
the difeafe be moveable, it is thrown off by repeated vomiting.

The mufcular membrane, which connedts the cartilaginous fegments of the
trachea together, is formed of mufcular contradtile fibres, and obnoxious to
fpafm, efpecially in thofe in whom the nervous fyftem is too irritable and
moveable. Thefe fibres are often inftantly conftringed, the cartilages are
drawn together, and obftinately refift their ufual elongation ; the patient draws
his breath quick, eagerly catches at the air, groans deeply j when at length fa-
tigued with labour, and ready to fink under his anguifh, he feels the fpafm
relieved, the breaft is expanded, and he begins to live as it were anew.—
What hinders, but that a dofe of vitriolic fait, the fait of copper, or its tinc-
ture, fpeedily given, might calm thefe tumults, by irritating the ftomach, ex-
citing vomiting, and changing the courfe and track of the fpirits ? The ex-
periment is certainly free from all danger.

When the blood begins to acquire that difpofition which among the antients
was called atra bills when the natural fundtions fail through a want of fpirits ;
when the fpirits improperly pafs only to fome nerves, and thefe only exercife
certain fundtions of body and mind $ in this cafe a better remedy can fcarcely

bt

46 On the TJfe of 'Emetses.

be exhibited than an emetic, moderated by certain cautions, as afterwards we
fir all have occafion to mention.

:In fpafmodic difeafes, and many others of the nervous kind, which .feern to
-arife from inadtivity and 'languor in the chylopoietic fyftem, emetics feem
to be of real fervice. The Chorea Viti , a difeafe which certainly for obftin-acy
is fecond to few of this kind, even fometimes acknowledges the power of this
remedy (a). And though emetics are not of ufe in thefe difeafes merely by
their ftimulant power, yet they do much good by foliciting a greater. afflux
of fpirits towards the organs, which fuffer through a penury or want of them,
and are hence obnoxious to difeafe.

Laftly, in moft chronic difeafes, when a thick pituitous matter fpoils the
comely habit, the folids, loaded with it, vibrate too flowly, and the .fluids,
now become vifeid, are propelled through the ve'ffels with greater difficulty, and,
the general powers of the body being either ioft or depraved, demonftrate
either a want or too great a fluggifflnefs of the vital fluid, as in a fpontaneous
gluten or acrimony ; emetics, although they do not perform a cure merely as
ftimulants, yet they are to be preferred to all other remedies, efpecially if we
take into the account the other effedts of vomiting.

2.1. The other effedt of the adtion mentioned § 18, is a quicker Accretion of
the thinner fluids : ‘this the irritation or ftimulus performs in two ways; firft,
it increafes the motion of the blood in the larger veffels, by exciting them to a
more frequent and ftronger re-adtion on the fluids, and procuring an attenua-
tion of them; and hence an aptnefs to fecretion : fecondly, it facilitates the
preparation, and accelerates the paffage of the humours in the organs of fe-
cretion themfelves. Hence, from the fame ftimulus different fecretions are in.-
-creafed, according as it is differently determined to this or that decretory organ.

P A R T THE THIRD.

Of the Ufe of Emetics as Evacuants.

■22. JT feems not improper to divide the effedts Gf an emetic, confidered as
an evacuant, into two kinds : the firft is a depletion of the ftomach, its
contents being thrown up ; the fecond, an increafed excretion in other parts
by the exertions of vomiting. But as this does not acknowledge vomiting
as its proximate caufe, it may more properly be placed among the mecha-
nical effedts of an emetic, and merits the appellation of an univerfal evacuatiorp
The other particular is an expulfion of the matters lodged in the inteftines,

fa) Cheyne’s Effay on the Gout, p. 113, edit. 4/

si or

On the XJfe of 'Emetics * 4 7

Or driven thither by the force of ftimuli, or laftly, which have flowed back from'
the neighbouring parts into them; concerning which, a good method requires
that we now fpeak.

2j. Subftances hurtful to the body, taken in by the mouth, or carried into'
the ftomach from fome other part, require the inftant relief of an emetic ; nor
does the art of medicine know any more powerful aid effectually to extirpate
the morbid effects of them, or to foften and meliorate fome alarming fymp-
toms produced by them, than a vomit*

24. Food and drink are juftly reckoned among the ingcfta mentioned para-
graph 23; for the inevitable lot of life makes thefe neceffary as long as we
breath the vital air : but the reafons I pafs over. And the very different qua-
lity of the fubftances from which our food is prepared, often foreign to the
nature of our body; the incautious life of fome things, and exceftive gluttony'
in others ; laftly,- an appetite for fomething forbidden or hurtful, a fault in
the choice of meat and drink, and in the moderate quantity of them ; have in-
troduced innumerable complaints into the ftomach. Hence the fruitful pro-
geny of difeafes, threatening cruel pains to the ftomach itfelf, and hurtful to the
extreme windings of the veffels ; all of which the nature of my undertaking
requires me to explain feparately, but the narrow limits of time forbid it : and
indeed my labour would be loft; fince the talk, compleatly finifhed, was not
long ago publifhed under your aufpices, in an elegant differtation (a) denoxis
tx cibi fotujque uju et abufu oriundis

25. Too great a quantity of things taken into the ftomach produces the dif-
eafes there defcribed; thefe are ufually relieved by depletion, which, if the pa-
tient have a difpofition towards it, is to be made by vomiting; for by this
method the offending matter is quickelt carried off, and any part of the crude un-
concoCted aliment prevented from paffing into the interior parts of the body.

The vitiated quality of food requires the fame remedy, whilft it remains in
the ftomach, or is not carried far beyond it. Subftances which have a greater
native tenacity than what the powers of the body can overcome, retaining their
own nature, corrupt, and pafs into a kind of ropy phlegm- The cafe is the fame
if the expulfive faculty of the ftomach be weakened or hindered, , wrhich, as
practitioners teftify, often happens in debilitated habits; for then, though the
ingejla be not remarkably faulty either in quantity or quality, yet they fpon*
taneou fly contract a vitiated quality, which arifes from, and is increafed by
their delay in the ftomach. Hence arife different fpecies of acrimony ; hence
the fpring of mucus, and a tough pituitous matter ; which as they feparately
prevail, or are mixed together, aided by the temperament of the perfon in-

(a) A utore Henrico Tong,

dined

On the Vfe of 'Emetics,

dined to this or that, they produce different, and fometimes truly alarming
fymptoms. So many kinds of depraved appetite; a total lofs of it ; a dimi-
nution or excefiive increafe of it ; a vitiated, leffened, or total want of digeftion ;
or a corruption of the undigefted matter ; often arife from thefe as their proxi-
mate caufes.

It may eafily be learned from the patient himfelf, what had been the predif-
ponant caufe ; and hence the quality of the matter will appear, and what re-
medies are to be ufed. Emetics evacuate the fomes of the complaint, and utterly
eradicate the proximate caufe. Yet we muff not trull wholly to thefe; but by
exhibiting ftrengthening remedies (a vomit being repeated at proper intervals)
we dellroy the difeafe from its lowed: root,

26. If any acrid fubftance taken into the body either by chance or delign,
whether under the name of a medicine or a poifon, threatens an injury to
the ftrudture of the parts, it is to be expelled as foon as poffible, and efpe-
cCially by thofe paffages where it may pafs out of the body fafely, without
hurting the other parts. If only a fmall quantity has entered the inteftinal
tube, an emetic is to be greatly preferred to any other remedy, and often
iinilhes the cure; nor muff it be omitted, if a very fmall portion only continues
to adhere to the llomach. The firlt clafs, mentioned fedlion 7, affords an am-
ple fupply of remedies, by which many fpecies of poifons are vanquilhed and
expelled ; and if there be fuch a thing as an univerfal antidote, it is perhaps
warm water copioufly drank. In the choice of thefe remedies, however, there
is need of prudence ; expulfion does not always compleat our wilhes, but the
tender parts to which the poifon or acrid matter is applied, are to be pre-
ferved from its injuries, the pains to be mitigated, and the raging cruelty of
the poifon appeafed, even while we attempt a fpeedy ejection of it. And here
alfo, the nature of the matter taken into the body being known, points out to
the phyfician the means of procuring a timely relief to the unhappy fufferer.
So alkaline falts diluted, are oppofed to the acid poifons ; faponaceous fub-
ftances prepare the oily for mixture ; water and watery bodies divide falts of all
kinds, and dellroy their powers ; acrids take off the effedts of thofe which have
an oily glutinous vifcofity ; and fo of the reft. The reader may confult
what Boerhaave (a) has fo excellently written on this fubjedt, in his chapter
on antidotes.

27. Nor does there only happen by emetics an evacuation of the ingefta, but
alfo of all the humours carried into the llomach from other parts. Thefe come
either from the veffels of the llomach itfelf, or from thofe of the neighbour-
ing vifcera. And indeed the effects of pungent fubftances, mentioned § 21, are
no where more clearly feen than in this vifcus. This will appear, if we confider

(a) Iflftitutiones Medics, § 1119.

the

On the XJfe of Emetics. 4#

the abundance of nerves difperfed through the coats of it, the number of glands
and their office, and laftly the capacity of the vefiels with which this vifcus is
furniffied in proportion to its bulk. The foftnefs of the coats gives an eafy en-
trance to the nerves, and a fpacious cavity exhibits a large fuperficies. Hence
arifes a more remarkable acftion, or a more plentiful excretion of the gaftric li-
quor; which, as it is always large, if it be increafed, muft neceflarily in fome
meafure alter the whole body, by difpelling and drying up the ferous humours.
Hence arife thofe excellent effects of emetics in difeafes originating from a ferous
vapid colluvies-, as in catarrhs, the leucophlegmatia, diabetes, fluor albus, and
others of this kind, of which we fhall fpeak more fully in the following fedtions.

a8. The liver and pancreas are fituated near the ftomach ; and both of them
fometimes difcharge their fecreted fluids into its cavity; which by their quantity
or acrimony or both, may diforder chylification. The bile is frequently ac-
cufed as guilty of producing difeafes, the pancreatic juice more feldom. The
antients blamed the bile as the parent of the moft cruel diforders ; but many
of the moderns deny this, and contend that the bile is not fo frequently the caufe
of complaints as the antients imagined : but if thefe had well underftood what
the antients meant by bile, the wifer amongft them at leaft, would perhaps have
thought their dogmata ought not to have been fo raflily rejected; for not only
the liquor fupplied by the liver and gall-bladder came under the title of bile,
but alio a confiderable part of the whole mafs of blood, which the moderns
commonly call oil ; which, as we learn from chemiftry, is as fruitful a fource of
difeafes at prefent, as it was formerly under the celebrated name of bilis fiava.
But here we treat of the veficular and hepatic bile, propelled upwards into
the ftomach, or of any other liquor brought thither, which is productive of like
mifchiefs as the bile itfelf ; and fuch is the oily humour fometimes thrown up
by vomiting ; yellow, of an horrible bitternefs, and tafte fcarce ever to be for-
gotten, refembling the bile, except only that the bile never blazes in the fire,
but this, like pure oil, catches flame if it be thrown from the mouth on burn-
ing coals. It arifes from oily meats, changed by the heat of the place into this
moft filthy difagreeable matter ; aided alfo by too infatiable an appetite, as
Horace intimates :

Nempe inamare/cunt e pulse fine fine pet it a ;

Illuftque pedes vitiofum ferre recufant

Corpus.

The bile, and this yellow filth approaching to the nature of it, have alike this
quality, that ftagnation in a hot place renders them both more acrid and horrible ;
much in the manner of oil, which, expofed to a gentle continued heat, pafies
from a tafte extremely bland, a fmell not remarkable, and a yellowifh colour,
through various degrees of corruption, to the higheft pitch of putridity, and

H at

5°

On the Ufe of Emetics ,

at length puts on the moft violent acrimony to the tafte, exhales the moft rank
mephitic fmell, and prefents to the eyes an ugly blacknefs. Both kinds of bile
juft mentioned, evidently undergo fimilar changes, are fubjedt to the fame
laws, wherever colledled in the body, until the uneafy guefts promote their own
expulfion. For otherwife the pitiable fufferer is tortured with dreadful cruel
pains, gripes, naufea, and vomiting, which do not however terminate the pain,
but continue to harrafs the patient even till death, efpecially if a hot temperament
of the perfon, the heat of the fun, a rancid or fermenting food, have added fuel
and flame to the difeafe. Here then is the cholera, the moft direful of dif-
eafes : a fever is kindled, the vifcera are inflamed, the ftrength fallen finks un-
der the load, and unlefs another Sydenham fits by the bed, and watches over
the patient, a gangrene creeping on the vifcera terminates the cruel torture
and life together. But the matter which caufes the difeafe is feated within the
confines that fultain the force of an emetic j and the removal of the caufe is
indicated ; why not then try an evacuation by emetics, or downward by pur-
gatives, or by both, feeing it is yet lodged in the prima via ? It is not without
caufe that prudent phyficians have rejedted the ufe of thefe in fo great a vio-
lence of the difeafe ; for, whatever good effedt the one or other may perform
in other difeafes, or in a milder degree of this, yet in fo violent a cholera we
muft rather ufe reftraints than ftimuli, as will eafily appear to any one who
confiders the cafe : for the mucus of the ftomach and inteftinal tube, as far as
this acrid inflaming liquor has extended, being abraded, it is now applied to
the naked nerves, and excites cruel pains, violent obftinate fpafms, kindles
burning fevers ; and, the remaining mucus being conftantly thrown up by
the emetic, the caufe of the difeafe is increafed, and, by the continued efforts of
vomiting, the dreadful effects are redoubled ; for although the emetic have
but the fmalleft degree of ftimulus, yet this, whatever it be, adds ftrength to
the enemy lodged within ; ftimulus is added to ftimulus, and by the united,
efforts of thefe the patient perifhes. But if the difeafe have not attained this de-
gree of violence, if hope be not quite cut off, and if every thing perfuades us to
attempt the cure by emetics, then the point will turn on a fkilful choice of the
remedy : for neither bile, nor the oily matter, will unite with every kind of li-
quid ; it refufes one, but follows and unites with another. That, therefore,,
which is moft proper to promote a mixture muft be ufed, regard being had to
the known difpofition of the difeafe, to which the remedy muft always be op-
pofed. Hence Jaccharata , mellita , Japonacea , mixed with acefcents, and ail
thofe mentioned fedtion 7, number i, which adt rather by their bulk than fti-
mulus, feem to promife fuccefs above others.

“ Whenever bile is to be eyacuated,” fays Foreftus (a)> “ after much.

(a) Foreft. Obferv. lib. 18. obf. 3..

7

broth.

On the life of Emetics. 51

broth, or after a free “ drinking of fome liquid, vomiting is to be excited
“ for bile, like oil, fwims on the top of thefe, and on that account is more
fc eafily evacuated ; its acrimony alfo is moderated by a mixture with them.”
A rule is certainly always to be obferved in curing bilious vomiting ; which
being negledted, the worft mifchiefs fometimes enfue. A cathartic, inconfl-
derately given, carries a part of the corrupted matter lower, and perhaps into
the blood ; hence again new miferies arife.

29. So great an overflow of pancreatic juice feldom occurs, as alone to be
elleemed the caufe of difeafe ; but in the courfe of difeafes, it may increafe
them : for as in health fo large a fecretion of it is made, as Brunnerus’ ex-
periments fhew, in difeafes arifing from a redundant lymph it may yet become
more copious, and an evacuation of this by an emetic will diminilh the
ferous colluvies.

30. The acceflions of fevers are commonly accompanied with naufea, vo-
miting, and other fymptoms, which fhew the ftomach to be in a bad ftate : it
ought, however, to be carefully diftinguifhed, whether this ficknefs arifes from
the vifcus itfelf, or from its contents; for an inflammation of the membranes
of the ftomach requires one kind of treatment, and the ftomach loaded with
corrupted fordes, and free from inflammation, another. It feems not to have
been well underftood by the more antient writers, that this vifcus is equally
obnoxious to inflammation as any other part whatever, until Frederick Hoff-
mann (a), in his Diflertations, obferved that it happens more frequently than
is commonly fuppofed. He lays down the diagnoftic figns by which the
phyfician may avoid the latent rocks on which the incautious eafily ftrike.
All thefe Boerhaave has explained in his ufual manner, with large improve-
ment, in his book De cognojcendis et curandis morbis , to which he has annexed
a neat method of cure. From an ignorance of the true fource of the com-
motions which fo often happen in the ftomach in the beginning of fevers,
have arifen thofe contentions, fo anxioufly agitated among pradlitioners, con-
cerning the ufe of emetics in treating thefe diforders. Some argue ftrenu-
oufly againft their utility, adduce inftances of their pernicious effefb, and,
with a grave countenance forbid their ufe : others extol their falutary effefh
to the fkies, and call in to their aid hiftories of fuccefsful cafes not lefs credible
than the former. Indeed it is eafy to fee that neither of them are much mif-
taken ; for what excruciating tortures does a vomit excite in the ftomach, when
the veflels are turgid with thick blood ; when the diftended nerves fuifer the
moft violent pains on the flighted: collifion againft the ingsjta ; and when the coats
of the ftomach are affedled with tumour, hardnefs, and pain, refembling a
true phlegmon on the external furface of the body ? What mifchiefs then

(a) F. Hoff. Differtat. decad, i.

FI 2

muft

52 On the Ufe of 'Emetics .

muft an operation, joined with fuch violence, produce in fuch a fituation of
things ? But the caufe of pain and uneafinefs oftener proceeds from the con-
tents of the ftomach, and then certainly an emetic produces commendable ef-
fects ; and Hippocrates, Sydenham, and the mod famous pradlitioners in the
healing art, warrant their ufe. Reafon alfo, fupported by practice, fpeaks the
fame thing: “ (a) If vomiting,” fays Sydenham , c< or an ineffectual pro-
“ penfity to it, has difturbed the patient, an emetic muft by all means be pre-
“ fcribed.” For, as Hippocrates teftifies, if any one chufes to exhibit much
water to a perfon vomiting, ixx\v<rf)-b<rilxi Si & tru v tw e^etw, wurw ^ \v Sid To
lalav o 'ifxflof 7 mvileci ; the cauje of the ficknefs will be wafhed off with the emetic ,
and thus by a vomit the vomiting will ceafe. Nor is this the only advantage
gained, but it will alfo be of great ufe both to the phyfieian and patient,
through the courfe of the difeafe, as we learn from Sydenham. <c To exhibit a
« vomit, when there precedes a propeniity to it, is fo neceffary, that, unlefs
“ the humour be expelled, it will become the fource of many difeafes, a tor-
<< ment to the phyfieian through the whole courfe of the cure, and throw
« the patient into great danger. Of thefe effeCts the chief and moft com-
er mon is a diarrhoea, which generally follows in the decline of a fever, as
“ often as an emetic, when indicated, has been omitted. And although the
“ propenfity to vomit may have been over fome time, yet the diarrhoea will
“ ceafe as foon as an emetic is exhibited, provided the patient have ftrength
“ to bear it.” Nor has this famous writer delineated the blacked: ftate of
things ; for this putrid matter, by ftagnating in the ftomach, becomes more
putrid, and, paffing into the blood by the abforbents, rendered empty by heat
and lofs of fluids, it pollutes the vital fluid with malignant fordes, and ren-
ders the fever in all refpefts more fevere ; all which might have been pre-
vented, if an emetic had been exhibited as foon as this propenfity to vomit
appeared. Concerning the choice of emetics, a caution muft alfo here be re-1-
peated; viz. that we choofe thofe which are moft fitted to walk off the
fordes, are moft oppofed to their nature, and change and corredc them ; and
laftly, which may perform the office of diluents, if by chance (which may
happen) any part of them ffiould be abforbed into the blood. For thefe-
purpofes, thofe mentioned fedtion 7, clafs 1, are fuitable, being rendered more
efficacious by fome out of § 8 ; for example, oxymel of fquills with ipecacoanha
root, or with a large draught of Ample oxymel, cr any other thin liquor, as
the occafion may require.

31. In treating fevers, we ought not to forget a caution mentioned by moft
praftical writers, that in all difeafes where a plethora is prefen t, or where the
habit tends to one, and where the condition of the patient requires at the

(a) Sydenh. de morbis acatis, § 1. cap. 4.

fame

On the Ufe of Emetics . 53

fame time an emetic, bleeding ought always to precede it, left the ftrong effort
of vomiting, and a fort of momentary tetanus, fhould rupture the diftended
veffels, or too great an impetus of the blood be determined to thofe parts
where there is lead refiftance. For, the veffels being ruptured, pour out
their fluids, and the patient immediately dies, either of an apoplexy or an
haemoptoe; or he periffies at length of an incurable phthifis, or from an affec-
tion of the lungs ; or is cut off by the morbid affections of fome other vif-
cera. That vomiting feems to be of moft ufe, which is excited immediately
after bleeding ; for the inconveniences of a plethora are then more certainly
avoided, and the falutary effeCts of the emetic are more certainly obtained,
efpecially if the difeafe be a fever, which requires the help of both; f'nr the
veffels being emptied of part of their contents by bleeding, fometimes n.id-
denly become turgid again, either by the rarcfaClion of the blood, or its bulk
being increafed by the quantity of ^liquids drank on account of the great
third; hence the fame inconveniences arife as before: nor can we exhibit an
emetic before bleeding has been repeated, though it might have been given
with lafety a few hours after the firlt evacuation.

32. 1 he operation of emetics in intermittent fevers feems fomething won-
derful, as they fometimes exhibit effedts not lefs difficult of explanation than the
nature of the difeafe itfelf; for although the extremities of the fanguiferous
veffels, or perhaps, fometimes the nerves, are principally affedted, yet an eva-
cuation of the matters collected in the inteftines is of great moment. There
are inftances of perfons cured by a vomit only, whether fpontaneous or ex-
cited by art ; whilft bleeding, except in plethoric habits, generally does harm,
and renders the difeafe more difficult or cure. But emetics, prudently re-
peated, carry off by degrees the corrupted fomes of the difeafe from the prima
vice , accelerate the motion of the blood, and laftly either take off the difor-
der, or make way for the fafe exhibition of a febrifuge ; which otherwife would
fix the fomes of the aifeah more obftinateiy, and, an evacuation being excited
upwards or downwards, it would lofe its effedts.

33. Nature anxioufly attempts, by the paffages opened by chance or art,
to throw off the; prepared febrile matter, and again relbore the body to
health. Sometimes fhe attempts it r - the emundtories appropriated to cer-
tain excretions, as by fpitting, vomiting, alvine faeces, fweat, or urine: at
other times by paffages lefs proper, as when tumours arife on the external
furface, and the like. It. is a ru e well known to all, that (a) Qua educere
oportet, quo viaxime vergunt , eo ducito per loca ccnvenientia : “ Whatever is to he
“ evacuated , ought to be expelled by thoje natural emunRories to which it principally
11 tends." If it appears that the crifis of a fever will happen by fpitting, the

(aj Hipp, Aphor. § i. Apbor. 21.

aiding

54 the Vfe of Emetics.

aiding hand of art ought to promote that fecretion. The like rule muft be
obferved in vomiting, if we know it is critical, or excited by fome matter offen-
five to nature ; but if it arile from inflammation of the ftomach, and cannot
be relieved by a vomit, it ought to be flopped. The cafe is the fame if the
matter attempts an egrefs by any other emundlory ; for the longer any con-
cofled matter, fit for expulfion, is retained in the body, the greater incon-
veniences it produces. The purulent fever affords us a melancholy but juft
example of this ; when, in thofe affedted with the fmali-pox, the fecondary
fever, fo called, fupervenes from an abforption of purulent matter : nor is
the critical putrefcent matter of any other fever lefs malignant, but requires in-
flant evacuation. There are remedies at hand proper to promote this or that
evacuation, according as nature points out the way; only we muft obferve, that
as the concodted matter of the difeafe, which paffes off through the pores
of the fkin, is fo loaded with contaminating particles, that it often affedls the
healthy; fo a ftmilar matter is depofited in the cavities of the ftomach and
inteftines, which is happily to be carried off fometimes by a cathartic, fome-
times by an emetic ; left, perhaps, being left after the crifts of a difeafe , it fjould
cccafion a return of it (a). Celfus alfo advifes, that it fhould be carried off
by vomit after a fever (b).

34. -We may add a great number of difeafes to thofe already mentioned,
which receive Angular help from this remedy. There are few chronic dif-
orders which do not require the help of emetics ; but a particular enumera-
tion of them would lead me too far. Moft difeafes common to children, a
ricketty or ftrumous difpofttion, the faburra, fomes and neft of worms, and the
like, are often fuccefsfully cured by emetics. The gout, dropfy, a milder
degree of fcurvy, common to adults, fometimes are relieved by vomiting :
the chlorofis, and fluor albus, in the weaker fex, often require this help. A
catarrh, diarrhoea, dyfentery, casliac pafllon, and every difeafe arifing from a
ferous colluvies, are relieved by a vomit. It is fcarce neceffary to mention
how much emetics, exhibited at proper intervals, contribute to promote long
life. There are fome perfons at prefent, who, though not given to gluttony,
nor wanting the means of carrying off the dregs of a full meal, yet, mind-
ful of the advice of the antients, efteem vomiting of fo much confequence,
that two or three times a month they empty the ftomach of its fordes by a
vomit. He who ftudies the moft exadt rule of living, often neceffarily com-
mits fo ne error in diet. Hence fooner or later the fault affedts the ftomach,
and there firft lays the foundation of future difeafe. Sicknefs, or a trouble-
fome naufea, is fometimes felt, a lofs of appetite, and various other fymptoms
appear, according to the different nature of the caufe, and the manner in

(a) Aphor. Hipp. § 2. Aph. 12. (b) Celfi medicina, lib. 3. cap. 7.

which

On the life of Emetics. 55

which the ftomach is affe&ed. Many betake themfelves immediately to fome
celebrated tindture, drawn with fpirits from bitter aromatic plants ; in this they
confide and indulge themfelves, till, habituated to them, they at length die
with their ftomach and bowels parched and worn out. We know no remedy
which feems to promife fo many and great advantages to fedentary perfons,
liable to crudities in the prim a via from a fedentary life, as an emetic. It
carries off the difeafe when produced ; it deftroys its proximate caufe, by
wafhing off the acrimony which moft commonly conftitutes it. To the ftudi-
ous, therefore ; to thofe whofe ftate of body forbids much exercife ; and laftly,
to perfons who fit much in their bufinefs, or on any other account are ex-
poled to fimilar difeafes, I would recommend the frequent ufe of emetics.

PART THE LAST.

Of the Ufe of Emetics , arifing from their mechanical Force.

35. npHE third queftion remains yet to be explained; viz. What are the
mechanical effects and ufes of emetics in removing difeafes ? We fhall
therefore next enquire into the parts affedled, what change they undergo, whaf
is hence produced in other parts, and what happens in the whole body.

36. The abdominal mufcles being contracted, (§1) and made rigid, almoft
like the bony column which defends the pofterior parts, not moveable by
any force of this kind ; and the diaphragm being ftrongly forced downward,
to which are oppofed the immoveable bones of the pelvis, the cavity of the
lower belly is every way diminiftied, and the whole contents of it powerfully
lqueezed together. Nor is there any part of the abdominal region free from
this forcible preffure, the great force of which is evident from the vehemence
with which the contents are thrown upward ; for certain experiments incline
us to believe that there is no contractile power in the ftomach fufficient to
throw up its contents, till affifted by the ftrong compreftion of the parts
mentioned, which compleats the evacuation; and the foft vifeera lying under
thefe parts, are affeCled with the violence of their aCtion, whence great
and ufeful effeCts may be expeCled.

37. But before we enter into a difquifition of thefe effeCts, it will not be
improper to take a view of the aftions of the abdominal vifeera, according to
the following general divifion of them; that, their office being known, we
may more eafily know the morbid changes which take place in them, and that
it may more clearly appear in how many ways this vehement mechanical alters
nate compreffion of thefe vifeera may be of ufe.

38. Their principal offices are, 1. To prepare from the ingefta a matter
fit for nourifhing the body : 2. To feparate what is proper for nouriftiment

from

56 On the Ufe of Emetics.

from fhat which is improper : 3. A farther preparation of the fame matter,
when changed into blood, by powers fituated beyond the abdomen : 4. To
fecrete liquids extremely ufeful to the purpofes of life: 5 and laftly, To fe-
parate and throw off from the nourifhed parts, the refiaue of folids and fluids
now become ufelefs. Thus; 1. The ftomach and fmall inteftines prepare the
chyle. 1. The labteals and abforbents feparate the more fluid from the
grofler parts. 3. The blood in the large meferaic arteries, and others dif-
perfed through the abdominal vifcera, buffers a continual concuffion, reciprocal
compreflion and propulfion; all which are more efpecially obfervable in the
fpleen. 4. The blood, thus prepared, flows conftantly through paflages ap-
pointed for it ; viz. through the liver, pancreas, and the numerous glands
every where difperfed through the lower belly; in this courfe the quality
and form of it are changed, according to the laws appropriated to the na-
ture of each particular organ. 5. The grofler filaments being corrupted, are
prefled forward and timely excreted : the thin and watery part of the blood,
loaded with falts and oil, unfit for nutrition, pafles off by the kidnies, and forms
the urine. All thefe offices are promoted at the fame time, and by the fame
means ; that is, an alternate conftant agitation, the neceffary confequence of
refpiration ; for if this motion and gentle concuffion of the abdomen fhould
ceafe, there would be no force fufficient to propel the fluids through fuch nar-
row winding canals, efpecially in the lower part of the belly, where they fome-
times lie under a confiderable preflure : the force of the heart alfo would
be unequal to the labour impofed upon it; the great power ofabforption would
ceafe, though too great to be limited by any prefcribed bounds ; for the vifcera,
not being agitated by the motion of other parts, a fpontaneous vifcidity would
arife in the fluids, and gradually obftrubt the canals, or form fo many im-
pediments in the final! tubes, that their progrefs would prefently ceafe, either
in fome or all the vifcera, according as thefe mifchiefs had more or lefs ex-
tended themfelves. And, indeed, the tetiology of difeafes fhews, that many
complaints of the abdomen arife from one or other of thefe caufes, or from
both concurring together. An attenuating remedy, therefore, which acce-
lerates the motion of the parts, is more efpecially indicated.

39. Ey the effort of vomiting, the fuperficies of the vifcera are ftrongly
prefled together, their bulk is diminifhed, and the fluids circulating through
them are preffed together, rubbed one againft another, and againft the fides of
the veflels : they are alfo propelled forward, and driven out where a paflage
opens for them. Hence fecretion and expulfion is quicker; the thick mat-
ter is refolved and prepared for ejection; all the actions (§37) rile to ma-
turity, vigour appears in the organs, and, all obfiacles being removed, they
aft with eafe ; on which both the quantity and quality of thofe fecretions,
which may be efteemed the prefervatives of health, immediately depend.

40. The

On the life of Erne tics. 57

40. The inner cavity of the ftomach is extremely full of glands and exha-
lant veffels, from the villous flexible mouths of which a liquor is fecreted, by
■which it is lubricated and preferved moift, the nerves are defended from the
injuries of the food, and chylification is promoted. But the mucous nature of
this liquor neceflarily diminiflies and retards its fecretion, loads the glands
with a vifcid matter, and gradually fubverts their office, efpecially if its motion
be flow, which is commonly the cafe with a mucous fluid. Hence arifes
a deficiency of the gaftric fluor, crudity, and indigeftion, an appetite di-
minifhed or too much increafed, heat in the ftomach, fometimes naufea, and
third:. The fame milchiefs fometimes occur from dried crufted fordes lin-
ing the cavity of the belly, as after an acute continued fever, when the at-
tendants, or perhaps the too cruel phyfician, have unjuftly thwarted nature,
craving a fupply of her diminifhed lymph. Diluents are not fufficient in
thele cafes, they even relax the veffels more ; hence the languid fluids, by
their delay, prefently thicken, not eafily again to be refolved. An emetic,
which produces the effedls mentioned § 29, is of great fervice in thefe com-
plaints ; for the whole abdomen fhould be confidered in this relpe<5t as fome-
what flmilar to the lungs. Indeed, every vifeus has fome office peculiar to it-
felf ; but the motion by which a conftant change of fluids is promoted and
takes place in every one, arifes from fome other part ; fo that a mixture, com-
preffion, attrition, folution, and the like, take place in the fluids here, juft as
happens in the thoracic vifeera. The fame caufe produces the fame effect,
though in different organs : a vomit, therefore, performs fpeedily what nature
by flow fteps attempts in vain to obtain.

41. Coftivenefs, the ufual companion of a fedentary inaflive life, generally
arifes from a deficiency of the mucus of the inteftines, and from a want of
the gaftric juice, fupplied from the glands and veffels, (§ 40). The gaftric
juice ought to render the faces foft and moveable, and the mucus procure
them an eafy defeent. The caufe of this defeft is the fame as mentioned above,
(§ 40) and the cure muff be attempted by the fame means, only with the addi-
tional help of exercife and motion. I do not fuppofe that this complaint al-
ways arifes from this caufe ; but if it has arifen from any other, it is increafed,
by this, and the perfon, not regular before, becomes at length coflive. Gentle
purgatives, indeed, carry off the faeces, remove the prefent inconveniences, and
moderate the uneafinefs of this fituation : but if the patient indulge himfelf
too much, as often as coltive, in remedies which feem to give fo much relief,
he will fcarcely avoid other inconveniences from this quarter ; for, all the
humidity being drawn off v/ith the feces, the belly will become fill more
coflive, the vifeera will be obflrinfted and fluffed with the remaining thick
matter. On two accounts, therefore, (§ 34, 40) an emetic recommends itfelf

I to

5 8 On the Ufe of 'Emetics*

to perfons of a fedentary inadlive life ; that is, as it expels the crude matters,
and by accelerating motion attenuates the vifcid, and thus performs the office
of an excellent diluent.

42. A complaint of an oppofite nature fometimes affiidls the ftomach and
inteftines ; that is, a kind of deluge of a watery liquid, in which the ilia
being immerfed, become tired, lofe their heat, and the parts deftined to per-
form the vital function become unequal to the talk. A weight and langour
about the precordia, frequent fpitting, lofs of appetite, belching up a watery
matter, more efpecially troublefome in the morning, great naufea, but fuddenly
going off, frequent liquid (tools without pain, with univerfal debility, inactivity,
and palenefs,. are the figns of this watery inundation, and at the fame time
point out the ferous diflolved (late of the blood. The fymptoms now
mentioned pretty clearly indicate the method of cure. An evacuation of the
redundant fluid, and (Irength added to the fmall veflels, are firfl: necefiary;
hence will follow a firmer crafis of the blood, and a change of its pituitous dia-
thefisj and for thefe purpofes emetics are efpecially ufeful. Hence we fee why
a vomit checks a diarrhoea, and alfo removes coftivenefs, according to the maxim
(a) of Hippocrates, repeated and approved by Celfus.

43. The ftrudture and office of the pancreas, being fimilar to that of the
falival glands, render it liable to fimilar complaints j namely, to have the fe-
cretion of its fluid either diminilhed or too much increafed. In both cafes an
emetic is ufeful it removes the obftrudtion, if not too obflinate, and, by com-
prefling the vifcus, carries off the fuperabundant fluid.

44. A little below the pancreas, the aliments, now rendered liquid, are ab-
fbrbed by the mouths of the ladceals, and immediately carried to the meferaic
glands. The flow motion of thefe, and the fmallnefs and winding ftrudture of
the veflels, promote a feparation of the thin from the thicker parts, but ren-
der the paflage of the chyle to the blood difficult, efpecially in delicate ha-
bits, and thofe who feed on bad foody or have the ftrudture of thefe parts
badly formed. Children, from inexperience, weaknefs of their conftitution,
and ftrong inclination to grofs improper food, are more fubjedt, than perfons
of more advanced age, to infarctions and dwellings of the meferaic glands.
Similar caufes will produce fimilar difeafes in adults, but they are not fo
common, for we fee in reality that children are molt fubjedt to thefe kinds
of obftrudtions. At this age there is fcarcely any thing more pleading to
the palate than raw unripe fruit ; leguminous, farinaceous, vifcid fubftances,
and other kinds of eatables the mod vifcid, are then efpecially fought after
and ufed, without any attention to the effedts this fpecies of luxurious

(a) Celfi medicina, lib. i. cap. 3.

appetite

On the Ufe of ’Emetics. 59

appetite may produce. Hence a tough matter is formed in the ftomach, and
at length pafles into a vifeid liquor, though hardly changed except in ap-
pearance : palling from the ftomach, it meets with an inactive bile, is diluted
with it, but not diflolved. The more fluid part enters the laCteals, but on
account of its tenacity flops there : the caufe is every day renewed, the ob-
ftruCtion grows and increafes, the tumor becomes harder, prefles on the
neighbouring parts, and blocks up the paflage to the veins ; hence an atro-
phia is produced, and the micrable fufferer daily pines away: or, if the difeafe
does not proceed fo far, nor wholly obitruCt the glands, yet an imperfeCt
chyle is mixed witli the blood, contaminates it, and, the glands being every
where affeCted, efpecially thofe about the face and neck, the fecretions made
from it are vitiated ; the face becomes fwelled and diftorted, and flievvs
either a true flruma or a difpofition verging towards it. This is, doubtlefs,
a dark face of things, and difficult for the phyfleian : the folids have loft their
ftrength, the fluids are too vifeid, and the parts which ought to change the
aliments into the nature of the body, being depraved, leave concoction im-
perfeCt. The glands alfo being obftruCted, the blood is precluded all means
of acquiring new vigour; and the glands, once clogged with vifeid matter,
with difficulty perform their office and evacuate their contents. It appears,
therefore, that every kind of help muft be ufed to remove fo obftinate a
difeafe. A refolution of the tumours is firft to be attempted, that, as far
as can be done by food and medicine, we may nourilh the body, cure the de-
praved, and ftrengthen the weak parts. Then the texture of the parts in
which the difeafe is feated muft be fo ftrengthened as to concoCt and expel
the offending fluids, regard being ftill had to the manner of living. They
who know the fituation of the mefentery, will eaflly conceive with what vio-
lence it will be prefled on every fide, by the efforts of vomiting ; and what
effeCls will follow on glands newly obllruCted, on the neighbouring parts
loaded with a foul matter, (§ 39) on the pancreas abounding with the like,
(§ 43) and laftly, on the ftomach, by throwing up the acrid humours (§ 34)
hurtful to it, and occafionally fupplying new ftrength to the difeafe. But
we ought carefully to examine if the vifeera are found, corrupted by no ul-
cer, and wholly free from any putrefeent wafte ; for otherwife an imprudent
emetic would be very hurtful. The fame alfo is true, if from laxity alone a
rupture be feared ; for in this cafe mechanical force muft be fparingly applied.
Nothing elfe forbids the ufe of an emetic; nor will our expectations of
great good from it be difappointed, provided the obftruCting matter be move-
able, and the ftrength of the patient fufficicnt to bear repeated operations.

45. Of all the abdominal vifeera, the fpleen is of the lofteft moft
delicate ftruCture, and the flefhy mufcular columns feem rather adapted to

I 2 fupport

6o On the TJfe of "Emetics ,

fupport its flexible fabric, than to propel the large quantity of blood it receives r
nor is the impetus of the heart, being diminifhed in this vifcus by the winding
ftru&ure of the veffels, nor the ftrength of the artery, fufficient for this pur-
pofe ; but they are aflifted by a conftant gentle agitation, which the fpleen
receives from its conneftion with the diaphragm, its nearnefs to the abdomi-
nal mufcles, and its pendulous fituation : and from thefe caufes chiefly the pro-
grefs of the blood through the vefiels of the fpleen is thought to be pre-
served. If therefore the ufual motion flop, or be for fome time diminifhed, as
happens to thofe of an inactive life, the blood is retarded in the fmall cells
and cavities, becomes thicker, and is in the greateft danger of producing an
obftruction, from a want of the neceflary mobility and ufual impetus, the
caufes of a free eafy paflage to the blood. The mode of giving relief muft
be varied, according to the ftage of the difeafe and the different caufes that
may have produced it ; for one method of cure is not proper for every per-
fon affedted with complaints of the fpleen. If the infardtion be recent, and the
hardnefs great ; if it has arifen from omiffion of exercife, or too great an ap-
plication of mind to fome objedt if there be a fenfe of painful diftenfion

without much matter colledted, and the habit of body in other refpedts good ;

mechanical compreflion may be applied to advantage : but if the hardnefs
feems to indicate a fchirrus, or if the fpleen has been inflamed by a preced-
ing fever, and converted into a bag of pus, then we muft have recourfe to
other remedies, left by irritating the fchirrus we change it into a cancer ; or,
the membranes confining the pus being ruptured, the abdomen fbould be
overflowed with a purulent matter, or the liver affedted with a putrid wafte.

46. Among the difeafes which affedt the liver, the unfightly jaundice moft
frequently difcovers itfelf to view. Medical writers have afligned many

^proximate caufes of this complaint. But the author of an elegant little

tradl on the jaundice, infer ted in the Medical Eflays j- has faved me the trou-
ble of reciting them feparately, or difcufllng them. We may allow with
this author, who chofe to conceal his name, that the moft frequent caufes
are, ftones generated in the veficula fellea, and lodged in the dudV, too nar-
row to give them paflage : for, befides the hiftories adduced by this author,
his other reafonings in the following volume J abundantly confirm it. Now
fuppofing this to be the cafe, which feems highly probable, medicines which
aft by mechanical force, are to be preferred to all others. Walking,
riding, and other motions which confiderably agitate the body, are of this
clafs $ by the help of which the gall-ftone is puftaed forward, and the obftrudted
bile iffues forth. Thefe, doubtlefs, greatly promote the defcent of the bile; but
fometimes they fail, the difeafe requiring a ftronger propelling caufe ; and if an

t Vol. i. art. 33. i Vol. ii. art. 28.

emetic

On the Vfe of "Emetics . 6 1

emetic ever be ufeful from its mechanic force, and if the feat of difeafe,
and the nature of its caufe, ever favour its falutary effects, it is certainly
here : nor are we often difappointed in our expectations ; for, a large quantity
of liquor being drank, the ftomach, like a bag turgid with a warm fluid,
is applied almoft upon the conftridted du<ft, and relaxes it ; whilft the bile
lodged behind is urged forward by the aCtion of vomiting, (§ 36.) Or if we
fuppofe the caufe feated in fome other part, for example, in the firft origin of
the biliary duCts, where they arife from the extremities of the vena fortarumy
or elfewhere, and that the obftruCting caufe be a thick purulent matter, or
fmall ftones lodging fall ; in thefe cafes an emetic will be of confiderable
fervice, if the difeafe can be remedied by the help of art.

47. Whenever the kidnies are affedted with pain, nature, by drawing the
ftomach into confent, and exciting motions or uneafinefs in it, from a com-
mon confent of nerves between thefe two vifeera, feems to point out the way
by which any thing that would-be hurtful to the kidnies, by a longer delay,
may be diilodged from them. 1. A gypfeous, mucous, purulent matter, either
produced here or brought by metaftafis, being too thick to pafs the fine
veflfels of the kidnies, or having palled, lodges too long in the renal finus, daily
increafes in bulk, prefixes on the neighbouring parts, or rubs againft them, and
caufes the moll excruciating torments. A ftonc being in this cafe often
formed, is forced into the ureter, too narrow to receive fo large a fubftance,
the mufcular fenfible coats of which being injured by the rough fuperficies
of the ftone, contract themfelves clofer, and ftrongly oppofe its farther pro-
grefs, the pains at the fame time becoming almoft too great to be endured.
VenefeCtion being firft performed, the ftriCture is to be removed by topics
and univerfal remedies ; after which, mechanical force performs what art can
do. Nor is this the only effedt of a vomit in this difeafe; but the liquor
drank performs the office of a fomentation, and, together with a clyfter,
makes a kind of internal bath, which, by its watery halitus, relaxes the ftric-
tures, and, by increafing the volume of the contents of the lower belly, it adts
with greater force on the kidnies and ureters.

c*. A morbid flaccidity of the kidnies from weaknefs of the vefiels, fome-
times permits fuch a flux of watery liquor to pafs off, as refembles a fpecies
of the difeafe called by the Greeks a diabetes. There frequently is patted a
confiderable quantity of thin watery urine, almoft without colour, tafte, or
fmell, attended with a troublefome thirft, proftration of ftrength, great lois of
fluids, and a wafte of the folids. But a worfe fpecies of the difeafe happens,
when there is an efflux of a whitifh, chylous, fweetifh liquor, which antient
practice fuppofed peculiar to this difeafe, and which modern pradlice has
confirmed ; for though the difeafe be very uncommon, yet it is met with fome-

times ;

62

On the Ufe of Emetics.

times ; and whether it may have arifen from relaxed veffels of the kidnies, or
a diiTolved date of the fluids, or from any other caufe, the curative indica-
tions, as Sydenham obferves (a), muft be wholly dtredffed to ftrengthen and
invigorate the blood, and to retrain the preternatural flux of urine j and we
may add, to take away the morbid laxity of the veffels of the kidnies.

What has been faid above, (§ 42) concerning the power of emetics in eva-
cuating fluids, Efficiently evinces how much it anfwers to the two firft in-
dications. The fltuation of the kidnies, and their nearnefs to the bones,
{hew what mechanical effects may take place in them, and how ftrongly the
efforts of vomiting may evacuate the redundant humour from their fubftartce.
It certainly expels the lymph, which in fome meafure macerates the kidnies,
and thus reffores the loff tone to the fibres.

48. It is hardly neceffary to obferve how exceedingly the muffles, affefted
with a ftrong fpafm, comprefs the uterus, tumid with its burden, (§ 36.) The
time of delivery therefore approaching, every thing which adds a ftimulus to
them muff be carefully avoided : but for the fame reafon we fee how much
may be expected from this fource, if the natural ftrength fhould be defi-
cient, or by repeated efforts and {training fhould be fo far reduced as to be
unable to expel the infant, though it be well fituated, of a proper fize, and
the parts alfo of a natural ftrufture ; in this cafe an emetic, which acts quickly
and powerfully and may foon be restrained, often happily finilhes the bufi-
nefs, without raffing any difturbance, heat, or fever in the fyffem j which
ufually follow the ufe of aromatics, efpeeially when joined with ardent fpirits
and other things of the like kind, which old women, according to cuftom,
exhibit with a liberal hand, and generally to the great detriment of the patient.

There are other affeftions of the uterus which may be relieved by this re-
medy ; but although they have fixed their ultimate feat in this viffus, yet
they fpread diforder through the whole body, and are to be confidered as caufes
of a general effetft : the fomes therefore, are to be removed from the general
habit, before the uterus can return to its former healthy ftate. How far an
emetic may be fuited to this intention of cure, will be fhewn hereafter.

Having thus confidered the faults of the principal vifcera feparately, at leaft
thofe which admit of relief from mechanical remedies, we muft now confider
the effefls which refpeft the whole body, and enquire into the general changes
produced by fo great an operation.

49. Befides the large trunks of veffels which pafs through the belly, and,
bringing the blood from the extremities, carry it to various vifcera, and, be-
ing formed into one, conftitute the origin of the vena -portatarum ; there are

(a) Sydenh. Epift. Refp, oper. p. Z72.

IO

ffill

On the TJfe of Emetics . 63

llill thoufands of their branches, which creep through the vifcera, and, mak-
ing their way by various turnings, form many beautiful plexus of vefiels,
through which the natural fluids are conftantly propelled. By vomiting, the
fituation, magnitude, and figure of the vefiels, are every moment changed,
fo that an action arifes altogether fimilar to the aftion of the lungs. But if
we advert to the number of the abdominal vefiels, and to the force ap-
plied to them and their contents by the efforts of vomiting, we (hall fee that
this adlion far exceeds the powers and adtion of the lungs, and at this very
time alio, they a<5t much more llrongly than ufual. We may juftly conclude,
therefore, that every part of fanguification is exceedingly promoted by it 5
that is, a union, denfation, attrition, folution, and mixture of the fluids with
the blood, is excellently promoted. Thefe effefts are alfo afiifted by the in-
creafed velocity of the blood ; for the arteries are comprefied, as well thofe
which go to the belly, as thofe difperfed to the limbs. Molt of the mufcles
grow rigid with a (lighter kind of tetanus in the very aft of vomiting, as will
eafily appear to any one looking on a perfon in this fituation. The mufcles
of the breaft and fhoulders fupport and fix the ribs ; the arms ftretched out,
fupport the body, by which the mufcles of the back are afiifted in keeping
the body bent forward in a convenient pofture ; the legs become llifl', and
the patient, like an immoveable ftatue, waits with open mouth the attack
of ficknefs and retching. The blood-veflels, therefore, which accompany the
mufcles, are equally fubjeft to this preflure as thofe of the abdomen, and.
are affefted with it in like manner : the diameter of the arteries is dimi-
niftied, and the comprefied fluid ruffles out where a paflage opens for it -r
the column urging on behind, prohibits a reflux, it muft necefiarily therefore
proceed forward, and fooner reaches the vtins. The coats of thefe are
lefs rigid and more ealily yield to external force j the fame eft'eft therefore
takes place here, namely, the blood is comprefied and puffled forward : the
frequent valves forbid its return ; it urges on its way therefore with greater ve-
locity, and reaches the heart in a fuller ftream ; but, driven from hence with
frequent repeated ftrokes, it haftens on to perform the ufual rounds. From
thefe things wre clearly learn, 1. That fanguification is made better: 2. That
the fecretions are increafed: 3. That the folids acquire new ftrength : 4. Laft-
ly, That the momentum of the blood is increafed, and, impediments being
removed, the circulation becomes more free. But from thefe principles it
will eafily appear, what difeafes rr? Stlpivot, require mechanical motion

as a remedy, and why fo many and fuch great efiefts are produced by vomit-
ing, both on the fluids and folids. It will not, howrever, be foreign to our
purpofe, to (hew their ufe in a few of thefe kinds of difeafes.

50. The winter being paft, the folids, before ftiffened by the piercing froft,
are again relaxed ; but the fluids, propelled with, lefs force by the enervated'

vefiels.

64 On the TJfe of 'Emetics .

veflel-s, grow thick by the vernal heat, and on any flight occafion flagnate in
the extreme veflels, the folids failing of their ufual ftrength : the humidity
of the air accumulates the fordes, and the weak body, loacied with faeces, be-
comes liable to many diforders. Nature, perhaps, brings on a benign inter-
mittent, which might foon fhake off the troubleforne load, and reftore the
body to health and vigour, if left to itfelf, and not diflurbed in its courfe.
But the complaining patient is urgent; he abufes the phyfician with hard
fpeeches, and defpifmg his advice, perhaps procures from fome old woman
an untimely relief, often accompanied with a thoufand mifchiefs. An eme-
tic feconds the attempts of nature ; and, if it does not radically extirpate
the complaint, yet it expedites a fafe way to health, (§32) and if repeated
is ufeful. An autumnal intermittent feems no lefs to require the help of an
emetic, as well to evacuate the foulnefs of the frima via , as to correct the
diforders which have a deeper root in tire fyftem.

51. Nearly allied to this, is a flow continued fever, greater in degree, arifing
perhaps from the fame caufes, and fometimes raging about the fame time :
the morbid matter feems more immoveable, and which can by no means be
fubdued or expelled by the flow work of nature. Hence there is no re-
miffion ; yet the difeafe is not fo violent, nor the heat extreme. Venefec-
tion evacuates, with the blood, the ftrength alfo, which in this fpecies of fever
is already too low. A gentle laxative is of little ufe and a ftronger purgative
debilitates. ’Tis the bulinefs of the phyfician to favour and promote what
nature has begun. We muft therefore fupport the fever, that it may finifli
its attempts (otherwife too weak and ufelefs) and concodt the crude, and ex-
pel the concofted matter, that it may not be hurtful to the body. “ If there
** be coldnefs and torpor,” fays Celfus (a), “ and reftlefsnefs, it will not
« be improper to give in the fever three or four cups of the mulfum ( b ), or di-
** luted wine mixed with the food ; for by this means the fever is increafed, a
“ greater heat arifes, and removes the forementioned fymptoms, gives hope
“ of a remifllon, and in that remiflion of a cure.” But emetics perform all
this. There is a ftrong force accelerating the motion of the fpirits, (§18,
19); the fordes lodged in the bowels are evacuated, (§ 30); if the abdo-
minal vifcera are clogged with vifcid matter, it is corrected and fubdued,
(§ 39) i and laftly, the motion of the blood is quickened, and the thin fe-
cretions, (§ 49, n. 2, 3, 4,) are increafed, efpeciaily thofe by the fkin and
furface of the body. Perhaps there is no method of promoting fweat, more
efficacious or ufeful, than after an emetic has been exhibited ; for not only
a copious fweat is excited during the operation, but the attenuated fluids

(q) Celf. med. lib, 3. cap. 9, (b) Water and honey boiled together.

are

On the Ufe of Emetics* 65

are propelled fo forcibly to the furface of the body, (§ 49), that, the ob-
ftrudtions being removed which block the cutaneous orifices, the humours
determined hither rufh out in a full ftream. And here opiates are of ufe,
which practitioners molt judicioufiy advife after an emetic. Vomiting like-
wife cleanfes the fquallid foulnefs of the -prim <e vi<e, and prevents the vifcera
from being injured when an hydrogogue is adminiftered, and the fomes
difperfed through the body.

52. The fame doCtrine points out the great ufe of an emetic in a thin
acrid catarrh, in the humoral althma, and other diforders of the like kind,
ariling from catching cold ; when the matter of perlpiration is retained, and
fo far loads the veflels with an inactive fluid, that all the functions fufler
by it ; when the fenfes grow dull with a ftupid heavinefs, and one would al-
moft fay that the body is literally heavier than ufual ; and laftly, when the
diltended veflels become painful, and the fenfible parts are hurt ; when thefe,.
and other like fymptoms appear, a remedy mult be exhibited, which may
open the pores, expel the fuperfluous humours, and reftore the body to its
ufual activity. An emetic is of great ufe for thefe purpofes, in whatever
part of the body the complaint, arifing from thefe caufes, may be fituated.
If we fuppofe that the glands, and other veflels about the fauces and neck,
fo much abound with a watery humour, that there are figns of an approach-
ing defluxion, mechanical force will be of ufe ; for the face growing red
and fwelling, the eyes fparkling and filled with tears, the noftrils moiftened
with their ufual fluid, and the glands of the mouth and fauces pouring out a
rivulet of faliva and mucus; all which conftantly accompany the efforts of vo-
miting ; clearly demonftrate with what force the blood makes towards thefe
paflages, and the greatnefs of the attack on the obftruCted veflels. For as the
bony canals do not yield, and as the great arch and obliquity of afcent of the
vertebral and carotid canals greatly break the force of the blood in its ap-
proach to the brain ; fo the tender flexible texture of it is in lefs danger from
an emetic, the impetus being moftly determined outward, the increafed force
inwardly being but fmall. Hence partly, and from its ftimulant and evacuat-
ing virtue, the reafon will appear why a vomit is of fo much ufe in a vertigo,
hemicrania, and other like difeafes ; why it has fometimes been fo, ufeful in
the epilepfy of old people, as writers of obfervation acknowledge : “ I have
known,” fays Hoffmann (a) “ an inveterate epilepfy, which had afflidted
“ the patient twenty years, cured by the ufe of emetics and fpecific antF
lf epileptics, taken from the animal kingdom.” Nor am I unacquainted with
flmilar hiftories ; but the prefcribed limits of my work forbid the relation of
them.

(a) Hoff. Differt. decad. i. p. 204.

K

S3 • The

66

On the Ufe of Emetics,

53. The fame reafon renders it lefs neceffiary diftinCtly to relate their ufe
in the fmall-pox ; not only as they evacuate and turn the future mifchief
to fome other part, (§ 30) but alfo on account of other effeCts which they
poffefs, (§ 49) and the excellent changes which arife from them. Let us
fuppofe the fkin covered with puftules ; and the fmall perfpiratory velfels fo
comprefled, that the ufual ftrength cannot pufh forward the hard compacted
matter : in this cafe the bulk of the contents of the veflels is increafed ; a fe-
brile heat is fo kindled in the interior parts, that the internal exhalent organs
become dried, or otherwife fo obftrufted that they cannot perform their func-
tions. On both accounts a fluid is retained, which has already undergone too
long a circulation, and which by a longer delay would be productive of the
worfc effieCts ; for too much heat produces acrimony, whence a ftimulus is
applied to the nervous parts ; hence alfo arife febrile heat and thirflr, perhaps
delirium may fupervene : from the increafed bulk of the fluids, anxiety infefts
the prsecordia ; the thick matter made fluid by heat is coagulated, and ren-
dered more unfit for excretion through the organs which nature often points
out for it, that is the fauces or inteftines. Thefe diforders require, in the
exhalent veflels of both places, a refolution and evacuation of the coagulated
matter, and fluidity to be produced in the reft, but fo that the fever be no
more increafed than can be fafely reftrained by an opiate. Whoever recol-
lects what has been faid (§ 13, 18, 39, 49) concerning the effects of emetics
both on the fluids and folids, will forefee that they are not improper remedies
in this cafe, nay, perhaps the moft proper. Sydenham, treating of acute fe-
vers, fays (a), “ When I have fometimes happened carefully to examine the
tc matter thrown up by a vomit, and have found it neither remarkable in
cc quantity, nor of very bad quality, I have admired that the patients have
cc received fo much relief from it; for, the vomiting being over, the fevere
cc fymptoms, (viz. the naufea, anxiety, reftlefsnefs, deep fighs, blacknefs of
ec the tongue, &c.) which tormented the patient, and terrified the by-ftanders,
tc were ufually mitigated and went off, leaving the reft of the difeafe to-

lerable.” But from what has been faid, it appears that the thick fluids
are diftoived, the obftruCted ' canals made free and open, the whole body,
dried and parched up, becomes moift, and the hurtful matters are expelled ;
it is no wonder therefore, that fuch fudden relief fhould happen from it.

54. The advantages re:eived from emetics in acute difeafes being thus cur-
forily related, the way is paved to chronic complaints; in which the oppor-
tunity of giving relief is not fo fleeting, nor experience fo fallacious, though
judgment and difcrimination are fufticiently difficult. Vomits feern more
efpecially oppofed to thofe daffies of difeafes which have their origin and feat

(a) Sydenh . oper, § i. cap. 4.

in

On the Ufe of Emetics. 67

in the ftomach, or vifcera fituated near it, which is the cafe with almoft all chronic
complaints ; for the diforders arifing from thefe parts are quickly difperfed
through the fyftem, and the effedts of lofi or broken health are returned on
thefe vifcera. This is no where more evident than in thofe difeafes which
are accompanied with lofs of reafon, and which happen from bad food, or
fome error in diet, as their proximate caufe ; for though they arife from
paflions of the mind, evacuations, or other remote caufes, yet an improper
method of living often conftitutes the proximate' caufe. The innumerable
branches of nerves fen t off to the ftomach, do not ferve either for nutrition
or motion only, but rather to promote chylification. The animal fpirits, there-
fore, being difperfed in too great a quantity, one of the caufes of health is loft;
that is, the inftruments deftined to convert the ufual quantity of food into
the nature of our body, become unequal to the talk ; but the ufual quantity
being taken into the ftomach, there neceflarily arifes indigeftion, the fource
of other difeafes. This is moft frequently the origin of the hypochondriac
affedtion, and fometimes of other degrees of defective reafon, from the
flighted: to the higheft pitch of madnefs. The phenomena of this difeale
fhew that the fault is principally lodged in the fluids, and confifts in too
great a thicknefs of them, or a diflipation of the moft volatile moveable
parts— Thefe are the animal fpirits, the vaporofe halitus of the blood, and
laftly the watery elements of it; the greater or lefs wafte of which makes
the difeafe milder or more fevere ; whilft the blood paffes through various,
degrees of fpiflitude, till at length it degenerates into a true bile, called by the
antients atra bilis. What is known of the nature of this difeafe, is chiefly
owing to chemiftry ; by the help of which, in this, as in many other diforders,
many phenomena otherwife unintelligible, become evident. From the che-
mical analyfis of the blood it appears, that the watery parts being evaporated,
there remain a faline, an oily, and an earthy matter, varioufly combined
together, but little fit for the fundlions of health, as being thicker and lighter
than healthy blood. Chemiftry likewife demonrtrates, by experiments to be
depended upon, that oil, fait, and earth, united together, contain more air
than water mixed with the reft. The human calculus is an example of
this ; therefore the folids are too powerful for the fluids, circulate them too
quickly, and the wafte of the thinner part is increafed, whilft the refiduum
growing thick, refufes an intimate mixture with diluents. The ingejia, not
fufficiently concodted, add to the difeafe, obftrudt the foft vifcera, and weaken
or deftroy their adtion. Hence arife obftrudtions, tumours, and pains of the
fpleen, liver, and hypochondria. Health requires a reftoration of fluidity and
mifeibility to the vifeid part : this is obtained by diluents, faponaceous fub-
ftances, and attrition. But the nature of the difeafe, as above explained,

K 2 Ihews

'6S On the life of Emetics .

thews that diluents alone are of little ufe ; faponaceous fubftances alone, though
very efficacious, are feldom fufficient ; but thefe aided by attrition and heat
exert their whole force, as appears from chemiftry. Laftly, attrition in this
difeafe is feldom increafed by the common ftimulants, which are often found
hurtful. It is true, they increafe the celerity of the blood, but they increafe
at the fame time its rarefaction. But it is found that attrition is in proportion
to the celerity, folidrty, and compreffion : if therefore the ratio of increafed
rarefaCtion, exceed the ratio of increafed celerity, not only the attrition will
not be increafed, but on the contrary it will be diminiffied. A remedy there-
fore is wanted which may increafe the celerity of the blood, and at the fame
■time reftrain its rarefaCtion. It eafily appears, from what has been faid, that
-fuch a remedy is found in the effort of vomiting.— Hence appears, by the
bye, the utility of immerfion in cold water.

55. A dropfy feems diametrically oppofite to this difeafe; in which a ferous
lymph drowns the vifcera, and the pallid blood deforms the body with a dis-
agreeable colour, and flhews that water abounds, and that, by a contrary fault,
the oily, earthy, and faline parts are deficient.

A pituitous difpofition having arifen in the fluids (which may happen from
various caufes, fome of which the poet (a) has not unaptly defcribed,

Corrupti jecoris vitio vel J plems , acerbus
Crejcit hydrops : aut cum ficcata febre medulla
Atque avidte fauces gelidum traxere liquor em :

T um lympha inter cus vitio glijcente tumejcit,

Secernens miferam proprio de vijcere pellem.)

-immediately the folids are fo debilitated that they are fear ce able to propel
the torpid fluids. Hence ftagnation in the lateral veffels, and languor of the
functions. The ferum is daily accumulated, fwells, injures the neighbouring
.parts, and the caufes of the difeafe are continually renewed. If this happens
in one veffel only, an hydatis is formed : if Kara along the veins , or

in the tunica cellularis difperfed through the body, a leucophlegmatia takes
place : if a ruptured veffel pour its contents into fome cavity, a local dropfy
is produced : if, laffly, (which is often one caufe of the difeafe) the aCtion of
the abforbent veins be debilitated, either from obflruffion produced in them,
or from mere languor and inertia of the folids, whilfl: the fmall arteries with
open mouths perform their office, and pour their fluid from the drained body
without end into a cavity; in this cafe the fluid being continually accumulated
grows thick, and in a fliort time renders the veffels of all kinds unfit for'
their office, and produces a topical dropfy. In the cure of this difeafe the

(a) Sammonicus.

primary

On the Vfe of Emetics, 69

primary caufe muft be diminifhed or removed attenuants, evacuants, exfic-
cants, and roborants of every order, muft be ufed, that the humid load may
be removed, the water leffened, and the veffels fo far reftored to their ftrength,
that they may perform their proper office, and the native healthy ftate of the
fluids be renewed. To do all this, we find many remedies among pradical
writers. I know not how many celebrated fpecifics are mentioned by them
which will carry off the difeafe almoft at one itroke, if we are to give credit to
their promifes. Others are difpleafed with this fhort way of doing things, and
relate a pompous farrago of remedies, and almoft bury the patient under a
heap of medicines. The pradice of both is to be avoided ; nor is the cure
wholly to be left to emetics, nor yet attempted without them ; feeing they
fhorten the labour, and perform in a compendious manner what would other-
wife require many helps. Anti-hydropic remedies before mentioned, feem to
produce their effed by exciting motion and attrition of the fluids, and by car-
rying off the exuberant lymph. A ftrong effort of vomiting often re-
peated, promotes all thefe at once. It opens the obftruded veffels, breaks
down and propels the thick and ftagnant fluids, dries up the humid parts,
increafes the watery fecretions, renders compad the diffolved blood, and dif-
folves the vifcid, carries the blood with greater velocity to the extremities, and
promotes fweat. It alfo exerts a ftrong adion on the tumefied abdomen ;
and, when the difeafe is wholly feated here and recent, the vifcera found,
and the body not very old, the cure is fafely finiffied by repeated vomits with
proper regimen and moderate exercife ; except in perfons, cc who being their
“ own mafters, cannot fo eafily be governed, as thofe who recover by the
“ benefit of being controuled (a)." In the advanced ftage of the dropfy,
an emetic feems to be of no fmall ufe. This is proved by a cafe mentioned
by Fore ft us (b), of a dropfical perfon, fwelled in his belly, hands, feet and
“ face ; left by the phyficians, and at length defpairing of a cure, he went to
“ the fea ffiore, and in a fmall veffel went fome diftance on the fea; by
“ which a vomiting being promoted, and afterwards ufing exercife, he was
M reftored to health.” I might here adduce the fuffrage of Sydenham, who,
in his elegant trad on the dropfy, fupports his opinion of their ufefulnefs by
many examples confirmed by repeated obfervation : but the more advanced in
the art know well the elegant words of the author, and the lefs advanced are
chearfully recommended to the book itfelf, in the reading of which,

fi propius Jles

Te capiet magis et

decies repetita placebit.

'*) Cell*. Medicin. lib, iii. cap. 21,

(b) Obferv. lib. xix. ohf. 33.

jo On the life of 'Emetics .

ij~ clofer thou attend

It will Jlrike thee the more ■, and

a thoufand times repeated will pleafe thee.

But in this difeafe the cure is not to be committed to mechanical adtion, un-
lefs the vifcera, and other circumftances, are as mentioned in paragraph
forty-fourth.

56. From what has hitherto been faid, it will clearly appear what effedts
may be expedted from the adtion of emetics in difeafes arifing from a ferous
colluvies. Their ufe alfo will appear in the rickets, a difeafe troublefome to
children of both fexes, difficult to remove, and frequent. It is commonly
produced by fome fault arifing in. the abdomen, and propagated as far as the
medulla ; by flow degrees it digs into the very pillars of the body, and ren-
ders the hardefl: and almofl: inflexible bones too eafy to he bent. The origin
and progrefs of the difeafe, the curatory indications, and alfo the manner by
which it may be relieved by repeated vomits, will clearly appear from the
following obfervations (a).

1. The hardefl: bones in the body were once a moveable jelly, membranes
or cartilages ; which by degrees, growing hard through various degrees of
folidity, at length become rigid bones.

2. There are two caufes of this induration ; viz. a fecretion of a bony mat-
ter from the blood, and a firm appofition of the matter fecreted, or a ftrong.
compreffion of the particles one to another. Thefe are the effedts of a com-
pleat vigour of the living powers, and the adtion of the neighbouring in-
cumbent mufcles. Therefore,

3. If the blood be not fufficiently ftored with proper particles for the ftruc-
ture of the bones, a lefs fecretion will be made, and lefs fit for the purpofe
of offification. Moreover, if mufcular adtion be deficient, and the ftrength
languid, another caufe of offification is wanting. Hence, therefore,

4. It appears, that thofe conditions which can produce the rachitis, are all
of that kind which ufually deprave chylification and fanguification. Particular
regard, therefore, mult be had to thefe, and that kind of medicine be chofen,
which may corredt and remove the fault in its very formation, (§ 18. 27.
39) ; may mend the hurtful effedts of it, beginning to appear in other places;
and in the beft manner relieve the defedt of impetus and motion in the muf-
cles, (§ 49.) Purgatives indeed happily carry off the faburra of the vifcera ;
but if they are too firong, they debilitate much, and leave a thick but vapid
matter behind, more apt to produce obftrudtions ; and the folids, already
too weak, they weaken farther. Emetics powerfully purge the vifcera, are
not fo hurtful to the vital powers, and ftrengthen the folids ; efpecially if an

(a) Vide Alex. Monr. Anatomy of the Bones, p. 34.

3

accurate

On the life of 'Emetics. 71

accurate regimen be obferved, if the body be often immerfed in cold water,
and laftly, if the fymptoms arifing be fometimes moderated by fpecifics.

57. Whether a vomit be ufeful in attacks of the gout, to whom, when,
and how often it ought to be exhibited, is not ealy to determine. Thofe, whofe
authority I very much regard above mod others, altogether diffuade from their
ufe in the paroxyfms, except naufea, vomiting, and other figns of the fto-
mach being loaded withfordes, be urgent, and then they only admit the lenient
emetics. But other phyficians, (a) of no fmall note, are of an oppofite opi-
nion ; and one (b) afierts, that “ he has feen the ufual attacks of the gout
<c always rendered more mild, when the prima reglo has been cleared of
“ fordes, immediately at the commencement of the paroxyfm, by a gentle
“ emetic, either alone, or joined with a laxative.” Who is fufficient to decide
thefe differences ? As for me, difmifiing thefe finds, I fhall endeavour to
demonftrate, in few words, the ufe of emetics in a different ftage of the
fame difeafe ; that is, between the paroxyfms, in order to prevent the future.
The acrid matter ftagnating in the very fine paffages, and exciting excruciat-
ing pains, is expelled after a gouty paroxyfm (if the cure be rightly con-
dudted, nor the efforts of nature checked by the untimely ufe of fome external
or internal medicine) a gentle fweat moiflens the part aftedted ; or, if the
difeafe be of a ftill worfe kind, having a deeper feat in the body, and pro-
ducing tophi, an alleviation and remiflion of all the fymptoms fuccceding,
fhew the evacuation to have been critical : therefore a return of the fomes of
the difeafe into the blood, and upon the parts appointed for the more noble
functions of life, is by no means to be feared ; but the reft of the difeafe is to
be removed in the manner of any other more fevere chronic complaint. If
the fluids are depraved, they mult be purged by alterants ; the weak folids muft
be ftrengthened, the powers of the whole body be renewed, and the root of
the cruel difeafe, as far as art can effedt it, be cut up. For thefe purpofes
the medicina gymnaftica, or exercife, is extremely ufeful; which, above many
other helps, revives the weakened limbs with frefh vigour. Riding on horfe-
back, or in a carriage, running, &c. are excellent helps. But how often
does the unfriendly feafon of the year prevent thefe exercifes ? In the win-
ter or fpring the gout commonly abates, but is yet worfe if it intermits in
the autumn. For the air heavy and cold, wholly prevents going abroad ; and
the diftorted joints, yet lame with the late pains, do but ill admit of ftanding
long on the feet, or that the body be tortured with any kind of motion in-
doors, or in fome covered walk. Fridtion, in reality, does nothing more than
ftightly clean the external parts ; it evacuates no pituitous matter from the

(a.) Vide Dr. Cheyne’s EfTay on the Gout, p. 77, Sc c. (b) Hoffm. Diff. Decad. i. p. 413.

vifeera,

72 On the Ufe of Emetics.

vifcera, which, for want of motion, neceffarily begins to be trotiblefome.
Nor are there wanting to patients flattering companions, who know not how
to give a dearer pledge of friendfhip, than by ruining their own health by
drinking, and attempting the ruin of a man recovering from difeafe, whilft
in words they wifh him his ufual health, but in reality take the means to
deftroy it. For thefe and the like reafons, an emetic is almofl: always very
neceflfary to thefe convalefcents ; nor will it be difficult to collect from what
has been faid, in what manner it fupplies the place of vigorous exercife. It'
appears alfo in what manner vomits affift the animal funftions, how they
concodt the thick humours, and laftly, more or lefs anfwer to every Angle
indication. Nor are difcerning practitioners afraid, twice a month, or fome-
times oftener, to order a vomit to perfons in this flotation.-— Having therefore,
taken a view of their ufe in moft chronic difeafes, we intend {lightly to run
over the complaints which are troublefome only to the tender fex.

58. Not only the manner of living, but almofl: the, very vital fliamina, feem
to have given a more foft lax temperament to women than to men ; unlefs a
harder lot in life may have imparted to them an unnatural one, and an healthy
mind in a healthy body, hardened with fevere labour, fhould have given them
a .firmnefs altogether imitating mufeular force. There is however a ftage
of life in which the condition of women, from the leafl: error, becomes liable
to the worfl: mifchiefs ; that is, at the time the difference of the fexes be-
gins to appear, which is at or about the fifteenth year of their age : for till-
this time, in a medical fenfe, they are but one and the fame genus or kind..
But in what they differ, why, and what are the phyfical caufes of this dif-
ference, is not neceffary at prefent to explain, having been largely treated of
by others. But a brief recital of thefe difeafes, as it may ferve for a more
clear explication of this argument, feems not improper to our purpofe.

1. The terminus of increafing bulk approaching, the fame organs which
have hitherto prepared nourilhment for the body, ffill continue to prepare more
than nutrition alone requires. The fuperabundant blood therefore now paffes
off periodically by- the uterine veffels. If it be detained too long in the body,
through weaknefs of the veffels, or by an obftrufted paffage, plethora is
added to plethora, and the difeafes of the fex prefently appear.

2. If a watery diffolved or acrid blood pervade the uterus, and momen-
tum or force be wanting to open the mouths of the veffels fo far that they
may depoflt the red blood, it then paffes into the lateral veffels, is poured
into the glands every where placed in the cavity of the uterus, and becomes
thick : at length there paffes off a vifcid fluid, different in colour, fometimes
white (from which it has been called fluor albus ) or whitifh, fcarce tinging a
cloth ; fometimes yellowifh, greenifh, blackifh, and affedted with every colour

between

On the Vfe of Emetics. 73

between thefe; fometimes it pafies off without fetor, forretimes it fmells ;
fometimes it is mild, generally at fird, but the difeafe continuing long it be-
comes more acrid, deeper coloured, and more fetid. The opening glands
feparate and throw off the thin humours of all kinds ; amongft which are the
nutritious, which ought to have given vigour to the folids, and momentum
to the fluids. Hence flrength declines daily, the limbs lofe their power,
digeftion fails, a more indelible faulty Hate corrupts the fluids, and a difeafe
creeps into the whole oeconomy, than which (I have heard the fkilful affert
it) there is none among the whole troop of chronic complaints more cruel
to the fex, more difficult to be cured, or more fatal in its effects ; for the
very indruments fail, by the help of which the other parts ought to be re-
paired, and the feat of the difeafe is in a vifeus, to which, of all others, it is
mod difficult to apply a remedy. - ’Tis true, it does not foon fail, but when
once affedted, it preferves its vitiated date long ; becaufe it is a part, fays
Foredus (a J, “ which readily receives the excrementitious particles of other
“ parts, both on account of its inferior fituation, and the multitude of veins
“ running to it, and alfo on account of the ufual natural purgation.” Add
to this, that its folid vafcular drudture does not eafily yield to medicines, the
powers of which are weakened' by a long circuit before they reach it. And
after the dil'pofition of the blood has been made better, the lax texture of
the glands obdinately oppofes a cure, and thofe medicines which are oppofed
to this foftnefs, condringe the orifices of the arteries, and render mendruation
more difficult. Native laxity, a bad diet, an inadtive and luxurious life, generally
produce this difeafe : for, as the fame Foredus lias obferved, country -women
feem fcldom affected with it'. Thefe circumdances alfo often precede a fup-
predion of the uterine flux (b). Such remedies, therefore, mud be applied
in thele cafes, as are oppofed to difeafes arifing from caufes of this kind ;
not omitting repeated vomits : for, befides the effedts hitherto mentioned, of
cleanfing the domach, dimulating the folids, and producing a wonderful at-
trition in the blood, they alfo propel it with luch force to the uterus, that we
find examples (c) where this mechanical force alone, in retarded menfes, has
produced an indant flow. And, unlefs the patient be hard to vomit , or can
ill bear the adtion of an emetic, no lefs advantages are to be expedted from it
in the fiuor albus , than in mod other chronic difeafes. But it often happens
that patients in this difeafe are fatigued with the lead motion ; whence they
receive more harm than good from a vomit. This, therefore, is fird to be
confidered, before emetics be given to patients of this kind.

(a) Foreft. Obf. lib. 28. obf. 21. (b) Oper. Friend, page 67. 80.

(c) Plater. Obf. Med. p. 191. — Hildan. Obf. cent. 3. obf. 58.

L

59. But

74 On the Vfe of Emetics.

59. But there is nothing perfe£t and happy in every refpecft : emetics
have their advantages, and alfo their difadvantages ; nor are thefe lefs to be
feared than thofe to be defired, if by chance the medicine be given im-
properly. But the unfuccefsful events of a remedy no lefs lhew the utility of
it, than if the molt defirable effedts had taken place from it •, they demonftrate
its power, and prove its efficacy, whilft they convidt the artift of unfkilfulnefs
and temerity nor is the medicine to be accufed of the death of a man, but
the hand which improperly or untimely adminifters it. And though, from
the dodtrine of emetics already delivered, it may appear clear to the Ikil-
ful, in what cafes they may be ufeful, and in what hurtful, yet it will not be
improper to clofe the prefent differtation with a ffiort account of the difeafes
in which a vomit is efpecially to be avoided.

1. The natural ftrudture of the body is a reafon with fome writers (a)
why emetics ffiould not be given to fome perfons ; thofe of a fpare thin habit,
long neck, narrow breaft, and hard to vomit ; and thofe fubjedt to fpitting of
blood, fainting, or a troublefome cough ; have been excufed from emetics :
but perfons of a contrary temperament have often, by the advice of phy-
ficians, experienced their falutary effedts. In the ufe of the ftronger emetics
thefe circumftances certainly ought to be confidered, left perhaps we ffiould
fall under the cenfure of temerity or incaution ; nor ought they wholly to be
omitted in ordering a gentle vomit. Idiofyncralia, or a peculiar diflike to
fome things, known to the patient from experience, but not difcoverable by
the phyfician, unlefs he has learned it from him, may forbid the ufe of this
or that medicine, which otherwife, given by one not knowing it, would pro-
duce many mifchiefs.

2. In inflammatory difeafes, when the blood is polluted with a parched len-
tor, and, unfit to pafs through the extremities of the arteries, ftagnates,
and muft not be urged by force ; as in acute fevers, topical inflammations,
the pleurify, frenzy, inflammation of the liver, and the like ; the vital powers
muft rather be diminiffied than increafed ; therefore, the acceffion over, and
violent pain urgent, an emetic will not be fafe.

3. Nor, if the adtion called tonic, of any vifcus or part be much injured, or
if the juft force by which the folids ought to re-adt on the fluids be much
leffened, ought we to try the mechanical force of a ftrong emetic, before re-
gard be had to the part, whether it can bear to advantage an attack of fuch
great violence, or whether it will not fuffer a greater inconvenience from it.
For example; in a dropfy of the belly an emetic carries off the water, but
for a time at leaft it increafes the fwelling.

(a) Vid. Fallop. de purgant. p. 8i»

TO

4. The

On the Ufe of Emetics. 75

4. The a&ion of emetics is certainly great on the lungs, becaufe in the
effort of vomi-ing, an unufual quantity of blood is paffed fuddenly through
them, by which the veffels are diftended, the veficles compreffed, on which
the air retained within re-adting ftrongly, renders the preffure much more
ftrong and powerful ; and if the gaping veffels have before let out the blood,
the fmall wounds being almoft certainly enlarged, will increafe the haemoptoe.
In an incipient haemoptoe alfo, produced by fome external caufe, while the
blood is yet bland, nor contaminated with any fordid corruption, we can
fcarce have recourle to an emetic ; by which the latent cruor, corrupted by
ftagnation, is expelled the veficles of the lungs, and may increafe the difeafe
otherwife not very dangerous. Emetics, therefore, can fcarcely be given to
perfons affedled with pulmonary complaints, unlefs where an inundation of
pus has overflowed the lungs, and death otherwife inevitable, be threatened
from fuffocation.

5. Laftly, we mull carefully abftain from their ufe in thofe difeafes which
are caufed by much thick blood, a copious very tough pituitous matter
almoft immoveable, or any other matter of the like kind, affii&ing the brain
and origin of the nerves, as in the more fevere kind of apoplexy, paraplegy,
hemiplegy, in the lethargy, carus, and the like ; for commonly they fix the
difeafe deeper, and in a very ftrong operation they deftroy life. It is fcarce
neceffary to diffuade from the ufe of emetics when there is yet danger of
an haemorrhage after a limb has been wounded or cut off, though fome
fymptoms might feem to point them out as neceffary or laftly, when by large
abfceffes, or by any other opening, a great fliock being given to the fyftem,
the patient would bleed to death.

L 2

THE

.

: • ’ - • . . ‘ .• i ;

1

• t ‘ /■ "3 >s . n;

, . if , f? pi :

"

f. ' ;■ ■ ’ ■

’ i ;

> > •).' . .. ■> ■

' , :<

M ) ’

i ! iOJ ’ * <

'

>

/

t 77 ]

Cj^HE following Elf ays on the Weather and Difeafes of London in 1751, and
the three JubJequent years, , were originally inferted in the Gentleman's Maga-
zine, commencing with the 11ft volume, ‘they were deemed worthy of f election
here, not merely as blojfoms prefiaging fruit, but as ripened fruit itfelf, fit for
immediate Jervice. It is, indeed, to be regretted, that fiuch periodical communica-
tions were not longer continued, in a city, which affords, undoubtedly , the moft
multifarious obfervation .

Editor .

O N

:<1 '

“V 1 ,

\s \\

•,h

v ■

■

vAO,

?C'. ' "0

'/ . \u V.'

* ’ \ X)

•• 7

.‘w. _ , •••„£■' ''

‘ ' ■/.'/. ’ Wv?

AY' .y

"A v:;

} ’ ’ <Y.Ay

.

’Mw.UiV;

” v

. : , i

c • ■ • ..

Ae-'S'i

u.. , . ' l

•> X

■ - . i « . \

• '» ' V \ »

/' ' Y • • ■;‘-:

V.; . • ;

U

A ■ ■

,%'Y

j ^ 4 »

.■•Ukj :

r;>v

• <• * v-'

{<]' > r

2 v

i i * • '

■ v>;

». ■. j * ^

. , *,

. >

■. v jV

■ '' :v.

[ 79 ]

O N

WEATHER and DISEASES.

Mr. Urban,.

IF the inclofed account of the weather fhould appear to be not unworthy*''
of a place in the Magazine , nor be difapproved of by the ingenious part
of the faculty, it will induce me to proceed in furnifhing fome fhort remarks
of the like nature once a month, whilft health and leifure permit. I fhall fay
nothing at prefen t of my motives to this efiay, or infill upon its utility. I
fhall only obferve, that the barometer I ufe is a good one ; and the thermometer
is graduated by Fahrenheit’s fcale, and made by a workman of eftablifhed
character: it is fufpended at about two inches diftance from the wainfcot, in a
room where no fire is ever kept, nor does the fun fhine into any part of
it above two hours in a day, nor then within fome yards of the thermome-
ter j above it is a wide ftaircafe, and a door opens out of the room where it
is placed into an airy court almoft every half hour in the day.

The direction of the wind is not always fo exaCtly put down as I could wifh,
from the reftiffnefs of the neighbouring vanes ; nor is its force, or the meafure
of rain, determined any other w*ay than by conjectural eftimation.

I am, &c.

Of the Weather in April 1751.

The temperature of the air in refpeCt to heat and cold, during the whole
of this month, hath been furprizingly equal, notwithftanding the wind has
blown from almoft every point of the compafs. The loweft degree to which
the mercury in the thermometer fell was 43, the ad inft. v/ith a clear cold wind
from the N.E; the higheft it arofe to was 57, the 24th, the weather fair, warm,
ferene, and the windfouth: fo that during that period the wreather varied only
14 degrees, from one extreme to the other, and this in fo flow a manner, that
the mercury did not rife or fall quite 4 degrees in any day of the time.

The motion of the quickfilver in the barometer, has been ftill more con-
fined. It flood the 26th of laft month at 29 inches one tenth, the wind wes-
terly.

8o

On Weather and D if cafes.

terly, and much rain ; and rofe by degrees to 30, the 8th inft. the weather
moderate, fair, clear, wind N. E. this was its higheft afeent; the extreme va-
riation 9 tenths. Its greateft rife on one day was the 26th, when it rofe from
29.1, to 29.4, the wind wefterly and high. Its greateft fall was 3 tenths, on the
13th, the wind changing from north to fouthj an equality which would
fcarce have been expected.

Great quantities of rain have fallen during this month, fometimes in heavy
fudden fhowers, fometimes in long-continuing rains ; and fuch has been the
tendency to wet, that we have had fhowers frequently with a north-eaft wind.
The 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th were fair and moftly clear: befides this fhort
feafon of fine weather, it has fcarcely been fair 48 hours together, the whole
month. The wind was fome days pretty high and ftormy; there was one
fudden ftorm of hail the 21ft, and fome frofty mornings about the fame time.

The whole of the month may be faid to have been wet, though moderate;
and rather cold for the feafon, than remarkable for any thing elfe.

"With refpect to difeafes, the only one that I have feen that has looked like
an epidemic, is an infidious fpecies of peripneumony. The fick complain firft
of chillnefs, fhivering, and general pains, frequently of the limbs, then of fome
part about the thorax, but this laft never acute, not often with a cough, and
fometimes without much difficulty of breathing. They frequently complain
of pain upon fneezing, coughing, or even fwallowing, on one fide of the
neck, juft above the place where the middle of the maftoid mufcle takes its rife
from the clavicle. This is often acute, and where it is fo, from an inftance or
two I have feen, feems to afford a bad prognoftic. The patients can lie eafy
in one pofture, which is commonly upon the back, but not on either fide.
They have, or affect to {hew, great compofure and eafe, which impofes on thole
about them, till they are fuddenly alarmed with fome unexpected alteration,
which, carries the patient off in a fhort time.

The blood is commonly fizy ; the urine crude or turbid, without a fair fe-
diment ; the pulfe quick, fmall, at length weak, and with a remarkable jerk ;
the tongue moift, and drinking is rather fatiguing than pleafant. Early bleed-
ing, gentle antiphlogiftic purges of fal cathart. and manna in the pectoral
decoction ; cupping on the fide, with blifters, mild diaphoretics, and pec-
torals intermixed, have in fome cafes been fuccefsful.

As to confumptions, they are rather endemic than epidemic here, though
this month moft commonly is fatal to many who are expofed to them.

Should this imperfect effay be favourably received, the author will endea-
vour to continue it with care and affiduity.

Obfervations

On Weather and Difeafes. 81

, j no ' jfis ■ 2 i !> I f * 1o ^nniornbi

Observations on the Weather , &c* in May 1751.

. 1 - t jj □

The. weather continued cold, dark, and rainy, as in the preceding month,

till the 1 8th of the prefent, in which time it was feldom fair above 24
Tours together; very often it rained, without intermiffion, great part of the day
and night, with the wind varying from S. E. to S. W. or N. W. About the
1 8th the weather became fair and clear, yet cool, the wind moltly N. or N. E.
‘with a few very flight fliowers.

The mercury in the barometer kept about 29 6 tenths at a medium : dur-
ing the firft part of the month it funk to 29.2, the 3d inft. with much
rain, wind S. W. and rofe by flow advances by the 18th to 30.4. where it
continued feveral days, wind N. and N.E. • ,

The variations in refpedt to heat and cold, have been more conflderable.
The mercury in the thermometer continued almoft ftationary between 49 and
58, till the 9th, when it funk from 52 to 47, viz. 5 deg. (its greateft varia-
tion in 24 hours, any time this month) the wind.N. W. with a pretty fharp
froft, which was felt in many diftant places in the country. The north-
weft parts of Yorkfhire had much fnow, the earth was frozen hard, and thick
ice was on the water. From this time the weather became fomewhat warmer,
the mercury fometimes rifing to 58, and on the 21ft and 22d at noon to 64,
the air ferene and vernal.

The fame difeafes continued during the rainy feafon ; intermittents, both
tertians and quartans, likewife appeared, and fome obftinate rheumatifms, but
none of them attended with any unufual fymptoms, or requiring any me-
thod of cure different from what is commonly put in practice.

Though it is out of courfe, it may not, however, be altogether improper to
obferve in this place, that the winter in general has been remarkably wet
and cold ; that difeafes of the breaft have been more frequent than any others,
and thefe chiefly fuch as manifeftly arofe from a JeroJa colluvies.

The fmall-pox was uncommonly mild in general, few dying of it, in corn-
parifon of what happens in moft other years. Great numbers of children had
the hooping-cough, both in London and feveral adjacent villages, in a violent
degree. Strong, fanguine, healthy children feemed to fuffer moft by it ; and
to lome of thefe it proved fatal, where it was neglected, or improperly ma-
naged in the beginning.

For though nothing feemed to avail much in carrying off the difeafe, but
change of air, with affes milk and proper diet; yet in conftitutions like thole
above deferibed, if a vein was not opened, fometimes oftener than once, with
blifters, manna, oxymel fcilliticum in fmall cinnamon-water, given frequently
in fmall dofes, the inceffant cough brought on inflammations in the lungs,

M fometimes

Xi On Weather and Difeafes.

fometimes of greater, fometimes of lefs extent, in proportion to the fulnefs
of the veiTels, and the difpofition to inflammatory diforders.

A ftrong healthy child, betwixt two and three years old, was feized with this
diforder in a violent degree : he was fent into the country, the feafon cold
and wet, where his diforder continued without abatement, having no- medi-
cal affiftance. In about a month the cough became lefs fevere, but a continual
feveriffi heat fucceeded, with difficulty of breathing, a lhort, troublefome, but
not convulfive cough, a quick, feeble pulfe, and loofe greeniih ftools, or elfe a
tendency to coftivenefs. After three weeks illnefs, various methods were put
in pradice to affift him, but in vain ; his fever increafed, with fome irregular
remiffions, and his breathing became more difficult till he expired, after about
fix or feven weeks indifpofition.

Upon opening the body, the lungs on both fides were found full of mas-
ter, not collected in abfcefies, but difperfed and hardened throughout the whole '
fubftance of the lobes, in the lower edges of which it was fo clofely impaded,
and in a manner indurated, as to refill as much in cutting as the firmefb glan-
dular fubftance in the body,

Gn viewing the condition of the vifcera in the lower belly more attentively, -
fome of the contents of the ftomach were found floating in the left hypochon-
drium, being part of an oily draught unaltered : it was judged that fome
flight wound had been made in the ftomach, though the knife was con-
ducted with the utmoft circumfpedion ; but the opening was foon difcovered
to have been made by another caufe j that part of the bottom of the ftomach ?
which lies next the fpleen, about the breadth of a crown-piece, was in fo putrid ^
a condition, as fcarcely to bear the flighteft touch, yet without having its co-
lour much altered. The inteftines were almoft tranfparent and exanguious,
and the colon larger than the ftomach the gall-bladder full of a yellowilh
ferum ; the fpleen fmall and harder than common 5 every thing elfe was found.
It mull feem a little remarkable that the child had no vomitings, no fingultusy
or any fymptom from whence it could be dilcovered that the ftomach was par-
ticularly affecfted, unlefs we attribute to this caufe a great unwillingnefs in the
child to be moved, and at one period of the difeafe a total refufal of liquids or
other fuftenance ; but this went off a few days before he died, during which
time he took every thing with a kind of greedinefs. This cafe has been more
prolixly related than perhaps is fuitable ; but ftis done for the fake of pre-
cifion, which is always neceflary in regard to fads with which it is of ufe to
praditioners to be acquainted.

Obfervations

33

On Weather and Difeafeu

Observations on the Weather , &c. in June 175 1 .

The motions of the quickfilver in the barometer have, in this mbntH, been
confined within narrow limits: twice it fubfided from 30. and 30. r, (the
point where it was generally ftationary during the laft month) to 29.6, viz. on
the 28th ult. and the 16th inft. the wind being \vefterlp, with rain. It rofe
about the 3d to 30.3, and continued there a day or two, the wind E. and
N. E. which was its greateft afcent. The variations in the thermometer have
Been more confiderable. The mercury flood at 53, the 26th ult. its loweft
point, and where it had remained almoft flationary during the preceding
month ; from whence it rofe by flow advances to 60, about the beginning of
this prefent. And on the 5th, 6th, and 7th, the mercury flood at 68, at
feven in the morning, the ufua.1 hour of obfervationj though by noon it arofe
to 73. But as thefe notes are intended to point out the general temperature
of the air, the effedls of the mid-day fun are not always mentioned. For
though the fudden changes of the air, without doubt, affedl the animal (Eco-
nomy, as certainly, and as dangeroufly, as the more equal procedure of a
malignant feafon, yet it is not every gleam of heat, or fudden chill, that can
produce fuch effefls.

An account of this kind would however be imperfefl, were no notice
taken of the fudden alterations ; and this, perhaps, may have induced fome wri-
ters to give their journals entire to the public : but it feems quite fuflicient
for every medical purpofe, to mention only the greateil variations that have
happened in the fpace of 24 hours, on either of the inflruments above men-
tioned ; which variations have in this month been very moderate, 4 degrees in
the barometer, 5 in the thermometer, having been the greateft in one natural
day.

As the preceding months were cold and wet, this hath been, for the mod
part, warm and dry ; there having been fewer rainy days in this month than
fair ones in the former, though the wind, excepting about 10 days, was ge-
nerally S. or N. W.

The difeafes that have chiefly appeared in this month, were the fore-throat,
which was, fome years ago, epidemic ; and a flow remittent fever, of which
fome cafes have occurred fince the warm weather came in.

The former was treated in the method which was generally found beneficial
when it raged before, and with fuccefs ; the latter, when neglected at the be-
ginning, which, from the mildnefs of its fymptoms, molt frequently hap-
pens, too often proves fatal. The fick find a wearinefs, head-ach, and ftu-
por, with pains in the limbs, fometimes in the fide, but not acute : they have
flight fliiverings, fucceeded by heats, but not often vehement : the complaints

M 2 increafe

84 On Weather and Difeafes.

increafe as night approaches, but are eafier the next morning after a fweat,
which in fome is profufe: thus they continue feveral days, often without the
kaft' apprehenfion, till on a fudden thofe about them are furprized with the
appearance of imminent danger.

Moderate bleeding, gentle diaphoretics, and, in fome cafes, fmall dofes of
the bark, would probably have prevented thofe difficulties, from whence too
often no art can extricate them afterwards.

It may not be improper to obferve, . that the town in general has been and
continues very healthy, as appears both from the accounts of fuch as cannot
be unacquainted with this circumdance, as well as from the weekly bills, if their
tedimony may be in the lead: relied upon. According to thefe the burials have
been decreafing feveral weeks, and by the lad, amount to no. more than 298,
than which, it is apprehended, few can remember to have feen them lower
at this time of the year. That thefe bills are not correCt, is not entirely the.
fault of the company of pariffi-clerks, who, it feems, want power to compel,
thofe who ought to be under their direction to do their duty. But where-
ever the omiffion is, ’tis pity but it was rectified, dnce nothing would con-
tribute fo effectually to demondrate the influence of the feafons on human
bodies, as a jud and regular account of thofe particulars, which properly make,
a part of the bill of mortality.

Objervations on the Weather , in July 1751;

The weather in this month may be faid to have been warm and wet,
it having rained more or lefs on 24 days out of 30 ; on fome of them very
heavily, and during a confiderable part of 24 hours.

The wind was for the mod part S. W. and the fky frequently cloudy when'
it did not rain. j the air temperate.

The mercury in the barometer fometimes funk to 29.4. and one d'ay rofe*
to 30.x. viz. on the 9th, the wind E. But it generally kept between 29.7 .
and 9, not varying above fix tenths of an inch in the whole month, nor
ffiifting above two of thefe in one day.

In the thermometer the motions of the quickfilver were as limited as in the
barometer. Twice it funk to 59, viz. on the 26th ult. and the 19th ind.
On the 10th, nth, and 12th, it dood about 64. and 5,- its highed afcent, at
the ufual hour of obfervation ; for at noon it rofe to 7 2, on the 10th, the
warmed day this month ; wind E.

As the variations in refpeCt to heat did not exceed '6 degrees in the whole
month, fo no two fucceeding days differed from each other above 3 degrees,,
a greater equality than is common to be obferved at this feafon ■, to which
• ; • caufe.

On Weather and Difeafes. $5

caufe, very probably, and to the moift temperature of the air, may be afcribed
the uncommon healthinefs of the town, and, as far as I can learn, of many
parts of the country alfo.

Ob/ervatioHs-on the Weather, &4* in- Auguft 1751,

Barometer*

Higheft 30 —o, the 24th inft. Wind N. E.

Lowed: 29 27th ult. S. E.

Common ftation about 29 T7V.

Greateft variation in one day TV

Thermometer.

Higheft 64 degr. 5th inft. Wind S. S. W.-

Lowed: 57 25th. N. E.

Greateft var. 7 , C from ?NW-

in one day $ ^ £ 6 1 to 5 8 J

Common ftation 6 1 degrees;

It is fcarcely poffible to meet with a more equal temperature of the air''
in any climate, than has here been obferved, during this lad: month ; the
wind has, for the mod: part, kept betwixt the South and Weft points, till
within thefe few days. The firft and laft weeks of this period were moderately
warm, with feveral fair days. The middle part of the month was likewife
moderately warm, but wet; and, excepting a very few- days, the whole month
rather cloudy and overcaft.

As it feldom happens that there is any remarkable increafe of mortality,
without fome very fenlible change in the temperature of the air preceding it ;
and as the alteration in the weight of the atmofphere did not exceed nine
tenths, nor the heat of it vary above feven degrees, in the whole month ; it
is the more difficult to account for thofe fluctuations in the weekly bills
in this period; the numbers having fallen from 306 in one week, to 224
the next, and again rofe to 304, without any manifeft reafon. And though
it would not be candid to attribute any part of this to want of care in the
compilers of the bills, without good evidence, yet one cannot but wiffi that
all poffible care might be taken to bring in their accounts as regularly as
poffible ; otherwife the main end of an inftitution, capable of being highly
beneficial to fociety, muft not only be defeated, but miftakes -and prejudice
foe thereby occafioned, -

Ohfsrvations

86 Oft Wmtherr and- X^fkifei^

• Qhjervutimt on the Weather -n fcfo. w September 1.7,5 1-°

Barometer.

Higheft 30^0-* 25th ult. „Wind, N. E.

'Loweft 29^, i’9.th, at night, with thunder, lightning,

and heavy rain. S. E.

Greateft varia-7 TV, from 30^ to 29^, t N. W. to
tioninoneday J the 30th ult. |S. W.

Common ftation about .29^.

Thermometer.

' Higheft 6 2, with much rain, the 20th, Wind S. E.

Loweft 50, fair and frofty, 9th, N. W.

Common ftation about 57.

Greateft .varia- 7 , , _ . „ , f S. W. to

tion in one day $ V * 59 0 53 4 N.W.

During the firft part of this month, the weather was moderately warm,
clear, and fair; from thence it changed to cool, windy, and wet; and
continued fo till towards the conclufion, when it became more temperate,
and inclined to fair, though with fome gufts of wind, and heayy rain. ThU
variable ftate of the weather, however, feems to have had no remarkably inju-
rious effedfcs on the health of the people, the weekly bills continuing mode-
rately low, and no epidemic diforders appearing, fo as to engage the attention
of the public, <or of the faculty. Some intermittents occurred about the
beginning of the month, but thefe were neither fo frequent, nor their lymptoms
fo vehement, as often happens about this feafon.

■ Ohfervatisits-cn the Weather , fcfr. tn October 175^1.
Barometer.

Higheft 30 -j-V Loweft 29 XV

<Greateft varia- 7 3 f 30th ult. from 29 to
tion in one day 5 1 0 1 30. S. W. to N. W.
Common ftation about 30^.

Thermometer.

Higheft 56. Loweft 4 6.

Greateft variation | ^ 1 7th, 52

in one day

to 47c
N.E. cloudy.

Common ftation 52.

5

The

On Weather and Difeafes.

The weather in this month has been generally fair, clear, cool, and frofty,
there having been more dry days in this month than in many of the preceding.
There were fome wet days about the beginning, and it now feems difpofed to
rain, the wind having flapped from N. E. E. where it kept moft part of two
weeks, to S.E.

The variations in refped to heat and cold, as well as the weight of the at-
mofphere, have been very inconflderable ; much lefs than in the preceding
months: to this perhaps may be afcribed the fhare of health which the town
enjoys; the weekly bills in the firft week being 317, in the fecond 373, the
third 292, and the laft 358.-

A flow continual fever, beginning with acute pains in the forehead, extend-
ing to the eyes, with fcarce any perceptible rigors preceding ; a quick, foft
p.ulfe, not much heat, a moift tongue, crude urine, moderate fweats, but eafily
rendered profufe, made its appearance about the beginning of the month,
though many were not affefted with it, and few mortally : bleeding eafed,
but did not remove the pains in the head; blifters were of ufe ; mild diaphore-
tics and cardiacs, in fmall dofes, kept up the pulfe, and afforded great relief;
large dofes, efpecially of the volatile kind, occafioned reftlefsnefs, third, a dry
tongue, copious fweats, and high-coloured water, however plentifully the fick
took diluters. Thofe who recovered appeared to grow better about the 14th
or 15 th, the water depofiting a copious fediment of a yellowifh colour.

The malignant fore-throat affedted feveral, both children and adults, fome
of whom had large hard tumours on each fide of the neck externally; where
thefe appeared early, and were very large, the fick were in great danger, and if
they recovered, the amendment was flow and tedious.

Observations on the Weather^ &c. in November 1751.-

The weather in this month has been unufually tempeftuous, and more variable
than in the preceding. The laft concluded wet and cold, the prefent began
cold and frofty, and continued fo till the 12th; the wind fhift-ing then from
N. E. to the Southward, brought rain and a warmer air; and from that time
to near the conclufion of the month, we have had frequently very high winds,
and heavy rains- with fome fnow; with refped to cold, variable but not im-
moderate*.

Barometer.'

Higheft 30 5th inft. froft. Wind N. •

Loweit 29.0, 19th, heavy rain and fnow.

Greateft variation in one day -A-, 1 9th inft.

Common ftation about 29 ^*

f On the aift was fnow, hail, much lightning and thunder.

Thermometer,

88 On Weather and Difeafes<

Thermometer.

Higheft 54, 26th ult. Wind S. E.

Loweft 42, 3d inft. clear, very cold. N. W. .

.Greateft variation? g , C 28th, 54 to 46.
in one day J e®’ 1 N. W. high.

Common ftation.47.

The conclufion of the laft and the beginning of the prefent month were
moderate, and the weekly bills very little affe&ecL After the cold frofty
weather fet in, the burials increafed from 319 to J95, and kept up nearly
to the fame number the week following. A more temperate moift feafon fuc-
seeding, reduced them to 338. It has been frequently obferved, and as far as
the bills may be depended on, is demonftrable, that an excefs of wet, with mo-
derate warmth, is not fo injurious to our conftitutions, as a fevere cold feafon.

Objervations on the Weather,, , &.c. in December 1751.

The weather in this month was variable: the greateft part of it was fair,
frofty, dark, foggy, and cold the wind northerly : the latter part of it was
wet, and, with refpeCt to cold, moderate ; the wind generally W. or S. W.
The weekly bills, which were very low in the laft month, increafed with the
.cold weather, and funk again as it became more temperate.

Barometer.

;Higheft 3Q. 4, 30th ult. Wind North.

Loweft 29. 5, 20th inft. Wind S. E.

• Greateft variation in one day JL-.

Common ftation, 30..

Thermometer.

Higheft 51, .2 1 ft inft. Wind S. E.

Loweft 37, 4th inft. thick fog. N.

Greateft variation in one day 6 deg.

Common ftation 44.

In the preceding month the fmall-pox began to make their appearance mete
ifrequently than they had done of late, and became epidemic in this. They
-were in general of a benign kind, tolerably diftinCt, though often very nu-
merous. Many had them fo favourably^as to require very little medical aflift-
ance, and perhaps a greater number of people have got through them fafely
than has of late years 'been known * for the truth of which remark, the writer
refers to the experience of practitioners. And as the fmall-pox, of all the
difeafes mentioned in the weekly bills, is, perhaps, the only one of which we

have

On Weather and Difeafes . 89

have any tolerable exact account, it being a difeafe which the moll ignorant
cannot eafily miftake for another, it may not be improper here to fubjoin the
amount of the general bills, and the numbers of thofe who died of the fmall-
pox during the four laft years.

Total Amount.

Small-pox.

In 1748,

23,869.

1789.

I749»

25,516.

2625.

175°,

23,727.

1229.

*7Sl>

21,028.

998.

And here one cannot but regret the prefent defective method of compiling
thefe bills ; the lift of difeafes is itfelf abfurd in feveral inftances ; and the
perfons who are to aflign a name to the difeafe of which any perfon died,
are the leaft qualified perhaps of all others to do it properly. It is needlefs in
this place to point out to phyficians the benefits that would moft probably
accrue to the fcience they are converfant in, from faithful hiftories of the air,
and the moft obvious mutations in refpedt to its qualities, together with
corredt accounts of the feveral difeafes of which thofe died whofe deaths are
regiftered.

It would likewife take up too much room in this place to defcribe the un-
certainty to which thofe are expofed, who would form any ufeful or pre-
cife ideas from the prefent bills ; it may not, however, be improper to wipe
off one unjuft afperfion, which from thefe very bills is caft upon our country by
foreigners, at leaft, fo far as any thing of this kind can contribute to it.

The three moft capital articles in our general bills, are Confumptions, Con-
vulfions, and Fevers ; under which laft article are commonly ranked, not
only common inflammatory fevers, but every other fpecies that is ufually
enumerated ; yet the number of thofe who are faid to die of fevers feldom
equals, very feldom exceeds the number of thofe who are faid to die of Con-
fumptions; nay, it is much the moft common for thefe to be as four to three
of Fevers. Flence foreigners, who are ignorant in what manner our bills are
compiled, give it out, that a Confumption is the grand endemic of England ;
and conclude, unjuftly, that, as fcarce any difeafe is known to be more
affedted, either for the better or the worfe, by the air than this is, the air of
England muft moft certainly have fomething in it extremely pernicious, as a
difeafe, fo much depending on the ftate of the air, is fo frequent among us :
whereas, in fadt, the truth of the cafe appears to be this : the fearchers are
commonly two as poor and ignorant perfons as the pariih affords; thefe are
to fee all dead bodies, and to report to the company of parifh-clerks of what
difeafe they died : if the body is emaciated, which may happen even from
an acute fever, ’tis enough for them to place it to the article of Confumptions,

N though

90 On Weather a?id Difeajes *

though the death of the party was perhaps owing to a difeafe fpecifically dif*
ferent ; and thus a monftrous account is framed by the ignorance of the fearch-
ers, to the tiifgrace of our, country, and even fo far as to difcourage fome
foreigners from coining among us.

It may be alfo obferved, that from the fame caufe fprings another abfurd
effeCt, which is the article of Convulfions."' ’Tis not uncommon for perfons
who die of very different diftempers, to have fome convulfive motions be-
fore they depart ; in fevers of various, kinds, nothing is more common : yet if
any thing of this nature is hinted at before the fearchers, or they make any in-
quiry and find this to be the cafe, the dead are immediately added to the ar-
ticle of Convulfions. Of thefe facts the writer has known a multitude of in-
fiances ; curiofity at firft, feconded by an inclination to contribute all . in his
power to rectify fo flagrant an abufe of an inftitution defigned for, and ftill
capable of, very beneficial purpofes, having engaged him in fome enquiries ,
of this nature. ’ ’

From comparing the accounts of the weather given in the preceding months, ,
it will appear, that the feafons, excepting a greater tendency to rain than has
happened for feveral years pad, have been uncommonly moderate ; no extremes
of heat or cold, nor any great or fudden changes, in refpedt to either of thefe
qualities. This may, perhaps, in a great meafure have contributed much,
to the healthinefs. of the year in this metropolis, it having been before obferved, ,
that no weather is in common fo little productive of acute and fatal difeafes,
as the warm and the moift, nor any fo dangerous in thefe refpeCts as the op-
pofite ; and may at the fame time account for that remarkable addition to the'
article of coughs and hooping-coughs, which appears in the prefent year-
compared with the preceding ; the account whereof is as. follows,;

r In 1748, 150.

Died of the cough 1749, 82.

and hooping-cough ) 1750, 55.

C 1751, 275.

It may likewife be farther obferved, that, according to the fum of the lad’
bill, the chronic difeafes are more numerous in proportion than the acute,
thefe Teeming to have diminifhed in a fomewhat greater ratio, and that pro-
bably for the reafon before aflignedj viz. that moiil and moderately warm
feafons are the lead of all difpofed to produce acute difeafes. For as to the
hooping-cough, it may rather be ranked among the chronics, it feldom prov-
ing fatal in a fhort time, when fo it terminates.

Observations

0?i Weather and Difeafes<, <?*

Qhfervations on the Weather , &c. in January 175s*

Barometer.

Higheft 30.4. Loweft .29.0, 14th. High wind, S. Raifu

Greateft variation in one day

Common ftation 29. 5.

Thermometer.

Higheft 5 1 deg. Loweft 42 deg.

Greateft variation in one day 4 deg.

Common ftation 45.

The barometer in this month has afforded an unufual phenomenon, which
is worthy of notice, and efpecially as the caufe of it is fince come to light.
In the conclufion of the laft and the fore part of this month, the quick-
filver flood moftly above 30 deg. with a northerly wind. It funk about the
middle of the month very low, with the wind at S. E. and S. W. viz. to 29,
and rofe but a degree or two during ten days, though the wind drifted to the
n.orth-eaft, and kept northerly all the time, with dark, cold, moift weather,
fome rain, and now and then a flight appearance of fnow.

What is mod Angular in this cafe is, that the quickfilver fhould fink fo low,
and continue there fo fteadily, with a wind that commonly raifes it to 30 deg.
at leaft, that is, a full inch higher, unlefs great quantities of fnow fall at the
fame time ; but as very little of this appeared about London, the obferver
was at a lofs to account for it any other way than by fuppofing that in the
north fomething unufual muft have happened, of which, indeed, he was foon
after informed (a).

The variations, in refpe<5l to heat or cold, have been very inccnAderable ;
the' mercury having traverfed only nine degrees during the whole month,
and only four of thefe in any one day. But to the fenfes. the weather feemed
much more variable, it having been in general a dark, moift, cold, and un-
pleafant month. 1

A diftindt benign kind of the fmall-pox continued to be the epidemic of this
monthj a few confluent cafes occurred, but rarely, in .companion of the

(a) Extradl of a letter from Richmond in Yorkftiire, dated the 21ft inftant.

T . *

The fnow began to fall the 15th, and, fave a little intermiffion the next morning, hath

continued falling ever fince ; and though we have a ftrong north-eaft wind, which drives the fnow
into hollow,, fheltered places, yet in the middle of a plain field, into which I got with fome diffi-
culty this evening, to meafure the depth of the fnow, I found it to be 27 inches deep, very
heavy, and clofe. If it had fallen light, and with little wind, it muft have lain above a yard
deep upon the plain ground, which is more by above one half than moll people here have ever
feen, and it Hill continues fnowing.

N 2

numbers

$2 , On Weather and Dtfeafes .

numbers of thofe who had them in a favourable way. Bleeding moderately.,
and an emetic, at the firft attack, commonly rendered the difeafe extremely
favourable, and, except a gentle anodyne to abate the fenfe of forenefs, or an
emollient clyfter, was almoft the only medical aftiftance requiredi.

A few had the malignant angina, together with the fmall-pox. Thefe required
a warm antifeptic regimen, and commonly did well. The intercurrent difeafes-
were the peripneumonia nothay and flow remittent fevers, often attended with
aptha , and running out to a great length, efpecially if either copious evacua-
tions on one hand, or a too warm regimen on the other, had difordered the
ufual procedures of nature.

Moderate evacuations, blifters, gentle diaphoretics, keeping the body folu-
ble at the fame time, appear the moft likely methods of removing the difor-
ders of the feafon,. being moftly the produce of a Jeroja colluvies.

Ohfervations on the Weather , &c. in February 1752.

Barometer.

Higheft 30. 2. Loweft 29. 4.

Greateft variation] f the 9th, from 29. 8.
in one day 3^*1 to 29. 5.

Common ftation 30. o.

Thermometer.

Higheft 51, 24th inft. Wind S. E.

Loweft 38, 24th inft. Snow, cold. N. W.-

Greateft variation in one day 5.-
Common ftation 45-

The wind during this month kept generally betwixt the S. E. and N. Wl
points, feldom continuing in any one, two days together. As in the preced-
ing mdhth the quickfdver funk unufually with a northerly, fo it has kept up
with a foutherly wind in as remarkable a manner, though, the caule has
not hitherto appeared fo evidently.

The weather has in general been inclined to fair,, clear, and temperate,
though interrupted with fome fmart frofts, heavy rains, fnow,. and hail j but.
thefe were of ihort duration.

The fmall-pox continued to be the principal epidemic of the feafon, though
in general of a benign kind. Children, and young perfons, unlefs the con-
ftitution is very unfavourable, get through it very well, and the height to
which the weekly bills are Iwelled, ought to be confidered in the prefent cafe
as an argument of the frequency, not fatality of this diftemper. For from
what has occurred to the writer of thefe oblervations, as well as what he has

been

On Weather and Difeafes . 93

^een able to learn from fome of the oldeft pra&itioners, this difeafe has fel-
tlom, if ever, been known to be more general, or fo mild and favourable as
it is at pjrefent.

The pra&ice of inoculation feems to gain ground confiderabiy, and is ge-
nerally performed in the manner defcribed in vol. xxi. p. 123. Could thole
who are employed in this affair be prevailed upon to communicate authen-
tic accounts of their fuccefs, they would do an effential fervice to the public.

Objervations on the Weather , Wc. in March 1752;

Barometer.

Higheft 30. 6f, the 27th and 28th ult. Wind N. W. clear and cold.

Lowed 29. 3, the 15th, with dorms of wind S. W.

Created; variation in one day 4-f .

Common dation about 30.

Thermometer.

Highefl: 55, 10th ind. Wind S. E.

Lowed 39, the 6th, frod. Wind N. E.

Created variation in one day 6, . the 13th, from 50 to 44,

Common dation 47.

The weather in this period has been variable and incondant : the conclufion
of the lad month was fair, cold, and frody ; the fore part of this inclined
warm and fair ; the middle wet and tempeduous; and the lad inclined to cold,*
with dorms of wind, rain, and hail. The difeafes have been the fmall-pox
chiefly, rheumatifm, and of late a few remittent fevers, affedting the head vio-
lently at the fird attack, and' very early occafioning unfavourable appearances.

The fmall-pox continue to be modly benign, often of the coherent kind,
efpecially in adults, and a few have the confluent. In thefe the fpitting
is commonly very copious, and fo fatiguing as to prevent the patient from
enjoying any red or quiet; occafioning an early tendency to a delirium, and
hindering the fwelling of the face. Under thefe circumdances, fmall dofes
of fome warm anodyne, fuch as theriac. And . & conf. Damocrat . from gr. 15
to 9 j or 3fs at a dofe, once in 6 hours, have afforded great relief, and ren-
dered larger dofes of a paregoric at night left, neceffary for fome days; the
fpitting becomes left troublefome, the face fwells, the pulfe grows full yet
foft, and the oppreffion, of which under this circumftance they often complain,
is relieved. In the prefent conditution at lead, it will perhaps be found true,
from the mod impartial and accurate obfervations, (and fuch only ought to
be admitted into medical records) that the danger will be in proportion to
the fpitting, and that it is expedient to redram this discharge, and to divert the

flow

94

On Weather and Dzfeafts.

Bow of’ k to the fkin, by firrall doles of- opiates. It fhould be reineraberedr,
that this remark relates to the prefent conftkution ; and that it may not always
hold good, that we fhould endeavour by warm anodynes to fupprefs a dif-
cnarge, which has heretofore been confidered as a peculiar advantage. It
fhould only put us upon obferving the juvantia & l<edentia} with the titmoft
attention, and to ad as reafon and experience dired.

It feems likewife necedary to remark, that there is a poffibility of oc-
cafioning great detriment to the patient, by purging too early in this dif-
temper. If the .difeafe is benign, and the crop of puftules not very large,
no inconvenience feems likely to arife from waiting till they are in general
dry, not only on the face and trunk, but even on the extremities. And
it is not altogether improbable, but that fome of thofe diforders proceed from
this caufe, which -are intended to be ftrunned by early purging. ’Tis well
known that the power of abforption feems to be increafed after purging. If
this be the cafe, while the body is coveted by a putrid cruft, or by any quan-
tity of putrid moifture, a larger quantity muft be received into the mafs of
blood, muft render it acrid, and occafton hedic he&ts, or be depofited in
particular collections, and form abfceftes, boils, and. other incoftveniencies or
diftempers. And, notwithftanding the authority of fome refpedable names,
it is not a matter out of doubt with fome, how far purgatives may be
beneficial in .that ftage of the diftemper, wherein they have been fo warmly
recommended.

Ob/ervatiovcS on the Weather , & c. in April 1752.

Barometer.

Higheft 30. 4. Loweft 29. 2, the 25th inft. Wind S. W. with rain and hail.

, Created: variation in one day 2.

Common ftation 30.

Thermometer.

■ Higheft 56. 56. Loweft 4 2.

Created: variation in one day 5. - • -

> Common- ftation 51. v

■ The weather at the end of the la ft month was frofty, clear, and cold at
the beginning of this, it became more moderate, grew cold and wet towards
the middle, and again cleared up towards the conclufion, with fome fudden
gufts of wind, and rain* -and hail. But in general the weather, during this
month, may be faid to Lave been remarkably even, and from its fenfible
qualities not likely to' give birth to any particular diftemper.

TheTmalLpox continued to be t e principal epidemic during this period,

as

On Weather and Djftafes. 95

as it had been in the preceding months ; during which time it attacked
pioft of tjiofe who had not hitherto had the diftemper, and is now fpread into
the fuburbs, and the neighbooring villages, but dill in a favourable way in
general. Some have the confluent, a few the bleeding kind; but thefe
are not very common, confidering the number of thofe who are feized with
it. After bleeding where it was indicated, and cleanfing the ilomach with
an emetic at the firft attack, mild cardiacs, with fmall dofes of anodynes, fuc-
ceeded much better than the cooling antiphlogiftic regimen, which commonly
occasioned languors, increafed a troublefome, unavailing ptyalifm, and re-
tarded the eruption, and progrefs of maturation.

Several were feized with a remittent fever, accompanied with acute head-
achs, reftleflnefs, and anxiety, a quick full pulfe, without much third, which
generally foon gave way to bleeding, emptying the firft paflages, and gentle
diaphoretics.

THESE obfervations on the weather have now been carried on through all
the feafons, and the principal changes taken notice of. Though the advantages
refulting from them may yet be but fmall, a longer feries may prove more
fruitful. To the writer it appears, that not only a fteady courfe of any kind of
w’eather may produce particular difeafes, but likewife very quick tranfitions
from one extreme to another may be equally injurious; with this view he has
noted not only the greateft afcent and defcent of the quickfilver in his inftru-
ments, but likewife the greateft variations that have happened in the fpace of
24 hours, in any part of the month; and thefe circumftances he has .placed
as follows ;

View of the General State 0/ the Air for 1751.

Barom.

Thermorr.,

High eft. Low.

Far.

H.

L, Far.

April

30.

29.1

•3

SI

43

4

May

3°- 4

29.2

■3

58

47

5

June

3°-3

29.6

•4

68

53

5

July

30.1

29.4

.6

65

59

3

Auguft

30-3

29.4

•3

64

57

3

September

3°-3

29-3

.6

62

50

6

October

3°-4

29.4

•3

56

46

5

November

3°-5

29.0

•4

54

42

8

December

3°-4

29.5

•3

5i

37

6

January

3°-4

29.0

.2

51

42

4-

February

30.2

29.4

•3

5i

38

5

March. -

30.6J

29*3

•4 4

55

39

6

And

> t . J c

9 S' On : Weather and Difeafes.

And it may afford Tome fatisfa&ion to the reader to obferve, that, notwithftand-
irig the daily complaints we hear from thofe about us, and the repetition of the
fame complaints that occur in the writings -of forrre foreigners, our climate is
more temperate, the extremes of heat arrd cold more confined, the tranfitions
from one extremity to another more gradual, than could esfily have been
Imagined; and more fo, perhaps, than can be equalled in every refpedt by
any country in Europe, of which we have any authentic memorials, as may
perhaps on fome future occafion be demonftrated.

Erom the preceding table it will appear, that during the laft 12 months
the mercury in the barometer never rofe higher than 30 inches, 6f tenths;
never fubfided lower than 290; confequently, that its motion did not much
exced 1 f inch in that time, nor more than 6 tenths of an inch in 24 hours.

The thermometer likewife difcovers a more equal temperature, with refpedt
to heat and cold, than might have been expedted in a country where fo
many exclamations are daily vented againft the inconftancy of the weather,
and the irregularity of the feafons : the utmoft afcent of the quickfilver was
68 degrees, the loweft defcent 37 degrees; fo that it only traverfed in the fe-
veral changes from fpring to fummer, from both to autumn and winter, about
32 degrees, and not more than 8 of thefe in 24 hours at any one time.

If we, therefore, compare this account with the molt accurate we have of
the weather in any other country, we fliall perhaps find abundant caufe to
be fatisfied with our own, in this, as well as in molt other refpedts.

Obfervations on the Weather , &V. in May 1752.

Barometer.

Higheft 30-do, the nth. Wind E. Loweft 29A.

Greateft variation in one day J.s.

Common ftation 29. 9.

Thermometer.

Higheft 63. Loweft 49, 30th ult. Wind N.

Created variation in one day, from 55 to 61, the 13th. Wind N. E.

Common ftation 55.

The concluuoa of the laft month was wet, cloudy, cold, with high winds ;
the beginning of this was more temperate, the weather moftly fair and clear,
with fhowers fometimes intervening, and continued fo till towards the end
of this month.

The mercury in both inferuments has been remarkably fteady, the feafon
of the year confidered ; the fenfible changes moro moderate than ufual ; and if
the article of fmall-pox had not fwelled the weekly accounts confiderably,

it

On Weather and Dtfeajes . 97

it would have appeared to have been, as in reality it was, a healthy time,
fc arce any thing like an epidemical difeafe occurring in this period.

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in June 1752.

Barometer,

Higheft 30 Loweft 29 TV

Greateft variation in one day T4^, viz. the 4th. Wind high, S. W.
yet it rofe from 29.8 to 30.2.

Common ftation 29-^.

Thermometer.

Highefc 66 deg. Loweft 59.

Greateft variation in one day 5, the nth, from 60 to 65. Wind W.
clear and calm.

Common ftation 61.

The conclufion of the laft month was clofe, fultry, and wet ; the fore -part
of this was fair, ferene, and warm. About the middle, the weather became more
variable, and at length fet in cloudy, wet, and fomewhat cool, and fo continues.
The wind for the moft part was foutherly, and fometimes very high, which,
together with the moifture of the air, made it cold to the fenfe, though, by ex-
periment, the heat was equal and moderate.

The fmall-pox ftill continues in the neighbourhood of this city, not many
efcaping who have not had it before. This article, in the weekly bills,
hath been very high, but feems now to be upon the decline: the mortality,
however, ought not to be eftimated by this fcale, without taking into confe-
deration the numbers who have it, and efcape not only with life, but even
favourably; witnefs the crouds of fuch whom we daily fee in the ftreets,
without any other veftige than the remaining rednefs of a diftinft pock.

There is a circumftance of this difeafe which I have once feen, and which
has fallen under the obfervation of feveral gentlemen, eminent in the pro-
fefiion, who related it to me, though I do not remember to have found it in
any writer on the fubje<ft. Several children, who had the diftemper in a very
favourable manner, loft their fpeech, and became unable to ftir or help them-
felves ; and this without being reduced in flefli, or labouring under any dif-
charges that might be fuppofed to weaken them in any fuch degree, fo that it
has much more the appearance of a palfy, than mere imbecillity, and affects the
organs of fpeech as well as other inftruments of motion. This diforder has
likewife been obferved to occur in fuch cafes, chiefly, where the eruption has
been attended with convulfions ; and I do not remember to have heard of one

inftance in which this had not been the cafe. This afte&ion feems to be

O

more

98 On Weather and Difeafes.

more troublefome and alarming to thofe about the Tick, than dangerous ; for
though ir goes off flowly, yet all I have heard of at length have recovered
perfectly. A perpetual blifter betwixt the fhoulders, gentle rhubarb purges,
a proper diet, and the air, feemed the moft ferviceable remedies.

Obfervations on the. Weather , &c. in July 175a.

Barometer.

Higheft 30. 2, the 18th. Wind S. W. and' much rain.

Loweft 29. 5, the 25th. Wind S. fair and clear.

Greateft variation in one day J^.

Common ftation 29.7.

Thermometer.

Higheft 70 deg. the 13th. Fair, clear..

Loweft 60, very warm. Wind S. E.

Greateft variation in one day 7 deg. viz. from 63 to 70, the i jth.

Common ftation 63.

The whole of the preceding month may be faid to have been wet, cloudy,
and yet inclined to warm. The barometer ftood moft common at 29.7, or 8,
which is what is meant by its common ftation ; it never funk or rofe above
two degrees in one day, which fhews an equality, hardly to be expected while
the wind fhifts to every part of the compafs, with hidden ftorms of heavy rain.
One phasnomenon was remarkable : It rained hard while the quickfilver ftood
very high ; it was fair when at the loweft. This, however, proves no more, than
that we are not yet acquainted with all the caufes that affedt this inftrument.
The thermometer, except on one particular day, was alike fteady; it feldom,
varied above three degrees in 24 hours, and the quickfilver ftood oftener at
62 or 3, than at any other point. The winds blew moftly from the fouthern
or weftern points, and feldom very frefh.

Few acute difeafes, except the fmall-pox, appeared this month. The article
of fevers in the weekly bills was perhaps feldom ever lower. The number of
thofe who died of the firft-mentioned difeafe feems to be lelfening; but the ma-
lignity rather feems to increafe with the warmth of the weather, feme inftances
having lately occurred of a very malignant confluent fort ; confiderable num-
bers however efcape : and this year may be marked, in the annals of medicine,
as one of the moft remarkable conftitutions that has happened in our memory,
both for the frequency of this diftemper, and its mildnels ; and it may alfo be
taken notice of, that the weather has been at the fame time unufually temperate
with regard to heat, though in general wet and cloudy.

Children from one to three years old have, I believe, fuffered more from

this

39

On Weather and Difeafes <,

this diftemper, during this conftitution, than thofe of any other age, at
leaft it has fa fallen out under the writer’s obfervation. Several inftances he has
known, of this age, when the load was not very large, the eruption kindly,
the maturation at firft very promiflng ; but inftead of ripening on the extre-
mities, about the ioth or nth, they continued crude and watery j the pulfe
quick, with great heat, delirium? reftlefsnefs, and difficulty of breathing; the
tongue dry ; the belly fometimes loofe, with dark foetid ftools, at other times
difpofed to coftivenefs. In this manner fome have continued 17 or 18 days,
infenfibly wafting both in fleffi and ftrength, in fpite of every effort to affift
them, and have then expired.

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in Auguff 1752.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 A?* Lowed: 29 Av

Greateft variation in one day Ao*

Common ftation about 30.

Thermometer.

Higheft 68 deg. ioth at night. Wind N.

Lowed: 60, 16th. High wirid at W.

Greateft variation in one day 4 degrees.

Common ftation 63.

The end of the laft month was inclined to be wet, windy, and dark. This
began fair, cloudy, and warm : about the middle it became fair, and clear,
with fome intervening ffiowers, and fo continued to the 25th. The wind was
variable, feldom continuing more than two days in the fame quarter, but
kept generally S. W. The quickfilver in the barometer was unufually ftea-
dy, and often kept high, with the wind at S. E. In the thermometer, except
on one or two days, its motion was confined, the feafon of the year confidered,
within very narrow limits ; the air having feldom been hot, or otherwife than
warm, and often moift.

The fmall-pox, which was flowly decreafing laft month, has continued,
through the courfe of this, to grow lefs frequent, and the bills were iefs by
40 laft week, than at the conclufion of the laft month.

Fewer fevers have feldom been known at this feafon ; which may be faid in
general to be very healthy.— -Hypochondriac complaints are frequent; hae-
morrhages from various parts, the hemoptoe efpecially are not uncommon ;
and fuch other complaints as arife from great laxity of the folids, and confe-
quent increafe of vifcidity in the fluids.

O 2

Objervations

100

On Weather and Dijeaje? .

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in September 1752.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 -A. Lowed 29JL.

Greateft variation in one day ^ viz-, the 26th wit. when it rofe from
29 to 29 .Ay. High wind at N. W.

Common ftation about 29 AL..

Thermometer.

Higheft 64 deg. the 19th. Wind South.

Lowed 54, the 27th ult. W. N. W.

Greateft variation in one day 6 deg. the fame day.

Common ftation 60 degrees.

The lad month concluded ftormy, wet, and cold ; this began more mo-
derately, though fomewhat windy, dark, and cold : towards the middle the
weather became fair, clear, and warm ; and, except a few windy days about
the 2 2d, has been moderate, and inclined to fair.

The fmall-pox has almoft totally difappeared in the city; in the fuburbs,
and extreme parts of the town, it is much lefs frequent than it has been ; in
fome of the neighbouring villages it yet fubfifts, though in none of them,
as far as I can learn, with any remarkable frequency.

Many have been feized with pains about the region of the ftomach, at-
tended with ficknefs, vomiting of green porraceous bile, and coftivenefs.
Shiverings, lafiltude, and pains in the limbs, often accompanied the firft
attack; in fome, the leaft attempt to raife the head from the pillow, pro-
duced a tendency to vomiting. The heat in moft was moderate ; the pulfe
fmall, and feldom quick. Small dofes of the faline mixture, made quite neu-
tral with 2bforbents, and a few drops of Hintt. \ Thebaic . commonly took off
the difpofition to vomiting in a ffiort time, and a dofe of rhubarb, or hiera
picra, then was retained, and gave effeflual relief.

Emetics, though of the mildeft kind, feemed not to be ot the ufe one might
have expected. The pain often feemed to be increafed afterwards ; the ten-
dency to vomiting became more continual ; the latitude, reftlefsnefs, and
pronenefs to vomit, upon motion, more troublefome ; and the difficulty of pro-
curing the neceffary difcharges downwards, increafed.

Ob/ervaticns

On Weather and JDifeafes ,

IOI

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in Odtober 1752.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 Af. Loweft 29-^.

Greateft variation in one day TV wz-

Common ftation about 29 JL..

Thermometer.

Higheft 62 deg.. Loweft 50 degrees.

Greateft variation in one day 6 degrees.

Common ftation 56 degrees

During this month, the weather has been Iefs variable, than for the fame
length of time it has been fince the year commenced. Excepting two or
three lhowers, it has been altogether fair, moftly funfhine, and little wind ; and
though in and about the city there have been very thick fogs, morning and
evening, during the two laft weeks, now and then continuing all day, yet
moft commonly they broke away before noon, and left us the cleareft llcy,
for the greateft length of time together, we have had this fummer.-— The
warmth and equal temperature of the air, have been not lefs remarkable
than the drynefs ; and though the wind has been chiefly N. E. yet the air
was neither fo cold or piercing, as is commonly felt when it blows from
this quarter. Should thefe remarks afford no other advantage, yet to have it
in our power to compare, and with fome degree of exadlnefs, the pafc feafons
with the prefent, will afford fatisfaftion ; and if the reader looks hack to the
yearly table (See April 1752, p. 95) he may there at one view fee how much
the laft differed from the prefent, both in refpecft to coidnefs and wet. It may
alfo be proper again to explain what is meant by the words common fiction j
which are not intended to fignify the mean height betwixt the higheft afcent,
or loweft defcent of the quickfiiver, in either inftrument, but to denote that
it oftener flood about this point, than at any other.

The town in general has been healthy, as from fo equal a feafon might be ex-
pected ; fome inflammatory dilorders of the bowels have occurred, but oftener
occafioned by errors in diet (efpecfally the eating of vaft quantities of wal-
nuts, which are uncommonly plentiful) than by any other caufe.

And here it may not be improper to obferve, that this nut feems entirely
indigeftible in the ftomach, unlefs it be firft wTeil chewed, and by the teetli
ground down as fine as it ought to be, to become nutritious. Without this
care, it breaks under the teeth into fmall angular bits, often with fharp edpes,
capable of hurting very tender bowels ; and by this means, and not by any
acrid irritating quality they are naturally polTeffed of, while recent, occafioning

pains.

102 On Weather and Difeafes.

pains, fometimes fluxes, or fpafmodic conftri&ions of the guts, and obftinate
coftivenefs.

And it has happened in many fuch inftances, that after the walnuts thus
hafbily devoured, have laid in the body many days, they have been voided
undigefted and unaltered, to appearance at leaft : fo that there is great rea-
fon to fufpect, that as the nuts are fwallowed, fo they pafs the flromach and
inteftines, no power being therein lodged, capable of reducing them into
the form of chyle. It may however fo happen that they may become highly
injurious, if long retained in the body, not only from their form, as hath
been mentioned above, but likewife from a rancid, cauitic acrimony, which
the oil of this nut feems capable of acquiring, by .digeftion, a? well as moft
other oils of the like nature and extraction ; which from the mildeft and
leaf!: irritating fubftances become, merely by being expofed to proper de-
grees of heat, as acrid and as ftimulant as moft in nature ; fo that if a fpafm
is once occafioned in the guts by their figure, and coftivenefs enfues, they
every moment acquire new properties, which render them capable of pro-
ducing very mifehievous confequences. To prevent thefe, it is therefore
belt to eat but few at a time, to grind them very well, and then they may
be ufed with as much fafety, by moft people, as any other kind of fruit.

Gbjervations on the Weather , &c. in November 1752.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 ~,5-0- f. Loweft 29 TV viz. 9th ult. High wind S. S. W.

Greateft variation in one day -A., viz. 22d, from 30.2 to 29.6 j thick
fog, and wind from N. W. to S. S. W.

Common ftation about 30-^7*

Thermometer.

Higheft 57 deg. Loweft 46 degrees.

Greateft variation in one day 6 degrees.

Common ftation 52 degrees.

In this month the weather has been more variable than in fome of the
preceding 5 in the firft part, the air was moftly fair, clear, and frofty ;
with thick fogs morning and nights in the city. Towards the middle of the
month, it became more dark and cloudy, with high winds at S. S. W.
and a few fhowers ; concluding moift and foggy.

The mercury in the barometer often flood at an uncommon height, even
with the winds at S. S. W. when it generally fubfides very low. In the
thermometer it was more variable, though not more fo than is ufual at this
feafon.

So

On Weather and Difeafes. 103

So that upon the whole the weather may be faid to have been as tem-
perate in this, the time of the year coniidered, as many of the preceding months.

The mealies have made their appearance in fome parts of the town, but
are not hitherto accompanied with any uncommon or very dangerous fymp-
tom. The fmall-pox have not ceafed, nor the hooping-cough altogether,
yet thefe are lefs frequent than they have been.

Rheumatifms, and an infidious kind of rheumatic fever,, have appeared this
month more frequently than in the preceding. This fever is at fird perceived
by flight fhiverings, acute pains in the limbs, fhifting with great quicknefs
from part .to part: the heat not immoderate; the pulfe, for many days, not
much quicker than in time of health; the belly rather coflrive ; and the urine
uncommonly thick and clay-coloured. After feveral treacherous remiflions,.
the head is at length attacked, a delirium, watchfulnefs, or coma vigil , and
fpafms of every part fucceed, which end unhappily.— Whatever evacuations
feem neceflary, mult be directed early ; whatever weakens, muft in the pro-
grefs of the difeafe be avoided; and ftimulants applied with moderation.
Sometimes apth<e , of a benign afpedc, happily terminate the difeafe. If a.
dark-coloured ichor difcoiours the lips or tongue, the event is too often fatal.,

Qbfervations on the Weather , &V. in January 1753.

Barometer.

Highed 30

Lowed 29, the 10th ind. with rainy tempeduous weather, wind W.S.iW,

Created variation in one day

Common dation 30 W-

Thermometer.

Highed 49 degrees.

Lowed 38 deg. 24th, hard frcd. Wind Ni,

Common dation 43 degrees.

Created variation in one day 5 degrees.

Thermometer in the open air,- in London.-

Highed 43. Lowed 32.

Greated variation between any two mornings, 7 degrees.

The weather in this month, though fometimes variable,, has been modly in-
clined to cold, fair, and frody, and in the city, a few days excepted, very dark.
The wind was often- northerly, and when from the S. and S. W. points, ge-
nerally bludering, with cold rain or fleet.

The variations were, not however fo fudden, or fenfible, as to affe£l the
general health in a very eminent degree ; except in chronic diforders of the

bread.

104

On Weather and Difeafes.

breaft, as afthmas, peripneumonies, and defluxions> which were very frequent about
the beginning of the month, and were fatal to many.

Some flow continual fevers have likewife appeared, and terminated varioufly,
fome with benign apth<e, which appeared critical, or elfe with miliary
eruptions, not in the neck and breaft only, but over the whole body.

This kind of fever feldom admits of any evacuation, after the difeafe is
once confirmed, except by blifters, and moderate fweats : and thefe, if profufe,
are moftly prejudicial, and the former almoft always fo, when applied very early,
as is too much the general practice of thofe, who, by a pernicious cuftom, are
commonly the firft confulted ; and who feldom fail to advife bleeding and
bliftering almoft in the fame breath, and fuch medicines, as they fuppofe
will promote the moft plentiful fweats : fo that in two or three days, it often
happens that the fick have undergone every fpecies of pharmaceutical di-
rection, and are then furrendered, unneceffarily enfeebled, into the hands of the
phyfician ; who can only lament' the lols of thofe forces, which he fees him-
felf deprived of, to combat the difeafe ; and fubmit to a tedious attendance,
and a doubtful prognoftic, than which fcarce any thing is fo difagreeable
to the rational and humane practitioner.

Obfervations on the Weather , &e. in February 1753.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 -jV Loweft 29-^.

Greateft variation in one day -t±r.

Common ftation 29 -T-*

Thermometer v/ithin doors.

Higheft 52 degrees.

Loweft 38 deg. 1 ith, hard froft. Wind N. E. Thick fog.

Common ftation 45 degrees.

Greateft variation in one day 5 degrees.

Thermometer without doors, at 8 in the morning.

Higheft 51. Loweft 29, the nthult.

Greateft variation in one day 10 deg. viz. the 13th, from 35 to 45.

Common ftation 43.

The laft month concluded frofty, dark, and very cold ; this began with
froft, fleet, or fnow : towards the middle, the weather became wet and more
temperate, and fo continued, with fome ftiort intervals of fair and clear wea-
ther, to the end of this account. The winds were variable, and fometimes
blufteiin^, from the S. S. W. ; as they were cold, with dark fogs, from the
N. and N. E.

T he

7

On Weather and Difeafes . £05

The fevers mentioned in the laft month occurred often in this, and proved
fatal to feveral. Rheumatifms were alfo common, and efpecially among chil-
dren from 4 to B or 10 years old: thefe young fubjeCts generally were feized
with a pain about the neck, back of the head, or the Ihoulders ■, from hence
it often fhifted to the hands and feet, and knees, and plainly difcovered its na-
ture by the fwellings it produced : the fever attending it had regular exacer-
bations in the evening, followed by moderate fweats and freedom from pain
in the morning ; which interval continued with a calm quiet pulfe till 4 or 5
in the afternoon, when the fymptoms again appeared. In fome young fubjeCts,
where evacuations were ufed too freely, either by bleeding or purging, the
diforder proved fuddenly and unexpectedly fatal ; the pains of the head be-
came violent, either a convulfion, or hemiplegia, or both, fucceeded, and death
foon followed. A decoCtion of the bark, with rhubarb fufficient to keep the
belly open, given in fmall dofes, and often, efpecially in the intervals, com-
monly removed the diforder in a few days with great certainty whilft bleed-
ing, purging, and diaphoretics, often rendered the diftemper tedious, and fome-
times, as is obferved above, fatal. — Some ancient people died fuddenly, foon
after the weather, from very cold and dry, became wet and temperate ; and fome
inftances occurred at this time, as they have done heretofore in the like cafes,
that have repeatedly induced me to refleCt on the promifcuous ufe of bleed-
ing in thefe fudden emergencies, with fome anxiety. For it feems very pro-
bable, that the cafes of perfons in years, who are feized with apoplexies, fudden
faintings, or other fymptoms of fpeedy difiblution, in which bleeding can
be of any ufe, are very few. And

That cafes of this nature, in which bleeding is certainly pernicious, and
deprives the unhappy perfon of any chance for a recovery, are very numerous.

It would carry me beyond the limits I have any right to afk for, and into
a feries of reflections not fuited to every reader’s tafte, to endeavour to fix the
proper indications for bleeding : but what is above fuggefted will, I hope,
induce every practitioner to think twice, before he orders this operation to be
performed ; becaufe in many cafes, if the patient fhould furvive it, either a
univerfal palfy fucceeds, and the patient dies in a fhort time ; or he is feized
with a partial one, which perhaps attends him to his grave. Common ufage
precipitates too many into this practice ; and of the few who think at all,
it is not every one who has refolution enough not to be influenced by io
current an opinion.

P

Obfervations

io6 On Weather and Difeafes •

Obfervations on the Weather , &c. in March 1753.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 Ts-g.. Loweft 29

1 Greateft variation in one day

Common ftation 30.

Thermometer within doors.

Higheft 54 deg. Loweft 43 deg.

Common ftation 48 degrees.

Greateft variation in one day 6 degrees.

Thermometer without doors.

Higheft 55 deg. Loweft 32 deg.

Greateft variation in one day 8 degrees, viz. the 14th, from 42
to 50. Wind S. W.

Common ftation 40.

The mercury in the barometer, during this inconftant month, has ranged
within narrower bounds than ufual, and its tranfttions have been more con-
fined. In the thermometer, the variations have not been very remarkable. The
former part of this month, as well as the conclufion of the laft, the weather
was moftly fair, clear, and cold, the wind generally at E. or N. E. ; towards
the middle it fhifted to the S. W. blowing frelh with gentle fhowers and tem-
perate warmth, and fo continued to the end of the month.

Diforders of the breaft were frequent $ feveral young fanguine perfons, efpe-
cially, had fpittings of blood, without much pain in the breaft, or difficulty
of breathing : moderate evacuations, by bleeding and purging, with fmall
dofes of nitre and the mildeft balfamics, foon relieved them. About the
middle of the month divers complained of un ufual head-achs, attended with
feverifh fymptoms, which were often very alarming at the firft attack, but foon
fubfided. They complained firft of pain or liiftnefs in the neck, with darting
pains about the temples, and fo acute as oftentimes to raife the pulfe and
heat confiderably. The external parts of the head grew fore ; and to fuch
a degree as it was painful to reft it on the pillow. Now and then the pains
remitted an hour or two, and again returned with their former violence ;
but the whole abated in three or four days, and gradually wore off, leaving,
however, a fort of uneafmefs about the head, which the patients commonly
compared to a cap of lead, or fome heavy fubftance inclofing it. Moderate
bleeding or cupping, blifters, nitre joined with volatiles in fmall dofes, and
given often, were ordered to feveral under thefe complaints, with advantage.

Palfies alfo were not uncommon, and afforded fome frefh inftances of the

difadvantages

On Weather and Difeafes* ioy

difadvantages of indifcriminate bleeding. The writer of thefe remarks is no
enemy to this operation in general ; but in difeafes, where every means that the
phyfician employs are fuch as invigorate, to begin the cure by deducting from
that force which we want to increafe, certainly requires fome confederation.---
There may be cafes, it is allowed, where bleeding in palfies may be of ufe ;
but that it is generally fo, is denied ; and cool, unprejudiced obfervation will,
I doubt not, lead to the fame opinion. And it is of the more confequence to
deliberate maturely on this operation in the cafe before us, in as much as the
remedy in quedion is not of the unimportant kind : if it is not proper, it is
very improper, and colls the patient much time to recover it, and the phyfi-
cian not a little uneafinefs, to fee his utmoft efforts avail much lefs, than
where bleeding has been omitted.

Obfervations on the Weather , &c. in April 1753.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 TV Lowed 29-^.

Greated variation in one day

Common dation 29-Ar.

Thermometer within doors.

Highed 59 deg. Lowed 41 deg.

Common dation 52 degrees.

Greated variation in one day 6 degrees.

Thermometer without doors.

Highed 60 deg. Lowed 39 deg.

Common dation 45.

Greated variation in one day 10 degrees.

The weather, at the end of the lad month, and the beginning of this, was
generally fair, clear, and temperate, though v/ith intervening fhowers, fome-
times accompanied with hail. Towards the middle it became more difpofed
to be wet, dark, and cold, but grew uncommonly warm, ferene, and plea-
fant, for a few days, about the 20th ; after which it again became cool, with
ihowers almod daily. The wind has generally been S. S. W. or wed; a few
days it dood N. E. and fometimes N.W. Upon the whole, the weather has

been feafonable ; the advances to warmth very flow and uniform : and, in

this place, few remember to have obferved a fpring, wherein the progrefs from
cold to warm, or rather temperate, which it has never yet exceeded long to-
gether, hath been more natural.

As the weather has been thus uncommonly feafonable, the difeafes have
been few, and the acute ones lefs violent.— -Coughs with a remarkable hoarfe-

P 2 nefs.

io8 On Weather and Difeafes ,

nefs. Tome ftraitnefs of the breath, and, in fome, attended with a copious ex-*
peroration, have been frequent during this month ; likewife the fore-throat,,
attended with ulcers, but generally mild, unlefs where copious bleeding, pur-*
gatives, and nitre, had made it otherwife. Fewer fpring-fevers have occurred
than I have ever known ; and thefe, commonly, by moderate evacuations, foon
became regular intermittents, and early gave way to the bark.

Objervations on the Weather , &V. in May 1753.

Barometer.

Higheft 30^. Loweft 29-^.

Greateft variation in one day

Common ftation 30^.

Thermometer within doors.

Higheft: 61 deg. Lowed 50 deg.

Greateft variation in one day 3 degrees.

Common ftation 44 degrees.

The weather in this month has been lefs variable than is ufual at this lea-
fon : the mercury in the barometer kept very high for the moft part, even
with the wind at S.W. In the thermometer, its motions have been confined
to narrow limits, the time of year confidered. During the whole fpring, the
progrefs from cold to temperate and warm, hath been the moft gradual and
regular that moft people remember ; and the tranfitions from one extreme to
the other very inconfiderable. For which reafons the year has been thus far
healthy, the produce of the earth abundant, and the profpedt of ftill greater
abundance very promifing.

Nothing like an epidemic has appeared ; and confumptions, the common
fpring difeafe, have not been fo numerous as in fome preceding years. Palfies
and apoplexies were frequent about the beginning and middle of the month,
and fome haemorrhages towards the conclufion.

A root, of which the Chinefe have long been extravagantly fond, has of late,
I find, been recommended in this place; and merits the greater confideration, as
it is one of the produ&s of our own colonies in North America. The name
of this drug is Gin/eng-, the manner of its difcovery, and other circumftances
of its natural hiftory, would take up too much room : but give me leave
to fay, that fome confiderable parcels of the root have been fent to China, and
difpofed of to great advantage ; that this advantage would ftill have been
greater, had thofe who gather the root, collected it at a proper feafon, and
cured it in the Chinefe manner ; and that it has been tried in many cafes here,
yet not fo fully as to eftablifh its character in any particular difeafe. In te-
dious

X)n Weather and Difeafes . 109

4Ious chronic coughs incident to people in years, a deco&ion of it h^s been of
fervice $ and in fuch diforders as attend advancing years, where the folids are
too inadtive, the fluids vifcid and acrimonious, it feems to promife confidera-
ble benefit, if ufed in moderate dofes, and long continued. Time will, per-
haps, difcover its proper effects ; and, as it confifls of a mild, lubricating mu-
cilage, joined with fome degree of aromatic warmth, it may be tried in fuch
diforders with great fafety. One drachm and a half, boiled in four ounces of
water, in a clofe veffel, and flow heat, about half an hour, will be a proper mean
dofe ; or it may be given in powder to half a drachm or two fcruples. Upon
the whole, though it does not feem entitled to even a moderate fhare of tho/e
virtues that are romanticly afcribed to it by the Chinefe (a), yet is it very
well worthy the attention of the faculty, and promifes fair 10 be a more
ufeful and efficacious medicine, than many now kept in the fhops, as the Sarfa
China, and fome others ; and a medicine too, of which we may always depend
on a conflant fupply from our own plantations.

/

Observations on the Weather , &c. in June 1753.

Barometer.

Higheft 30^. Lowed: 29 XV

Created: variation , in one day -A-.

Common ilation 30 XV

Thermometer.

Higheft 71 deg. Lowed: 56 deg.

Created: variation in one day 11 degrees, the 9th ult. from 59 to 70.

Common ftation 66 degrees.

The lait month concluded dry, fair, and warm ; this began in the fame
manner, and continued fo till about the 20th, the heat daily increafing.
About this time the air was cooled by fome moderate fhowers ; dorms of hail
fell in fome parts, and in the villages about London, and did confiderable
damage j very little fell , in the city. The wind kept generally N. N.E. or
N.W.,

The motions of the quickdlver in the barometer, were confined within very
narrow limits ■, in the thermometer, the contrary happened, the tranfitions
in this inftrument having been the moft fudden and expanfive, that have
lately been obferved. About the beginning of the month feveral were feized
with remittent fevers, which, after moderate bleeding, an emetic, and emp-
tying the firfl paffages, either went off in a few days, or became intermittent,,
and foon yielded to the cortex.

(a) Du Halde’s hift.fol. voi.'i. 32a. ii.

Several

I IO

On Weather and Di/eafes.

Several were likewife feized with a diforder in the bowels in the nature
of a nephritic cholic, with bilious vomitings, obftinate coftivenefs, and pain
about the region of the kidnies, and fometimes a dyfury, though without any
certain indication of gravel, or that the parts were affedted any other way than
by a fpafmodic conftridlion from confent of parts.

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in July 1753.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 TV Lowed 29^.

Greateft variation in one day T3r.

Common ftation 29 r%.

Thermometer.

Higheft 72 deg. viz. the 7th inftant; and without doors, in a cool
fhade, 80.

Lowed 57 deg.

Greateft variation in one day 5 degrees.

Common ftation 64 degrees.

The laft month concluded fair, cloudy, and temperate : this began with
fome hot days, which, towards the middle, were fucceeded by fome refrefti-
ing fiiowers : after which the weather continued for the moft part fair, fome-
times cloudy and cool, at others hot and fultry. The 7th was a hotter day
than any in the two laft years, in this place.

Apoplexies have been more than commonly frequent and fatal : even per-
fons much below the meridian of life, have been fuddenly fnatched off by this
diftemper. Some fevers of the low depreffed kind have appeared; many
have been feized with inflammations of the bowels ; and, in fome of the neigh-
bouring villages, the fore-throat, attended with ulcers, has appeared in di-
vers families.

The frequency of apoplexies has furnifhed fome frefh opportunities of ob-
ferving the effedts of bleeding in this difeafe, and {Lengthened the writer’s
opinion, that this evacuation is far from being always advantageous in this dif-
temper : on the contrary, he has feen inftances wherein he thinks it has been
attended with the worft corffequences.

Objervations on the Weather , idc. in Auguft 1753.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 -do-. Loweft 29-1-%-,

Greateft variation in one day A-
Common ftation 29 A.

7

Thermometer.

On Weather and Difeafes * i j 1

Thermometer.

Higheft 66 deg. Loweft 60 deg.

Greateft variation in one day 5 degrees.

Common ftation 63 degrees.

The conclufion of the laft month, and beginning of the prefent, were fair
and temperate ; towards the middle, the weather became wet, cloudy, and
cool, with high winds atS.W.; about the 20th it became fair, clear, and
warm, and continued fo. The wind was variable, often fhifting to oppofite
points the fame day : it kept northerly for feveral days, but for the molt part
S. W. or S. E. The quickfilver in neither of the inftruments, had any re-
markable motion ; whether it rofe or fell, it was flowly, nor were the tranfi-
tions from heat to cold, or the contrary, fudden or very confiderable.

Many, during this month, have complained of diforders in the head, before
the rains, about the middle of the month efpecially. Some had a dizzinefs
to fuch a degree as to render it alrnoft dangerous to walk abroad ; others had
acute pains affecting one part of the head only, as the forehead, or down one
fide, with great languors, ficknefs, and a quick fmall pulfe : in feveral of
thefe, after a few days, the diforder became intermittent, and was eafily re-
moved by the bark. And moft of the acute difeafes that have occurred in
this period, have difcovered a tendency this ways the head being very much
afflifted during the paroxyfm, not fo much with violent pain, as with great
confufton and dizzinefs, fo far as to be unable to raife it from the pillow
without fuffering greatly. Bleeding moderately at firft, with an emetic as
foon as convenient, the faline draughts during the paroxyfm, and the bark in
fubftance given plentifully in the intervals, foon removed the complaints in
many inftances. Blifters gave no relief, but moft commonly brought on very
violent ftranguries, which feems to be their ufual effect in fummer and in
autumnal difeafes, more than in thofe of the fpring.

Obfervations on the Weather , &c. in September 1753-

Barometer.

Higheft 30A5- • Loweft 29 TV

Greateft variation in one day -L .

Common ftation 30 -A.

Thermometer.

Higheft 66 deg. Loweft 56 deg.

Greateft variation in one day 7 degrees, viz. the 25th, when it
funk from 63 to 56, the only day in the whole month in which
it either funk fo low, or varied above half fo much.

Common ftation 63 degrees.

From

lift

On Weather and Difeafes.

From the 2.6th of the lad month, to the 2.5th of this inclufive, there have
been but five or fix days on which any rain has fallen, and on mod: of them
very inconfiderable quantities ; the heat has, at the fame time, been unufual
in this climate, with the mod; fettled drought. that has of late years been ob-
ferved. For though the wind has blown, in this period, almod from every
point of the compafs, yet the barometer has flood motionlefs at 30 inches,
with the wind at S. E. for days together; a phaenomenon very rarely ob-
ferved, and an indication of the mod: uncommon propenfky to drynefs.

From this date of the weather, fruits of every kind this country affords,
have been ripened to the greated perfedlion ; and, if the wines of our own
vineyards are at any time to be drank without prejudice, for this feems to be
the mod we can expedl in this country, the - wines of this year’s growth
dand the faired chance for it. But, at the fame time that the dry hot wea-
ther has had this effebt with regard to fruits, it has burnt up the herbage in
the neighbourhood of London altogether, except in the marfhes, and very
low meadows ; on the higher grounds fcarce the lead appearance of verdure
remains ; fo that with the withered fun-burnt afpebl of the country about us,
and the clouds of dud that are raifed by the carriages, &c. in every avenue to
this metropolis, wemefemble the fcorched Campagnia, rather than the verdant
environs of London.

Bilious cholics, inflammations of the bowels, remittent fevers, with violent
head-achs, vomitings, redleffnefs, faintings, high-coloured urine, and bilious
dools, become more frequent, but not very fatal ; the patients bear moderate
bleeding well, gentle purgatives of the faline kind, and plentiful diluents:
-bliders are feldom indicated ; when applied, they are often injurious, and often
bring on unconquerable dranguries, to which the fick are many of them prone,
this prefent feafon, where no bliders have been applied.— And the writer thinks
he has oftener than in one feafon found, that bliders, after hot dry fum-
mers, are injurious in common, and perhaps for the very reafons that render
them beneficial, nay abfolutely neceffary, in mod kinds of vernal fevers.

In the prefent remittent fevers, the fick are difpofed to copious fweats,
which weaken but afford no relief. Every plentiful evacuation finks them confi-
derably, and efpecially if the difeafe is advanced a few days ; which is mentioned
to guard againd the imprudent, indifcriminate ufe of a celebrated powder,
long fxnce difcarded from rational practice, on account of its danger and uncer-
tainty, and of the pernicious effedts whereof the writer has lately been a wit-
nefs, though adminidered in a much fmaller dofe than is commonly given, and
under circumdances the mod encouraging to hope for advantage from it.

Observations

On Weather and Difeafes .

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in Qdtober 1753.

u3

Barometer.

Higheft 30 TV Loweft 29 Jl,

Greateft variation in one day So*

Common ftation 29.

Thermometer.

Higheft 64 deg. Loweft 52 deg.

Greateft variation in one day 5 degrees.

Common ftation 59 degrees.

The weather in this month, though more variable than in the preceding,
has for the moft part been mild and temperate, even with the wind at N.E.
about which point and the N. it has kept for fome time. There have been
a few fhowery days, but in general the weather has been fair and cloudy, with
fome heavy mifts.

About the beginning of the month feveral were attacked with flow re-
mitting and dangerous fevers ; which ftill continue to affecft divers. The manner
of the attack was various : fome were attended with a thrilling coldnefs, with
very little heat intervening, either night or day, during three or four days;
and even, after they were confined to their beds, a flight, though almoft con-
ftant rigor attended them moft part of the day, till at length an uneafy heat
took its place, and continued without intermiflion many days. But this was
not the cafe in all : the beginning was more fenfibly felt by feveral ; the ri-
gor more violent and of fhorter continuance ; the fucceeding heat, though more
intenfe, of a fhorter duration ; and the concomitant fymptoms the more na-
tural. Perfons of a frefh florid habit were generally feized in this manner,
and moftly recovered; thedifeafe either fpeedily terminating in an intermi:tent,
or decreafing about the 14th with a thick lateritious fediment : but fuch as
were of a fquallid, or pale fwarthy complexion, and were feized with this fever,
were attacked in the manner firft defcribed : the beginning was oblcure, the
patient often went abroad, with chilling rigors, many days, and applied for
help when the difeafe was advanced to fuch a period, as to admit of very little
either from art or nature. The frefh and fanguine bore bleeding repeatedly,
to advantage ; the head-ach, reftldfnefs, and heat, often abating after it.
But the others did not receive the like benefit : a moderately warm, and cardiac
regimen ; keeping the fick from profufe fweats, or any weakening evacuation ;
fupplying thin diluting liquors often, and in fmall quantities, feemed to
afford the greateft relief.— Rheumatilnfs have been frequent in this month,
as is common at this feafon, and probably as much owing to a want of ac-
commodating the cloathing to it, as to the variablenefs of the weather.

Obfervations

1 14 On Weather and Difeafes.

Ohfervations on the Weather , &c. in November 1 7 5

Barometer.

Higheft Loweft 29 TV

Greateft variation in one day -5V

Common ftation 29 T^,

Thermometer.

Higheft 58 deg. Lowed: 45 deg.

Common ftation 49 degrees.

Greateft variation in one day 7 degrees.

The weather in this month for the moft part has been cloudy* Cold* ancf
fair* with lharp frofts, but of no long continuance* and interrupted with cold
rain ; the wind frequently at N. W.

The fame kind of fever as mentioned in my former* has continued to lhew
itfelf during this month, and has terminated fatally in many inftances, and
chiefly, perhaps, from flower and imperceptible approaches. Often has it
affe&ed the fick great part of a week before they have been induced to feek
any relief, when the moments of affording it effectually were paffed. Co-
pious evacuations of any kind were obferved to be injurious; the fick were not
often difpofed to any, except profufe fweats, which were never found, that I
know of, relieving.

Diforders of the bowels were frequent, in fome with obftinate coftivenefs,,
with a diarrhoea in others, and generally yielded to the known methods.

Ohfervations on the Weather , He. in December 1753:.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 inch. 4 deg. Loweft 29 inch. 22 deg.

Greateft variation in one day 7 deg.

Common ftation 29 inch. 8 deg.

Thermometer within doors.

Higheft 58 deg. Loweft 40 deg.

Greateft variation in one day 7 deg.

Common ftation 47 deg.

Thermometer without doors.

Higheft 55 deg. the 22d inft. Loweft 29 deg. the 8th.

Greateft variation in one day 10 deg. viz. the 12th* from 40 to 50=

The laft month concluded with hard froft, the weather very cold* the

wind

On Weather and Difeafess i 1 5

wind N. or N. W. The beginning of this month likewife was cold and frofty,
but often dark, thick, hazy weather. About the 10th we had fome fnow, but
this was foon carried off by warm rain, the wind fhifting fuddenly from N. E.
to S. E. and S.W. where it continued to the 25th, the weather being uncom-
monly warm, though dark and fhowery. Upon the whole, we have had
greater viciffitudes, and more fudden tranfitions from cold and dry to warm and
moift, in this month, than has happened in any one for a confiderable time
paft.

About the beginning of the month, during the fharp froft, feveral were
feized with the fmall-pox, of a dangerous kind. The puftules appeared in
feveral on the fecond day, and without much previous indifpofition. The fever
of eruption was far from being violent, and the pulfe often continued as flow as
in perfedt health, and much fmaller till the 4th or 5th day from the erup-
tion, the fick in the main delirious in the night, and no way abating as the
ptyalifm, which was in many cafes profufe, and boded danger, came on.
About the 7th the pulfe became more quick, but not more ftrong ; heat, reft-
leffnefs, and delirium increafed, and if the patient furvived the nth, it was
often with great difficulty, and generally to undergo freffi dangers from the fe~
condary fever ; but a peripneumony proved fatal to feveral about the eleventh.

The puftules, inftead of filling with a kindly yellowifii matter, or appear-
ing of this colour externally, were, in all that I faw, of a pale cream-
coloured afpedt, running into one another on the face, with here and there, both
on the face and limbs, fmall mortified crufts, and the whole afpedt as if covered
with a wetted parchment.

The caufes that produced the flow, treacherous, remittent fever, men-
tioned in a preceding account, feem to have produced the like unfavourable
difpofition of the habit in this. The attack in both was not alarming; the
progrefs flow and fallacious ; the approach of the crifis terrible, and too often
fatal.— However, the difeafe is by no means general ; many of thofe who
have it, ’tis true, have it in a pretty fevere manner, yet many efcape. A
decodtion of the Cortex, with fmall dofes of Conf. Damocrat. viz. 10, 15, to
20 gr. given in the languid ftate, has been of fervice in fome cafes ; exchang-
ing this regimen for a mild, demulcent, yet moderately cordial regimen, as
the difeafe advanced.

A cafe of an unufual nature, the fubjedt confidered, has probably occurred
to many pradtitioners within this month or fix weeks. It appears at leaft un-
ufual to the writer, and he therefore mentions it. He has been called to feveral
children, and to none much above feven years of age, and girls chiefly, who
have had the jaundice. He has heard from others, that the like cafes had oc-
curred to them. The writer found that a grain, or gr. 1 fs of Calomel, in a pill,
with Tereb. q.J. every night, and a few fpoonfuls of the faline mixture two

CL2

or

1 1 6 On W gather and Difeafes .

or three times a day, foon took off the yellownefs, coftivenefs, and high-
coloured urine ; and a tea-fpoonful of the Vin. Chalybeat. in chamomile-tear
reftored their appetite and vivacity, which were always greatly affe&ed, and
feemingly more than even in adults.

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in January 1754*

Barometer.

Higheft 30 -rV Lowed 29.

Greateft variation in one day -A-.

Common ftation 29-j-V

Thermometer within doors.

Higheft 55 deg. Lowed: 40 deg..

Greateft variation in one day 5 deg.

Common ftation 45 deg..

Thermometer without doors.

Higheft 4S. Lowed: 25.

Greateft variation in 24 hours 12 deg.

Common ftation 40 deg.

The lad: month ended fair, frofty, cloudy, and very cold ; wind N. E. This
began in the fame manner; but the wind fuddenly Ihifting to the S.W. the
weather became lefs cold, but dill inclined to frofty. About the middle we hacf
fome heavy rains, the cold moderate, and the weather continued variable till'
towards the end, without any remarkable excefs in any refpeft.

Two Angular phenomena appeared in the barometer in the courfe of this
month, viz. about the 8th the quickfilver ftood at 29.2, the wind northerly
and fair. In common, when it ftands fo low we feldom fail of heavy rains, high
winds, or fnow; but none of thefe happened in the neighbourhood of this
place ; nor had we any accounts of deep fnows or much rain in the north about
this time ; though I have never known the like circumftance happen without
one or other of them falling plentifully to the northward.— The other phe-
nomenon was the reverfe to this. While the quickfilver ftood feveral days
together at 30.5, we had foutherly winds, with rain, and the weather temperate.
It is difficult to account for this, uniefs we fuppofe a current of wind from
the N. or N. E. to have paffed above the fouthern ftream, and in a greater
quantity.

The fudden tranfitions in the former month, and the variable temperature
of the prefent, feemed to render acute difeafes, for a time, more frequent and
fatal. Fevers of the kind before mentioned continued ; plentiful bleeding
almoft always brought on very alarming fymptoms. It feemed, however, ne-

ceffary

On Weather and Difeafes. 1 17

ceflary to bleed moderately once, and fometimes, by cupping, to mitigate the
head-ach, of which all the patients complained, fome more fome lefs. Blitters
applied early increafed the heat ; and, if a fweating regimen was purfued, about
the feventh or eighth day fmall red irregular Jligmata , not round, as regular
getechitf, ffiewed themfelves about the neck, bread, and arms, in great numbers,
appearing juft as if an eruption was about to follow ; but they never rofe above
the furface of the fkin.— Avoiding all immoderate evacuations; keeping the
patient moderately covered ; fupporting his ftrength with proper liquids, with-
out loading him with too much of them ; promoting the circulation gent-
ly with the milder diaphoretics ; and applying blifters, fucceftively, as the
falling pulfe feemed to indicate their neceflity, were the means of conduc-
ing fome, who had this fpecies of fever, through very imminent dangers
under which circumftances the difcharges from the blifters feemed to be of
fingular advantage ; for it happened, in divers inftances, that with the common
dreffings only, blifters on the arms, v/here they are rather more readily dif-
pofed to heal in common than in fome parts of the body, have kept open a
week or ten days, nay, in one cafe, a fortnight, the matter being often at firft
thin and fanious, but becoming gradually laudable and plentiful.

Rheumatifms were alfo frequent about the breaking up of the froft, and

the mufcles of the thorax being in fome cafes affefted, made it difficult to dif-
tinguiffi in what degree the internal parts likewife differed; which neverthe-
lefs is a circumftance of great moment, as the method which would be the
moft likely to remove a genuine inflammation of the lungs or pleura, would
often increafe a rheumatic aft'eCion of the mufcles concerned in refpiration*
and bring on that very difeafe which it was intended to remove, viz. an in-
flammation of the lungs, for want of a juft dilatation of the thorax. This,
however, is not defigned to prevent bleeding in the above-mentioned cafes,
but as a caution to fome, who may have been taught to think, that copious,

bleeding is indicated, whenever a patient complains of pain in any part of

the region of the thorax.

Obfervations on the Weather , CtV. in February 1754.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 Ay. Lowed 29

Created variation in one day -A..

Common ftation 30 A_.

Thermometer without doors.

Higheft 48, the 13th inftant.

Lowed: 25, the 6th and 7th. Severe froft. 9

Greateft variation in one day 13 deg. between the ill and 2d inft.
when the quickfilver rofe from 27 to 40 deg.

The

1 1 B

On Weather and Difeafes.

The froft, which began about the 26th of the preceding month, became in-
tenfe in a few days, and continued till the 9th, when it broke up with a
fudden, but a very cold thaw, with fleet and heavy cold rains. After this the
weather became more temperate, the mornings frofty and fharp, but the air in
the day commonly ferene, feafonable, and fair, and fo continued to the 26th.

The quickfilver in the barometer has kept, during this changeable weather,
within very confined limits, the feafon confidered. In the thermometer it has
feldom varied more ■, nor could it be expefted to happen otherwife. For the
fatisfadlion of thofe gentlemen who employ themfelves in the like obferva-
tions, it is thought proper to acquaint them,

That the inftrument by which thefe are made, is graduated according to
Fahrenheit’s fcale, and was made by a workman of reputation.

That it is placed without doors, in a court, one ftory from the ground,
in a fituation Iheltered from any current of wind, as well as fecured, by the
height and fituation of the neighbouring houfes, from the direft or reflected in-
fluence of the fun.

That the ufual hour of obfervation is about eight in the morning, in win-
ter, feven in fummer ; and that the place is near the center, and one of the
moll populous parts of the city.

It may be likewife obferved, that the inftrument is diftant about two inches
from the wall, and has as little connexion as poflible, to be fecure, with any
folid body. The fcale is wood, and touches the tube in very few points.—
Though the writer imagined he had chofen a very proper place within doors,
to difcover the general temper of the air, yet, from a ftricft attention, he finds
that many caufes concur to render this inftrument uncertain within doors, in
any fituation, and he doubts it is ftill liable to many exceptions without.

Thus far no difeafes have appeared in the city or fuburbs, fo far as the author
knows, that have any thing peculiar to merit a farther defcriptjon at prefent,

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in March 1754.

Barometer,

Higheft 30 Loweft 29 Tv*

Greateft variation in one day -jfe.

Common ftation 30 -jV

Thermometer within doors.

Higheft 51.

Loweft 38 deg. the 13th- and 18th. Hard froft and much fnow.

Greateft variation 6.

Common ftation 44.

9

Thermometer

On Weather and Dtfeafes.

119

Thermometer without doors.

Highed 46. Lowed 29, the 1 2th. Froft.

Greateft variation 6.

Common dation 37. <

The unufual feverity of the weather in this lad month claims a particular
notice, as the like, perhaps, hath not been obferved in this country for many
years. The lad month ended rather temperate and fair, the thermometer with-,
out doors keeping always above 40, and within doors commonly near 50.
About the 5th ult. the wind fhifted from S.W. toN.E. and the weather from
temperate and clear became gradually more cold and cloudy. On the 9th it be-
gan to fnow, freezing hard at the fame time, and continued fnowing, more or
iefs, almod every day to the 25th, the time when this monthly account con-
cludes, During this time the weather was for the mod part unufually dark
and cloudy, the wind often high, and from the N.W. N. or N. E. points.

Diforders of the bread were, during this time, both frequent and fatal. Lax
corpulent habits, fubje<5t to coughs and adhmatic complaints, differed ex-
tremely. A thin irritating defluxion, with little appearance of a fever, began,
and produced violent and inceffant coughing. Bleeding afforded fome tem-
porary relief ; but, if copious, weakened. Difcharges by dool, either fponta-
neous or artificial, gave little relief. Plentiful expectoration was the mod
beneficial ; but the quantity to be difcharged too often exceeded the force of
nature; and, notwithdanding the application of bliders, the ufe of mild bal-
famics mixed with volatiles and the more fcimulating expectorants, (as the cafe
feemed to require all) too often proved unfuccefsful. Palfies were likewife not
uncommon ; and the writer thinks he has met with frefli caufe to fufpeCt, that
the too free and frequent ufe of the lancet, in fuch complaints,, fometimes
fubjeCts both the patient and phyfician to infuperable difficulties.

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in April 1754,.

Barometer.

Highed 30-fC. Lowed 29-^-

Created variation in one day -T%.

Common dation 30.

Thermometer within doors.

Highed 56. Lowed 41 deg. the 25th.

Created variation in one day 9, the 18th, from 50 at night to 41
in the morning. Hard frod and fnow.

Common dation 50.

Thermometer

120

On Weather and Difeafes.

Thermometer without doors.

Higheft 54. Lowell 32.

Greateft variation 7, the 6th, from 47 to 54.

Common ftation 41.

Greateft variation between morning and noon 10.

The unufual feverity of the weather, both in this and other parts of Britain,
during this month, will probably be long remembered. A few days before
this account concludes, the cold indeed began to relax, and there was now and
then a day, towards noon, when the air was temperate ; but in general it has
been cold and dry to an extreme degree ; the frofts fharp, and accompanied
with fnow and hail. From this ftate of the weather, every appearance of fpring
has been exceffively retarded, and the powers of vegetation in a manner locked
up. Scarce an alder-leaf fully expanded, and the lilies but half opened; from
thefe it will be eafy to judge of the reft.

Thus far, however, the general health has not fuffered by it, nothing like
an epidemic having Ihewn itfelf in the city, nor the fporadics numerous.
Spafmodic or rheumatic pains of the breaft have affedted fome, but have been
foon removed by moderate bleeding, fmall dofes of camphire and nitre mixed,
with laxative only and volatile medicines, as occafion required.

Objervations on the Weather , &V. in May 1754.

Barometer.

Higheft 30 A-- Loweft 29^-.

Greateft variation in one day T?c-.

Common ftation 29

Thermometer within doors.

Higheft 61 deg. Loweft 53.

Greateft variation in one day 6 degrees.

Common ftation 57 degrees.

The thermometer without doors has not been fo carefully cbferved this
month, as to furniih a regular account of it.

The weather about the end of the laft month was temperate and fair, the
wind S. W. it veered foon to the N.E. and the air grew cool and cloudy,
though dry. Towards the middle of this month it became more temperate,
the wind foutherly, and at length fucceeded fome plentiful warm rains about
the 2 2d, which continued with fome interruptions a few days, when the wea-
ther again became cool and fair.

Perhaps there are but few who can remember fo fudden an alteration in the

121

On Weather and Difeafcs.

face of vegetative nature, as hath happened in this month : fpring, inftead of
her ufual progrefs, which in this country has been interrupted and flow, came
upon us at once, and the fcene which had been fo long dreary and defolate,
was fuddenly covered with verdure ; the trees blofiomed into fragrance and
beauty, and the pledges of plenty were every where fcattered with the utmoft
profufion. Thofe who repined at the delay, and were ready to wifh the power
of rain and funlhine in their own hands, are once more detedled in the folly
of difcontent, and it is to be hoped they will at laft learn to acquiefce, not
only with chearfulnefs, but gratitude, in the difpenfations of that unerring
goodnefs which prefides over univerfal nature, and has fo long blefied this
country with health and fruitful feafons.

In refpeft to difeafes, none have appeared that deferve the name of epidemic.
Rheumatifms, vernal intermittents, and confumptive complaints, have been
the molt frequent, but not more fo than in other fprings.

The fmall-pox, which was beginning to fpread in fome parts of the town,
feems to be upon the decline ; except by inoculation ; for this pradtice daily
gains ground, notwithftanding fome inftances now and then occur, that are not
attended with the happy fuccefs one could wifh for. In general, however,
both the favourablenefs of the difeafe itfelf, and the abfence of various ill con-
fequences attending it in the natural way, are fo much in favour of inocula-
tion, that in time it feems likely to become the general practice, and may
thereby fecure to the ftate a multitude of ufeful lives, to the parties themfelves
tranquillity of mind, and to many of them agreeablenefs of perfon.

It may again be proper to remind thofe who are engaged in this practice,
that the flighted fcratch with the point of a needle, or any other inftrument
that will juft make the blood ftart through the fcarf Ikin, will be fufficient
and that much lefs than the tenth part of an inch of fine thread, that has been
drawn through a ripe puftule, will be enough to produce the difeafe. And
alfo, that the matter fhould not be applied, by the perfon who has taken it
from the variolous patient, foon after he has procured it, for the reafons
alledged in a former Magazine, (vol. xxiii. p. 218.)

Obfervations on the Weather , &c. in June 1754.

Barometer.

Higheft jo-A-* Loweft 29

Greateft variation in one day T~.

Common ftation 29^.

Thermometer within doors.

Higheft 65 deg. Loweft 57.

Common ftation 61 degrees.

Greateft variation in one day 4 degrees.

R

The

122

On Weather and Difeafes .

The weather at the end of the laft month was cool, cloudy, and dry at the
beginning of this it became more warm and clear ; a few days about the
middle were dill warmer ; but as the month advanced, the weather grew more
cloudy and cool, except fome fudden gleams of heat from a few hours of
a clear mid-day fun now and then, which raifed the thermometer without
doors confiderably, while within doors it remained unaltered, varying not
more than about four degrees in any one day or night, as far as occurred to
the obferver, in all this period.

The wind has been chiefly S.W. or W. and modly pretty high, which
both covered the fky with clouds, and kept off the rains from thefe parts,
except now and then fome acceptable fhowers, and a wet day or two near
the end of the month.

The fame kind of remittent fevers, mentioned in a preceding month, have
appeared, though not in great numbers ; irregular intermittents have like-
wife been frequent, efpecially periodical hemicranias, which foon gave way
to the Bark, with fo much Rhubarb, or Tintt. Guaiac. Volat. added, as kept
the belly rather lax than codive. Coughs, rheumatic pains affedting dif-
ferent parts of the thorax, and other difeafes of the bread, have been much
more frequent in this month than ufual, caufed perhaps rather by the too early
change of drefs, than the peculiar conftitution of the air. Bleeding in mod was
beneficial ; a repetition was fometimes neceffary. Mild diaphoretics, ano-
dynes, pedtorals, and warmth, were generally fuccefsful. The ulcerated fore-
throat has jud begun to lhew itfelf, with its ufual fymptomsj it yields to the
common remedies, and is exafperated, as it always has been in general, by
bleeding and large evacuations. A cataplafm of Ther. Androm. with a fmall
quantity of Sal. C. C. fpread thick, and applied externally from ear to ear, feems
to have afforded fpeedy relief in fome cafes, not however omitting cordials
internally at the fame time.

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in July 1754.

Barometer.

Highed 30 TV Lowed 29^.

Greated variation in one day -jV

Common dation 30.0.

Thermometer within doors.

Highed 68 degrees, the 22d. Wind S.E. Very warm..

Lowed 60.

Created variation in one day 5 degrees.

Common dation 62 degrees.

On Weather and Difeafes. 123

The laH month ended cool, Ihowery, with briflc weflerly winds ; the be-
ginning of this was fair, clear, and temperate : towards the middle it became
more wet and cloudy, and continued fo, with the intervention of a very few
warm days, to the end of the month. The wind during the whole was variable,
but kept generally to W. or S.W. and fometimes pretty brifk.

About the beginning of the month, feveral were attacked with the eryfipelasx
affeCting chiefly the head and face, though fometimes appearing on other parts
of the body. Mild diaphoretics, with anodynes to abate the painful fore-
nefs, not to- ftupify ; emollient clyHers, to keep the belly open, not lax ;
diluting liquors moderately in regard to quantity, and rather cool than hot, in
a few days reHored the patients to their ufual health : nitre difpirited them ;
and, without fome anodyne at night, they were difpofed to watchfulnefs and
delirium, as in the fmall-pox. As the month advanced, apoplexies and pa-
ralytic complaints became very frequent, and we ftill hear of one or other
almoH daily attacked. To what can this be owing? Sudden tranfitions from
heat to cold, or from cold to heat, often produce thefe complaints : but, ex-
cepting a day or two, the weather has been uncommonly equal ; and none of
the fenflble qualities have remarkably predominated. If nothing in the con-
Hitution of the air appears capable of producing fuch complaints, to what
other general caufe can we have recourfe ? In refpeCt to diet, we change no-
thing in our common courfe, except a more plentiful ufe of vegetables ; in
which term mull be underflood to be included fruits of all forts, as well as
roots and greens. But thefe have feldom been confidered as productive of
fuch diforders. — They may, however, by accident, contribute in fome confli-
tutions to bring on the above-mentioned diforders, that is, by their quantity. —
We feldom are called to apopledtic patients, but, upon enquiry, we learn that
fome unguarded meal has preceded, and that, within a very few hours before
the attack, they have made a repafl which, either in refpeCt to quantity or qua-
lity, the by-flanders themfelves admit to have been improper. — It is therefore
mentioned as a caution to all, who either from their make and time of life have
reafon to apprehend they are expofed to the difeafe above-mentioned, or have
already had fome flight attack of it, that as they wifh to prolong their lives,
they would avoid full meals, but more efpecially fuppers. The conftant and
abundant ufe of tea, though for a very different reafon, feems likewife ca-
pable of contributing its fhare to the increafe of thefe diforders : and, indeed,
the continued ufe of this exotic feems to demand the attention of the faculty,
and their Heady and unanimous oppofltion, if its effedls fhould appear to be
as certainly, though infenfibly, injurious to the body, as the confumption of
time, and its other ill confequences, are undoubtedly to the Hate.

R 1 Objervations

124 On Weather and Difeafes .

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in Auguft 1754..

✓ . r * i

Barometer.

Higheft 30 TV Loweft 29 TV

Greateft variation in one day T3-g..

Common ftation 30. o.

Thermometer within doors.

Higheft 69 degrees at night, the 20th. E.

Loweft 60.

Greateft variation in one day 4 degrees.

Common ftation 64 degrees.

As the laft month- ended, fo this began, cloudy, cool, and wet : the weather
continued thus till about the middle, when the wind lhifted to the E. and.
brought a fair, warm, and agreeable feafon. After a ftorm of thunder, light-
ning, and heavy rain, the 22d in the night, with a S. E. wind, the air con-
tinued fultry, and the weather wet, till the period when this account con-
cludes.

The motions of the quickfilver, both in die barometer and thermometer,,
have been very (low, and the rife and fall in each by Ihort gradations. In the
thermometer, fufpended in the lhade without doors on the 1 ith in the morning,,
the mercury flood at 58 ; 2 degrees lower than within doors, any time this,
month ; and rofe the 15th and 19th to 75 at noon, the higheft it was obferved
to be.

A dangerous remittent fever, and the fmall-pox, have been the moft com-
mon acute difeafes that have occurred in this month. The former was fatal
to many ; and though it often continued to the 14th or 17th day, yet it
was extremely difficult to difcover the juvantia or ladentia , except in regard
to bleeding, which was moft commonly injurious, as thofe who loft the moft
blood, and at the greateft diftance from the firft attack, fuffered the moft, were
the fooneft delirious, convulfed, and carried off. The early application of
blifters feemed no lefs injurious. A gentle emetic, and mild calming dia-
phoretics, the bed-cloaths light, the room airy, but not cold, with thin di-
luting liquors to fatiety, not to load, were circumftances of moment to the
patients eafe, as well as recovery.

The fmafl-pox were frequent in many parts of the city and eaftern fub-
urbs efpecially. In general the kind was mild, diftindt, and favourable.
Out of fixteen, who had the difeafe in a certain diftridt, of different ages, one
only died ; but in common a much larger proportion mifcarried. And it is
to be remarked, particularly, that though in general the fmall-pox was of

3 the

/

On Weather and Difeafes. J25

the fort defcribed, yet where it was otherwife, it was fo in an extreme de-
gree, with an uncommon pronenefs to malignancy. In two cafes that oc-
curred, where the load of fmall-pox was not remarkably great, the fubjedts
young and healthy, and no obvious mifmanagement, large livid petechia ap-
peared foon after the eruption, daily increafing in extent and deepnefs of co-
lour to the 3d or 6th, when, after days and nights of inceffant anxiety and
delirium, and the fruitlefs application of fuch remedies as feemed the mod fuit-
able, the difeafe proved fatal. The author does not remember ever to have
feen indances of fo virulent a kind, appearing at a time when the general ten-
dency was to the milded and mod favourable.

Obfervations on the Weather , &c. in September 1754*

Barometer.

Highed 30-^. Lowed 29-^,

Greated variation in one day

Common dation 30 TV

Thermometer within doors.

Highed 67 deg. Lowed 57.

Greated variation in one day 7 degrees.

Common dation 63 degrees.

The weather during this month has been uncommonly dry, the air, for the
mod part, temperate and ferene ; fometimes approaching, in the middle of

the day, to fultry, whild the mornings and evenings were rather cold than

temperate. On the 7th and 8th we had fome gentle diowers, the wind S. W.
and fomewhat high ; the red of the month was dry, and the wind northerly.

Choleras, inflammations of the bowels, rheumatifms, and intermittents, have
been the mod common difeafes ■, but a dangerous remittent fever, though
not very frequent, has been the mod alarming ; the accefs is commonly ve-
hement, the rigor like that of a regular tertian, the fubfequent heat intenfe,
which generally continues fo long as to drew that it is not of this genus :
partial fweats fucceed, which afford no relief, but leave the laflitude and pains
of the head and back as affli<5ting as at fird.. In this date it is common for
thofe who are called in, to order bleeding.. The blood is florid, not very
denfe; the ferum of a deep yellow ; the urine at the fame time is crude and
high-coloured. Bleeding often mitigates the febrile fymptoms conflderably ;
but they return in twenty-four hours, and induce fome to bleed a fecond
time. The refpite from this fecond breeding is frequently more perceptible
than the fird, but a delirium often follows the next night, with a dry tongue,
quick pulfe, high-coloured urine, loofe acrid dools, catchings, watchfulnefs,

and

126 On Weather and Difeafes .

and the moft alarming fymptoms. Now and then they hold out to the 17th
or 18th day, but more eommonly drop off about the 14th or 15th.

Objervations on the Weather , &c. in O&ober 1754-
Barometer.

Higheft 30 A- Loweft 29 TV

Greateft variation in one day TV

Common ftation 30 TV.

Thermometer within doors.

Higheft 65 deg. Loweft 52.

Greateft variation in one day 7 degrees.

Common ftation 56 degrees.

Thermometer without doors, in the morning.

Higheft 64. Loweft 43.

Greateft difference betwixt morning and noon on the fame day
15 degrees, viz. on the 15th inftant, from 43, the loweft, to 58.

Greateft variation betwixt any two mornings 1 1 degrees, viz. from
44 to 55, between the 8th and 9th inftant.

Common ftation 54 degrees.

If the preceding account is more prolix, it is with a defign to make it the
more ufeful : the reader will be pleafed to remember, that it is a record of
facfts, which though at prefent feem but little interefting, yet, in future time,
may be of very important ufe. What inftruCtion would not fomething of this
kind have afforded, had it commenced a century ago, and been regularly con-
tinued to the prefent time ?

The end of the laft month was for the moft part fair, clear, and temperate,
and likewife the beginning of this. On the 6th we had the firft ftiower that
had fallen for fome weeks, and on the 9th fome heavy rain : except fome in-
tervening fhowers, the reft of the month was generally fair, and the weather
favourable as to heat ; now and then a few warm days, with very little wind,
and at other times a brifk cool wefterly breeze, or northerly and cold.

The fever, mentioned in the laft account, did not wholly difappear till the
weather became more moift and cool ; the preceding aduft temperature hav-
ing manifeftly contributed to increafe it.

Rheumatic pains affedling various parts about the thorax, intermittents, and
fome inflammatory rheumatifms, are now more common, which generally yield
to the ordinary treatment.

But before we altogether difmifs the fever above-mentioned, it may not

be

On Weather and Difeafes. izy

be improper to remark, that fcarcely any thing in the practice of medicine
requires greater judgment, than to determine, at the accefs of fevers, whether
bleeding is proper or not, and to what quantities. In the prefent inftance,
moderate bleeding once, feldom was beneficial, but to repeat it, was moll
commonly injurious. The writer does not fay this with a view to infinuate,
that none but a few are judges, in order to promote their advantage ; but
merely with a defign to prevail upon thofe who are often firft called, to confi-
der, that if the fever is of the low deprelFed kind, they are taking away that
force which will ere long be wanted, and which no art can reftore.

Next to bleeding, blifters are commonly applied, and they often follow each
other immediately; fo that one often finds bleeding, blillering, fweating, and
perhaps a repetition of all, have been promifcuoufiy ordered in the fpace of
a very few days, while, from the general difbrder, it was fcarcely poffible to
determine whether any, or which of thefe proceffes was neceffary. Thefe
things are not faid with a view to accufe or reproach, but to excite a juft and
neceffary confideration of what is proper, and not what is cullomarily done.
Bleeding is, doubtlefs, often neceffary in fevers ; the pulfe, the confuta-
tion, or the feafon, moftly point out the time and the quantity; which, if it
is at all proper, is moft commonly fo within the firft four, five, or fix days.
This evacuation, with diluents and proper regimen, will often take off a
fever without any other affiftance. But in regard to blifters, their early ap-
plication muft in moft cafes be prejudicial. Where bleeding is proper, they
are commonly improper ; they cannot take off* a fever, they have no tendency
to it, any otherways than by keeping up the languent circulation, where the
pulfe rather grows feeble, and the ftrength declines ; here they are a noble re-
medy : a prudent fucceffion of them often does wonders towards the acme of
the fever, and not only promotes a falutary crifis, by the ftimulant invigorating
quality, but by opening a favourable drain for the critical difcharge itfelf.
We lofe thefe advantages if we blifter early ; we hurry on the already too
precipitate courfe of the blood and juices, and deprive ourfelves of a refource,
than which medicine hardly affords any one more efficacious. Emptying the
firft paffages prudently at the firft is fcarcely ever prejudicial in this or any other
fever : bleeding in this is moft commonly injurious ; and blifters early ap-
plied, I believe, are feldom ufeful in fevers, if not conftantly detrimental.

Gb/ervations on the Weather , &V. in November 1754,

Barometer.

Higheft 30^-5-. Loweft 28 T\...

Greateft variation in one day ~.

Common ftation 29-^..

Total of mornings obfervations 920^.

i

Thermometer

128

On Weather and Difeafes .

Thermometer within doors.
Higheft 6 o. Loweft 50.

Greateft variation in one day 4.

Common ftation 52.
Total of mornings obfervations 1716.

Thermometer without doors.
Noon.

Morning.

Higheft - - - 56
Loweft - - - 39

Common ftation 48

64

47

52i

27th ult.
27th ult.

Greateft variation from morn to noon 10.
Total - - - 1461 1638.

The quickfilver in the barometer funk lower on the 9th and 10th inftant,
than it has been known to do during the courfe of thefe obfervations ; fo low
as to 28 inches 8-tenths, the weather at the fame time fair, and, the feafon con-
fidered, clear and temperate; the wind S. E. and rather calm. Thefe circum-
ftancesare mentioned, as they are uncommon with a S.E. wind. The quick-
filver, indeed, almoft always finks, but feldom low, without very high winds,
or much rain, neither of which happened at that time, nor did any remarkable
wet weather enfue about this place. It was conjedtured that much rain might,
then be falling in diftant parts, which from the daily papers, and other ac-
counts, was foon after found to be the cafe. And it has more than once
been obferved, that if the quickfilver keeps very low, with a northerly wind,
much fnow is then falling to the northward, and perhaps at a very great dis-
tance ; and alfo that if it is low with a S.E. and fair, heavy rains are then fall-
ing to the fouthward, though, perhaps, neither fnow or rain appear at the
place of obfervation.

The weather during this month, till within a few days of its conclufion, has
for the moft part been fair and clear, though there have been fome dark,
cold, and rainy days, but generally clear, temperate, and the winds eafterly.
Rheumatifms have been very frequent and obftinate. Many have been feized
with catarrhal coughs, and confumptive habits have fuffered greatly. Th-e
fever mentioned in the preceding accounts ftill continues ; the cautions hinted
before are ftill neceflary: bleeding, almoft in the fmalleft quantity, is inju-
rious, and a repetition generally fatal.

REMARKS

[ 129 ]

* R E

M A

R K S

ON THE

NEUTRAL

SALTS O

F PLANTS,

AND ON

TERRA

FOLIATA

T A R T A R I.

CHEMISTS, who prepare the lixivial Salts of Vegetables, generally
take care, by the means of hot water, and fometimes repeated affufions
of it, to get every thing out of the afhes that is foluble ; and when they eva-
porate this folution, they employ the fait which is obtained from it as a pure
alcali in other operations, either not knowing or neglefting the Neutral
Salt, which Boerhaave fays j- is mixed with it, and is Jui generis. In an opera-
tion which I was lately employed in, the neceflity of confidering the effe£ts of
this Neutral Salt was evident, and I could determine the genus to which the
greater part of it belonged.

An ingenious Chemid of my acquaintance, intending to make a large
quantity of Terra foliata T'artari, ufed for that purpofe the lixivial Salt of Fern ,
carefully made in the country by a perfon well (killed in praftical chemidry,
careful and exa£t. Some of this fait was fluxed, the reft was a clean lixivial
fait ; each kind was faturated by itfelf with drong diddled vinegar, eight or
nine times the weight of the fait being fuflicient of the vinegar to fully fa-
turate the alcali of both parcels; whereas ufually fourteen or fifteen times the
weight of the fait is .requifite of the vinegar to make a perfect faturation.

The faturated liquors being filtrated, and carefully evaporated to a mella-
ginous confidence, hided and crackled where it hardened on the fides of the
veffel, and did more fo the nearer they came to drynefs, diewing hardly any
marks of a difpofition to dow, which commonly happens when the faline li-
quor is fo far evaporated.

* Written in the year 1736, and inferted in the 5th volume of “ Medical EfTays and Ob-
“ fervations, publifhed by a Society in Edinburgh,” page 147.
f Chem. Proc. 14.

s

No

130 Remarks on the Neutral Salts of R lants .

No methods which the operator, who is a very expert artift, could then fall
upon, ferved to make the procefs fucceed.

The Chemift having informed me of the cafe, we could difcover no fault in
the materials, veflels, or operation ; but, fufpecfting the Neutral Salt to be
the caufe of the procefs not fucceeaing, wre diffolved all the refractory mafs in
warm water, fet it to cool, and had a confiderable qauntity of neutral cry-
ftals, feveral of them exadtly refembling thofe cryftals delineated in tab. I.
of your vol. i. which were procured by Dr. Plummer from Moffat water; only
ours were more perfect, which was owing probably to the large quantities of
materials we had. Molt of the cryftals were cubical, which, joined diffe-
rently, and mixed with other falts, made a furprizing variety of figures, which
cannot well be defcribed in words ; but I have lent fome of them of dif-
ferent lhapes in a box. It was plain from their figure and tafte, and by ex-
periment, that common Sal marinum made up a great part of what we had;
the reft might not unjuftly be called partly a Sal Polychrejl , partly the elfential
fait of the plant.

We were obliged to repeat this operation for obtaining thofe cryftals, be-
fore wTe could obtain a Salt which flowed and foliated ; the cryftals depofited
each time were more bitter and more pungent, though in form refembling the
iirft we got ; the Terra foliata did not flow nor foliate fo freely, nor were the
foliations fo large or fo white as ufual.

It is with reafon then that Boerhaave orders * a Sal Alcali -puriffimuni to be
ufed in the preparation of Tartarus regeneratus , or T err a foliata T artari ; and
the difpenfatories which order Sal Tartari , direCl the chemifts to a more
certain procefs than when they are left at liberty to employ what they will.
The chemifts in town here moftly ufe the cineres clavellati in this procefs, and
fucceed very well, or make the fait with large foliations and white ; and per-
haps this is the only one of all the neutral faponaceous falts, which is more
efficacious, the whiter and purer it is.

The principal reafon why chemifts fucceed better in making Terra foliata
Tartari with cineres clavellati , than with any other of the lixivial falts, feems
to be, becaufe thofe who prepare the Pot-ajh content themfelves with letting
cold water run through large tubes or vats filled with afhes, till it has wafhed
fo much from them as to make a lixivium fupport an egg ; by which ope-
ration, little of the Neutral Salts are diflolved to mix with the lixivium ; and
probably in drying the lixivium , what of the Neutral Salt is in it, is forced by
the fire to the furface, to form that cruft which it takes in burning the ftraw
that is wetted with it.

That the afhes which remain after the pot-ajhes or falts are extracted, con-

7

• Chera. Procv 67.

tain

Remarks on the Neutral Salts of Plants. 131

tain much of the Neutral Salt, is evident from their ferving fo well the
purpofes of agriculture, being preferable to fea-falt for all fuch purpofes.

How fuch a quantity of fea-falt fhould be contained in vegetables, is an
enquiry foreign to your defign, and therefore I fhall not mention my opinion
of this phenomenon : I believe it will not, however, be unnecefiary to remark,
that Phyficians ought to confider, that the proportion of this Neutral Salt,
mixed in alcaline ones, is often different ; the more is thus mixed, the lefs
acid is required to faturate a given quantity : hence it frequently happens, that
the medicine we intend fhould be perfectly neutral, is very acid, and entirely
difappoints our expeftations *.

With refpeeff to the procefs for making the regenerated Tartar, it may not
perhaps be without fome ufe to obferve, that the more vinegar is put to it,
the foliations will appear larger and whiter, though it is the more expenfive,
becaufe, whatever vinegar is beftowed on it, the operator muff expedt very lit-
tle more fait than the weight of the alcali made ufe of.

The addition of fomewhat more than the ordinary proportion of vinegar not
only contributes to render the fait finer, as by repeated trials we found it did,
but alfo prevents it from becoming too alcaline ; for was it to be brought to
an exadt punttum Jaturationis before it is committed to the fire, the heat ne~
ceffary to evaporate the liquor and flux the mafs would render it more of an
alcaline corrofive, than of a neutral faponaceous nature. This induced me to
remark, that its whitenefs may be efteemed as a mark of its goodnefs, it ar-
guing that a proper quantity of vinegar has been ufed ; and it may be ren-
dered whiter and more pure by repeating the diffolution, evaporation, and
fluxion.

The Tartarus regeneratus , taken from the quantity of half a drachm to two
drachms, is an excellent alterative and diuretic ; and from three to fix drachms

* It is common here to preferibe one fcruple of Sal Ablinth. to half an ounce of Succ. Liman.
To learn how far this proportion was juft, I procured fix parcels of Salt of Wormwood, and fix
of Salt of Tartar, from Ihops in different parts of the town : I procured Jikewife a quantity of lemon-
juice, fufficient for all the trials I intended. Half an ounce of this juice was faturated with 18 grains
of one of thefe parcels, and required 32 of another to reduce it to the fame degree of neutrality.
This difference was owing to the Neutral Salt contained in the laft, 'which was really procured
from Wormwood alhes, and carefully lixiviated with hot water.

The fpecimens of Salt Tartar were more alike; they varied only from 18 or 19 grains to 23 or
24. The frelh Salt of Tartar is a pure alcaline fait ; if it is expofed to the air, it abforbs the acid
contained in it, and thus becomes neutral in proportion to the time it has been kept, or as it has
been expofed to the air.

Wherefore, in dire&ing the common faline draughts, it would feem that 24 grains is a much
more fuitable proportion than one fcruple; and if to this mixture we add a fcruple of fome
abforbent, as crab’s eyes. &c. we lhall probably have a mixture more perfectly neutral, than we
lhall be able in common to obtain by any other method of preferibing.

S 2

IS

132 Remarks on the Neutral Salts of Plants,

is a very mild cathartic, that never finks the fpirits, or raifes any violent difor-
der, and particularly is ferviceable to feveral dropfical patients : of its fer-
vice this way allow me to mention one hiftory.

A married gentlewoman, forty-eight years old, childlefs, a little corpulent,
was repeatedly affebted with an immoderate difcharge of the menfes ; foon
after her belly began to fwell, her legs grew oedematous, and all the fymptoms
of a dropfy appeared. She was treated with the ltrong and gentlerc cathartics,
diuretics, aperients, and corroborants ; but this bad circumftance always at-
tended evacuants either by fcool or urine, that they never failed to produce a
difcharge of blood from the vagina , which funk her prodigioufly. Corrobo-
rants, efpecially of the aftringent kind, foon ftopt the flux ; but, at the fame
time, contributed to increafe the fwelling, by leflening the difcharge by urine
and ftool. She then began to take three drachms of the "Terra foliata Tartari
once or twice a week ; it gave her two or three flools, with a large evacuation
of urine, without exciting the menftrual difcharge, or affedting her ftrength :
flhe continued the ufe of it for upwards of a year, without increafing the dofe,
or attempting any other relief than what that gave her, which was very great.
Whether it would have made a complete cure, I cannot fay; for, having
taken a rough purgative, fhe had her days fhortened by it.

THE

[ *33 3

CT^H E following EJfay on Amber was printed in the Philofophical Tranfaftions,
when curiofity was much excited upon the origin of this valuable produftion ;
befides the authorities quoted in this place , the reader may meet with many others
in James's Medicinal Dictionary , under the word Ambra : Philofophical Tranfaftions,
jV° 19 , p. 349; N° 248 , p. 5; N° 468, p. 322: Diftionnaire Raifonne-Univerf el
de Matiere Me die ale, tom. vii. p. 209, et fuivant : Macquer Diftionnaire de Chi-
mie , Jous le mot Succin. Edit. 1778.

Though Amber was known to Antiquity , Frederic I. King of P ruff a, was the
frft who rendered it an important commercial objeft. Amber is very common in this
kingdom , and in fome places lies almofi on a level with the Jurface of the ground ,
fo that the labourers colleft confiderable quantities of it in tilling the land. There
are fome parts of P ruff a, where neither tree nor herb vegetates , where the ground
is covered with a fubftance refembling the bark of a tree. Frederic caufed this
fubjlance to be removed, under which was found a bed of black earth, and beneath
this a bed of wood , in the veins of which Amber was dif covered, greater in plenty
in proportion to the quantity of this wood.

Some years ago a confiderable quantity of fine Amber was found in Saxony,
which has furnifhed four differtations, printed in the Colls ft ion of the Curiofities
of Nature ; an extraft of which may be fsen in the French edition of Henkel's
Pyritholcgia.

It is fiaid that the King of P ruff a has a burning "mirror of Amber, that is a
foot broad, and free from blemifh. There is in the cabinet of the Duke of Flo-
rence, a fine column of Amber, fix feet high, and of the moft perfect luftre : there
are alfo veffels made of this fubftance with infinite labour. We are informed ,
that fome years ago there was an artift in Pruffa, called Samuel Som, who had not
only the art of clarifying Amber, and rendering it tranf parent , but alfo of dying it
of any colour, and even to f of ten it and inclofe inf efts in it, to make a gain of felling
it to ferfons curious in thefe rarities .

Editor.

E X T R A C T

;?.* ]

■

,VMV V V. •••■; * > a " ' 5 '

’Wta-VVi ^ ■

- . ■

■ *■

'

N

• , . , ■ ‘ r! ’ '

l

*

v C

• ' • ' •-*

. . '

'■ \ V

v - * V. ■ • >' -A ' v>

‘

>.

I *35 3

EXTRACT of an ESSAY

UPON THE

ORIGIN of AMBER*,

• ‘ * 1

Read before the Royal Society, March i, 1743-4, p. 21.

% . - ’ J '

i\ FTER all that has been wrote upon the fubjedt of Amber, its Origin
is yet, in a great meafure, unknown. Several ingenious men have
fearched into this affair upon the fpot where the Amber is principally gathered :
they have related their obfervations with great candour ; they have given
us the conclufions they drew from the fadts they difcovered ; yet without fa-
tisfying us entirely about many particulars.

But as a knowledge of the nature of things can only be acquired from
the things themfelves, I have carefully collected every material fadt I could
meet with from thofe who were befl: acquainted with the natural hifdory of
this fubjedt, and whofe induftry and accuratenefs in obferving, and good faith
in relating theijy obfervations, have been generally efteemed unexceptionable.
Of thefe I fhail only mention Wigandus , Hartman , and Sendelius , the laft who
has wrote, as far as I know, profeffedly upon this fubjedt.

The evidence which thefe gentlemen afford us I have endeavoured to throw
together, in the mold natural order I could, without reipedt to any hypothecs :
but as this enumeration of fadts admits of no .abridgement, my papers would
take up too much room in your memoirs, therefore I can only refer to the effay
itfelf. Upon this foundation of fadts is built a difcuffion of the following pro-
blems

1. Whether Amber is not ftridtly a marine production ; or is reduced
by fome quality of the fea-water into the condition we find it in ?

Or,

2. Whether it is not to be confidered only as a bituminous body,, ge-
nerated in the bowels of the earth ? Or, laftly,

* Philofophical Tranfa&ioas, N° 472.

3. Whether

136

EJJ'ay upon the Origin of Amber .

3. Whether it is not, in its origin, a 'vegetable production, a refin ;
but changed into its prefent form by a mineral acid ?

It will only be neceffary, in this place, to mention, that, after having
fhewn the difficulty of maintaining the two firft, I have undertaken to fupport
the laft of thefe opinions.

I endeavour to make it appear, that Amber was, in its origin, a vegetable
refin * ; the produft, perhaps, of the fir or pine kindf; by confidering the ap-
pearance of the fubftance itfelf : and that though it has fome diftinguifhing
properties, yet it has many others, which are common to an indurated refin.
Its afpetft, its texture, its form, are arguments for this. The bodies which it
is known to inclofe are urged as proofs, that this inclufion could not hap-
pen in the fea, nor in the earth, but upon its furface ; as the included objeCts
are moftly animals, mollly volatiles too : very few reptiles, except fuch as are
often found aloft in trees, as ants, fpiders, &c. and fcarcely ever any aquatics,
are found in Amber. And, I believe, I may challenge all the cabinets of
the curious to produce one inftance of a marine body having been found na-
turally inclofed in Amber. That there are feveral fictitious ones is granted.

That this refin, with the trees which afforded it, were buried in the earth by
the deluge, or by fome fuch violent renverfement, and there conftitute the
proper veins of Amber, I likewife endeavour to make appear, from the fame
evidence of faCts. The fubftance of which thefe veins confift hath feveral
genuine charaCteriftics of wood ftill remaining. The texture of this fub-
ftance is often an undoubted proof of what it hath been being fibrous,
-and, when dried, fwims in water, and burns like other wood. The Amber
is not difpofed in thefe veins in one continued ftratum ; but lumps of it are
irregularly diffeminated through the whole of what I call the woody mafs.

A difficulty, which naturally offers itfelf in this place, is attempted to be
removed : What proof have we that this, which is called wood, is not mere
foffil wood, the produCt of creating power, exerted in the place where it is
now found ? It is anfwered, that as there are undoubted proofs, that many
fubftances now occur, where they were not originally framed, we are under
no greater difficulty in accounting for the change of place in one than the
other. It is known that the exuviae of fifties are fomedmes found on the tops
of the higheft mountains. The bones of large animals are met with at pro-
digious depths, where nature never formed, nor art conveyed them. Whole
woods are found under-ground. The caufe that effected thefe was capable of
the other.

Yet, allowing thefe allegations to be juft, by what caufes is this change pro-

* From the fubfequent oWervations on mixing oils, refinous and pinguous fubftances, it appears
that the author retained the opinion he had thus early adopted. Editor.

f This was the fuggeftion of Agricola, and of fome more recent writers. Editor.

duced

EjJay upon the Origin of Amber . 137

duced ? It is urged, that time is one of the caufes ; and that the reft is com-
pleted by the acid of the earth, a vitriolic mineral acid. It is proved,, from
the fadts above-mentioned, that fuch an acid is prefent wherever Amber oc-
curs in its proper matrix-, that it is fometimes found in the Amber itfelf,
in its genuine appearance ; that the acid of the fait of Amber appears, from
experiments, to be vitriolic that common turpentine (a known vegetable
refin) affords, by proper management with a vitriolic acid, a confiderable por-
tion of the fame chemical principles that Amber does that thofe pieces of
Amber, which have been found foft and imperfect, are nearly related to a ve-
getable refin : in Ihort, it is endeavoured to be proved, that we have the in-
gredients of Amber in our power, and that nothing is wanting but a fuccefsful
application of them to each other, at leaft to procure the medicinal prepa-
rations of Amber at an eafy expence. Time and repeated trials may, per-
haps, ripen this beginning, in fomebody’s hands, into an happy ufeful imi-
tation of this valuable fubftance..

This account is concluded with an enquiry into the medical virtues of Am-
ber, and fome of its principal preparations. It is obferved, ,that a fubftance
of fo firm a texture, as fcarce to yield to any common menfiruum , is not
likely to produce any confiderable effects upon the human body ; and that,
indeed, there are very few genuine inftances recorded of any : that bufy ima-
gination might, probably, at firft, introduce it, prejudice fupport it, and en-
gage men of parts and authority to recommend it to their inattentive fuc-
ceffors.

I fhall finifti this abftradt with remarking, that were fome of the leifure
moments of men of great abilities and experience devoted to inform the world
of the inefficacy of fuch methods and medicines as they have proved to be fo,
Phyfic would be reduced into narrower bounds ; they would merit the thanks
of every one in the profeffion -y and pofterity, at leaft, would commend their,
endeavours.

T

OBSERVATIONS

s

r •>

T

1

■; •'

msO

\\

A':

. *T;

■ l I'ii'y

a

,

r. r - ;

• n f

1 » ; >

,i; i

,b5r

: in

. J .

. y ■

ix’iO

r i :yj /<

■‘‘-i

d. .

-I .

3 ;-Ul

i :

If.

i; /j

r y.h'j s

r!j

io b

■..13 1

ni \

d LI33

iif

- ^ f 1

» ”c' Tfl/

~ V

/' r ■ : . r.

1 If].

Oii

u

;] ‘ 3£

1 ■ >V .

it'-i

Vi. /. .

d;

ell-

iii

i; -UO c - :

>rr >ii

c

1

.

, i

i .i

... ii ;

r

‘t*- * ^ ■

' 1 ..

v

■ :/

•! 1 >Hj ’

; f,:-;

.13 ;• )

(1;.

’

,i :

?r ‘V.

.ii

1 . . .

ij

<* X) i

SiXi-J iklf - * ^ *

....

< Oi —

L) .

7 id

31

. )

*.-'A .

,

.11

. L. ,T

fiity/

r. ^

inc

• . i ( ni

]()•

1 /! ]

; < •: . j isoi.iA

-4 • . f ■*

. XlilJ

3f!i

rj*f

JU3

s m«l

3.:

: io i.

r 4

T

i u , .0 " >: u.

*

'

: lu

. .. ...
i i J * - .

i-d ,7..,: ii,

i'.V

i. J.

■i.

-;T:

'

;:i

.'j-jvoiq ad c :

iX - ‘ - - J V-.'

i

Oil

> c.

0:ii

id :

■,;u/

I 3.C'*.

»

/.7/ 2 ; 'iiriion

u

iJ

• •

0^

. . . c j

; ~ j

?; j5«Lt

-

Vi h.n

:3ih

- ::

31:-. C ' -V

f

. # , i .

-

■ 1 vr q

n;

: rn?r*7 >

>

,.i b r, :... d > i. ■ -

. ' [ : . .“.j n. on.i r ./I <? '(hou :n • : . - .i; 'J ' ' J ' ' i »?Cj

•i n- did -I- • • ■ -o -$1

;A . zov- liJDih-'fii t-di oi~. (i. -T -• .-..v oj .u! 3 : ?: L

) : ' ■ ■ •• • • - -• - : ; « ■

■ • ■ *

i; t. \ . . <• — ; . • • • 51 *

( J "i: Jli • r U> • Lj . i - -OO . -•

io . ? - : . 3 . : v,j. ' ' '• - - :

f . i ’ 3 .0 .q? i OOilH.' tj y~> ■- r . . I 3i: tV i:_iv : ,Y. . . : ■ . '

. , • I'i i, '. . - o • - • o

. r3* ■- :

J. . • i ' .. i', ' - : - • • i

. . . f - 3 - ■

: . 3 vr vod ; : thnuod iswoitsu 03ni by.A'- d ’ -

r o ’ *r:e qr. .>

r;5’ •

.

A- ibq b.i

o if

: . o ; :v;( a r

C-

US. • J

J.

)

A

t *39 ]

— — • ■ — ",

OBSERVATIONS

ON THE

MANNA PERSICUM*,

Read before the Royal Society, April 2 6y 1744.

IT does not appear very plain, from any thing that has occurred to me in
the writings of the elder Greek phyficians,, that they were much, if at all,
acquainted with any fubftance that now goes under the name o { Manna. They
had the term, but applied it to a fubjed very different from what we do at
prefent. The 'Tnocrucri^ix rS AiSxi/cJjS, or the Mica thuris concujjfu elifa, the bits
broke off from the olibanum in carriage, was the fubftance they knew by that
name.

If the Arabians did not firft of all introduce fome kind of purging Mama
into pradice, they at leaft rendered the ufe of this drug more common and ex-
tenfive. Their country afforded feveral fpecies of it ; which being familiarly
known, is, perhaps, the reafon why no defcriptions have been left fufficiently
clear, whereby to diftinguifh them from each other. Whoever has confulted
the Arabian writers, or the beft of their commentators, will allow that their ac-
counts are defedive.

That they had three forts of this drug, diftinguifhed by the names o { Manna y
Tereniabin , and Siracojl , is certain ; but whether thefe are now known, or by
what appellations, has been very much difputed.

Rauwolf, in his Itinerary publifhed by Ray, and Tournefort, in his voyage-
to the Levant, have given the cleared intimations of any writers that I know
of : if to thefe we add Clufius, we have all that we are to exped of cer-
tainty, amongft thofe who have mentioned it 5 they being eye-witneifes of
what they wrote. Yet the defcriptions of thefe are either fo imperfed or un-
known, that a very late writer upon the Materia Medica f, either not hav-

• Philofophical Tranfa£lions, N° 472, p. 86.
t GeofFroy Traftat. de Mat. Med. vok ii. p. 586,

T a

mg

140 Obfer nations on the Manna Perficum.

ing feen or underflood them, has fallen into a miflake about the Manna Ara-
bum , and his authority may perhaps miflead others.

My worthy friend Peter Collinfon, having procured a fort of Manna from
a gentleman at Peterfburgh, under the title of Manna Perficum ex planta Al-
Hagi Maurorum , was pleafed to favour me with a fpecimen of it. I confulted
the principal writers on the Materia Medica ■, and finding their opinions to
be frequently oppofite, and their accounts in general perplexed, I imagined it
would not be unacceptable to the curious to have fuch a defcription of this
fpecies as would probably make it clear, that v/e have one kind of the Mama
Arabum itill extant, viz. the <Tereniabiny and prevent any future miflakes about
it-

The fpecimen of Manna that now lies before me appears, at firfl fight, to
be a dirty reddifh. brown-coloured mixed mafs ; which, upon a nearer view,
is found to confifl of,

1. A great number of globular, cryflalline, almofl pellucid bodies, of a

yellowifh white colour, and different fizes ; the biggefl not much
exceeding a large coriander-feed, or a very fmall pea. They differ
from grains of Maftich, in being more upon the reddifh call ; but
in figure and tranfparency vary not much.

2. Some fmall flicks like prickles, and others like footflalks of leaves or

fruit.

3. A few narrow-pointed firm fmall leaves.

4. A large quantity of long reddifh-coloured pods, of a fweetifh gela-

tinous tafle, containing from one to fix or feven hard, irregular,
fomewhat kidney-like feeds, which to the tafle are very acerb.
And,

x. Some fand and earth. Four ounces of the Manna, diffolved in warm
water, left one ounce or fomething more of thefe in the filtre.

The globules (N° 1.) are hard, and break between the teeth like fugar-
candy ; they are of a pleafant fweet tafle, with much lefs of the Manna relifh
than the Calabrian j but with enough to difcover to what family this .ubflance
belongs.

The flicks, leaves, pods, &c. feem to be parts of the plant that produces the
Manna. Some of the feeds have been fown, and proved fo frefb as to afford
lbme plants of the Alhagi.

About the year 1537, when Rauwolf wrote his Itinerary, it appears, that
large quantities of this kind of Manna were brought from Perfia to Aleppo,
where it was then known under the name of Prunfchibil or Prunjchibin ■, a
corruption, doubtlefs., of the antient Perenjabin or, as it ought to be wrote,
according to Deufingius *, Perengjabim.

* Deufingius Traft. de Manna et Sacch. p. u.

Rauwolf

I4i

Obfervations on the Manna Perjicum .

Rauwolf informs us, that this fpecies of Manna was gathered from the Alhagi ;
a plant which is minutely deferibed by Tournefort*, who alfo confirms the
account which Rauwolf had long before given, with the following particulars :

“ It is chiefly (fays he) about Tauris, a city in Perfia, that it is gathered,
“ under the name of Trungibin or Terenjabin, mentioned by Avicenna and Se-
<c rapion. Thofe authors thought it fell upon certain prickly fhrubs ; whereas
fC it is only the nutritious juice of the plant.” — Pie adds, <s that, during the
cc great heats, you perceive frnall drops of honey upon the leaves and branches
“ of thefe fhrubs ; thefe drops harden, in grains about the bignefs of coriander-
<c feeds: they gather thofe of the Alhagi , and make them into reddiih cakes
cc full of duft and leaves, which alter the colour, and leffen its virtue. This
l( Manna is much inferior to the Italian. The ordinary dofe is from 25 to
“ jo drams.”

Clufius -j* informs us, that the Tereniabin of the modern Arabs is gathered
from a prickly fhrub, fuch as the Alhagi is deferibed to be. Avicenna J, ac-
cording to his prefent tranflation, tells us, that the ’Tereniabin falls fuper
lapides ; but Deufingius || fays, that it ought to be read fuper Alhagi ; and that
his tranflators were led into this miftake from the refemblance betwixt Al-
Hhagier (the word in the Arabic text, and which fignifies a kind of thorny plant,
fuch as the Alhagi is faid to be) to Al-Hagio.

It is therefore evident, that the Manna Perjicum , now before us, is the
Tereniabin , Terenjabin, Terrajenbin, or more properly the Terengjabin, of the
old Arabian?, and of Clufius ; the Trungibin , or Trunjchibil , of the latter, of
Rauwolf and Tournefort; very probably, the Manna Maflichina orient alis of
Matthiolus and Bauhine ; as it is the Maflichina and Alhagina of Geoffrey ;
though this author makes the Tereniabin a fpecies of Liquid Manna §, in com-
plaifance to his countryman Bellonius ; who, though in general a diligent ob-
ferver, yet, in this cafe, was milled by the Caloyers, or Monks of Mount
Sinai.

Bellonius fays, in his Obfervations**, and more largely in his Treatife de
Arboribus perpetua fronde virentibus , that thefe Caloyers collect: a kind of li-
quid Manna , which they call Tereniabin ; that this fpecies was known in the
fhops at Cairo by the fame name ; and that this is the Mel rofeidum of Galen,
and the Mel cedrinum of Hippocrates.

I think it is very plain, that Bellonius was miflraken in the firfl part of
his aflertion, from what has already been advanced. The Caloyers told him,
that they called it Tereniabin ; and he takes it for granted, that it was the

* Tournefort’s Voyage to the Levant, vol. i. p. 247, 248. f Cluf. Exotic, vol. ii. p. 164.

I Avicen. Oper, tom. i. p. 404. i| Traft. de Manna, p. 19. § Traft. de

Mat. Med. tom. ii. p. 587. ** Bellonii Obferv. apud Cluf. p. 129.

Tereniabin

142

Obfervations on the Manna Pcrjieum.

Pereniabin of the old Arabians, contrary to their own accounts fupported by
the tePcimony of their fucceffors, who are known to vary as little as any
people whatever from the traditions and cuftoms of their predeceffors, and ftill
retain a great many of their appellations. For proof of this, I need only
refer to the accounts which Rauwolf, Tournefort, and Dr. Shaw, give us of
thofe people.

That this liquid Manna was the Aporc^Xt Jeu Aip'o^iXi of Galen *, and the
MfAi k-J^vov of Hippocrates f, (fuppofing there is no miftake in the text),
feems very probable. The defcription which Galen has left of the Mel
rofcidum , and the manner of colleding it on Mount Sinai in his time, tallies
exadly with Bellonius’s account ; and thus far, I believe, all authors agree :
but that the virtues of Manna were known fo early as in the times of thefe two
authors, will be difficult to prove.

Galen takes notice of this Mel rofcidum more as a curiofity than a medicine.
He no where, that I know of, mentions its ufe, or defcribes its qualities. He
introduces the account of it with a Memini aliquando , and fays, that the Mel
rofcidum was rarely met with in his country, but was gathered at Mount Sinai
every year: and, indeed, from the manner in which it is fpoken of by an old
Greek writer in Athteneus, as cited by Salmafius, it would feem that it was
only ufed for pleafure, as an agreeable fweet, Melle ipfo fuavius ; and pro-
bably continued to be of no other ufe. Mefue tells us J, that Galen mixed
Manna with Scammony. In the fpurious piece de Pynamiis , afcribed to Galen,
Scammony is ordered to be mixed with honey ; but he never once mentions
Manna in any of his extant writings. As Galen is known to be very minute
in his account of the Materia Medica of that time, his filence is a ftrong ar-
gument againft the fuppofition, that even the Mel rofcidum was in phar-
maceutic ufe, much lefs any other fpecies of Manna.

If Galen was unacquainted with this fubftance, it is very probable that Hip-
pocrates was fo likewife ; fince a drug that muft have made a confiderable
figure in his Materia Medica , would not have foon been ftruck off the lift,
or dropped into oblivion and difufe.

But how ffiall we get rid of theMeAi afdpn wv, the name fufficiently intimating
what fubftance was intended ? Perhaps Foefius’s fuggeftion may help us. He
thinks, that the words might have been read with a comma intervening,
whereby we fhould have had two diftindt well-known fubftances, honey, and
the refin of the cedar; two fimples that were then, and continued long after,
in familiar ufe ; inftead of one, which he mentions no where elfe, and feems to
be unknown fome ages after.

• Galen, de Alem. Facult. 1. iii. c. 39. f Hippocrat. de Ulceribus, p„ 876. Edit. Foefin
} Mefue de Simpl. c. 8.

10 Upon

Obfervations on the Manna Perficum. 143

Upon the whole, I have not hitherto met with evidence fufficient to in-
duce me to believe, that either the Mel rofcidu{n , or any kind of Manna,
was in common medical ufe either with Hippobrates or Galen. Adluarius
mentions it once and, as I know of, only once : he makes it a purgative,
and to be fomewhat dronger than CaJJia.

It is now pretty generally known, that the Mannas in ufe are not a Mel
aerium , or honey-dew, as was long believed, but a Succus proprius iffuing our.
of fome particular trees, at proper leafons, and in fome climates only ; and
that, during the fummer’s heats, a great number of vegetables, in almofl
all the temperate countries, afford a juice fomewhat a-kin to Ivlanna, from
whence the bee collects and prepares her honey. It may not, however, be
amifs, nor very foreign to our fubjedt, to exhibit a fhort account how the
Manna Officinarum is coliedled.

In Calabria and Sicily, in the hotted part of the fummer-months, the Manna
oozes out of the leaves, and from the bark of the trunk, and larger branches,
of the Fraxinus , or Calabrian afh. The Ornus likewife affords it, but from the
trunk and larger branches only, and that chiefly from artificial apertures;
whereas it flows from the Fraxinus through every little cranny, and burfts
through the large pores fpontaneoufly.

What is got from different parts of the tree acquires different names 3 the
trunks generally afford thofe large white pieces to which we give the name of
flaky 3 but the fineft of all is fuch as is colledled from artificial incifions, in
which little draws, &c. are purpofely placed in fuch a manner, as that the
flowing juice may concrete upon them, and form thofe long, white, cylin-
drical, perforated pieces, which are fo much value!.

This juice is fecreted in the larged quantity betwixt noon and evening.
In the night it is condenfed, if the feafon is dry, otherwife the Manna is
fpoiled : they ferape off the dnall with wooden knives, early in the morning,
and gather the larger flakes 3 both which are afterwards dried upon clean paper
in the fun, till they dick no longer to the fingers 3 and the different forts are
then carefully packed up for ufe and exportation.

• Adtuar. Method. Medend. 1. v. c. 3.

SINCE

[ *45 3

OINCE the publication of the fucceeding paper, fome Gentlemen have with great
u humanity united together to promote the recovery of perfons apparently dead,
efpecially from drowning , well known by the name of the Humane Society ;
for the eftablifhment of which , the public is particularly indebted to the activity and
benevolence of Dr. Hawes.

This Society has publifloed the proper methods of treating perfons in thefe un-
happy circumjlances , and gives a reward of two guineas to the perfons employed ,
if the cafe be unfuccefsful, provided the perfon has not been more than two hours
under water , and the methods laid down by the Society have been perf evened in for
the fpace of two hours. If the perfon recovers , the reward is four guineas. — The
Society is fupported by public fubfcription.

As the fubjeSl is inter eft ing to the community and public at large , I have thought
it not improper , briefly to fubjoin the methods of treatment , found by the Society to be
moft fuccefsful on thefe occaflons.

I. The body fhould not be rolled on the ground , or over a barrel , nor lifted up
by the heels , or be any other way roughly handled or violently Jhook but be re-
moved to a convenient place , lying as on a bed , with the head a little raifed, in as
natural a pofltion as poflible.

II. The body , well wiped with a cloth, fhould be placed in a warm bed or blanket ,
but not too near a large fire. Bottles of hot water fhould be laid to the bottoms of
the feet , joints of the knees , and under the arm-pits. A warming-pan moderately
heated , or hot bricks wrapped in cloths , fhould be rubbed over the body , particu-
larly along the back. The natural warmth of a healthy perfon , efpecially a child ,
lying clofe to the body , has been found very efficacious. The room fhould be kept open
and airy , with few perfons in it. The Jhirt of an attendant , or fkin of a fheep freflj
killed and warm , may be ufed to advantage. Should the accident happen in the neigh-
bourhood of a warm bath , brew-houfe, bake-houfe , glafs-houfe, faltern, foap-manu-
f a Story, or any fabric where warm lees , afloes , embers , grains , fand , water , (Ac,
can be eaflly procured, it will be very proper to place the body in any of thefe , mo-
derated to a degree of heat , very little exceeding that of a healthy perfon.

III. The body being placed in one or other of the above advantageous fituations ,
various ftimulating means fhould be immediately employed. The moft efficacious
are -.—Blowing with force into the lungs , by applying the mouth to that of the pa-
tient, clofing at the fame time his noftrils : — Throwing the fmoke of tobacco up the
fundament into the bowels, by means of a clyfler-pipe or fumigator-, a pair of bel-
lows may be employed till the others can be procured -.—Rubbing the belly, chefl ,
back, and arms, with a coarfe cloth, or dry fait , fo as not to rub off the fkin or
with a flannel dipped in brandy, rum, or gin :— Applying fpirits of hartfhorn, vo-

U l a tile

t *46 ]

"’A<,

latile fait Si or the like, to the nofirils , and rubbing them on the temples frequently : —

! Tickling the throat with a feather, to excite a propenfity to vomit and the nojlrils
alfo with a feather or fnuff, to provoke fneezing. ’The body Jhould at intervals be
Jhaken, and varied in its pofition.

IV. If there be any figns of returning life, fuch as Jighing, gafping, twitching,
beating of the heart, return of natural warmth or colour, a Jpoonful of water may
be adminijlered, to try if the power of /wallowing be returned-, if it be, a fpoonful
or two of warm wine, or brandy and water , may be given to advantage, but not
before.

Early bleeding has been found pernicious, and even fatal •, it is not always ap-
plicable, though it may fometimes be employed by a perfon of Jkill, to remove or pre-
vent fymptoms of inflammation.

The above methods of refloring life are applicable to various other cafes of ap-
parent fudden death ; whether from hanging, apoplectic and convulflve fits, cold,
fuffocation by damps or noxious vapours, proceeding from coal mines, confined air
of wells, cifterns, caves , or from the muft of fermenting liquors.

The Rules and Reports of this Humane Infiitution are printed , where they may be
Jeen more at large .

Editor..

OBSERVATIONS

[ >47 3

O BS E R VATIONS

O N A

' , » • j . “i , *

CASE publifbed in the laft Volume of the Medical
EJfays, See. “ of recovering a Man dead in Appearance,
“ by diftending the Lungs with Air. Printed at
<c Edinburgh , 1744 *.’*

Read before the Royal Society, February 21, 1745.

THERE are fome fa6ts, which in themfelves are of fo great impor-
tance to mankind, or which may lead to fuch ufeful difeoveries, that it
would feem to be the duty of every one, under whofe notice they fall, to ren-
der them as extenfively public as it is poffible.

The cafe which gives rife to the following remarks, I apprehend, is of this
nature. It is an account of <( a man, dead in appearance, recovered by dif-
“ tending the lungs with air j by Mr. William Toffack, Surgeon in Alloa;”
printed in part ii. p. 605. vol. v. of the Medical Effays, publilhed by a fociety
of gentlemen at Edinburgh ; an abftracft of which will be fufficient in this
place : thofe who defire an ampler account may confult the article itfelf.

A perfon fuffocated by the naufeous lteam arifing from coals fet on fire
in a pit, fell down as dead : he lay in the pit, cc between half an hour and
“ three quarters, and was then dragged up ; his eyes flaring and open, his
f< mouth gaping wide, his fkin cold ; not the lead pulfe in either heart or ar-
“ teries, and not the leaft breathing to be obferved.”

In thefe circumflances, the furgeon, who relates the affair, <c applied his
“ mouth clofe to the patient’s, and, by blowing ftrongly, holding the noflrils
“ at the fame time, raifed his cheft fully by his breath. The furgeon im-
<c mediately felt fix or feven very quick beats of the heart ; the thorax con-
<c tinued to play, and the pulfe was foon after felt in the arteries. He then

* Philofophical Tranfadtions, N° 475. p. 275.

U 2

<(

opened

1 48 Objervations on recovering a Man dead in Appearance.

,f opened a vein in his arm; which, after giving a fmall jet, fent out the
“ blood in drops only for a quarter of an hour, and then he bled freely. In
te the mean time, he caufed him to be pulled, pufhed, and rubbed,, as much
(C as he could. In one hour the patient began to come to himfelf ; within four
“ hours he walked home ; and in as many days, returned to his work.”

There were many hundred people, fome of them of diftinCtion, prefent
at the time.

This is the fubftance of the account; from whence it naturally appears,
how much ought to be attributed to the fagacity of the furgeon in the re-
covery of this perfon. Anatomifts, it is true, have long known, that an
artificial inflation of the lungs of a dead or dying animal will put the heart in
motion, and continue it fo for fome time ; yet this is the firft inftance I re-
member to have met with, wherein the experiment was applied to the happy
purpofe of refcuing life from fuch imminent danger.

Bleeding has hitherto been almoft the only refuge upon thefe occafions : if
this did not fucceed, the patient was given up. By bleeding, it was pro-
pofed to give vent to the ftagnating blood in the veins, in order to make way
for that in the arteries a tergo , that the refiftance of the heart being thus di-
minifhed, this mufcle might again be put in motion.

But, in too many inftances, we every day are informed, that this operation-,
will not fucceed, though the aperture is made with never fo much fkill ; nor
is it likely that it fhould : when the blood has loft confiderably of its fluidity,,
the motion of the heart, and the contractile force of the folids, are at an end.

Chafing, rubbing, pulling, the application of ftimulants, are too often as
ineffectual as bleeding.

The method of diftending the lungs of perfons, dead in appearance, hav-
ing been tried with fuch fuccefs in one inftance, gives juft reafon to ex-
peCt, that it may be ufeful to others.

It may be a proper enquiry. In what cafes, and under what circumftances,
there may be a profpeCt of applying it with fuccefs ?

It will at once be granted, that when the juices are corrupted, where
they are rendered unfit for circulation by difeafes, where they are exhaufted, .
or where the tone and texture of the folids is injured or deftroyed, it would
be extreme folly to think of any expedient to recover life.

But where the folids are whole, and their tone unimpaired by difeafes, the
juices not vitiated by any other caufe than a fhort ftagnation ; where there is
the leaft remains of animal heat, it would feem wrong not to attempt fo eafy
an experiment.

This description takes in a few difeafes, but a greater number of acci-
dents. Amongft the firft, are many of thofe which are called fudden deaths
from fome inviiible caufe ; apoplexies, fits of various kinds, as hyfterics, Syncopes,

and

149

Obfervations on recovering a Man dead in Appearance.

and many other diforders, wherein, without any obvious pre-indifpofition, per-
fons. in a moment fink down and expire. In many of thefe cafes it might be of
ufe to apply this method ; yet without neglecting any of thofe other helps,
which axe ufually called in upon thefe melancholy occafions.

It is not eafy to enumerate all the various cafualties, in which this method
might be tried not without a profpeCt of fuccefs ; fome of them are the fol-
lowing - Suffocations from the fulphureous damps of mines, coal-pits, &c. ;

the condenfed air of long unopened wells, or other fubterraneous caverns; the
noxious vapours arifing from fermenting liquors received from a narrow vent;
the fteam of burning charcoal ; fulphureous mineral acids ; arfenical effluvia,
&c.

Perhaps thofe, who to appearance are itruck dead by lightning* **, or any
violent agitation of the paffions, as joy, fear, furprize, &c. might frequently
be recovered by this fimple procefs of ftrongly blowing into the lungs, and
by that means once more Communicating' motion to the vital organs.

Malefactors executed at the gallows would afford opportunities of dis-
covering how far this method might be fuccefsful in relieving fuch as may
have unhappily become their own executioners, by hanging themfelves. It
might at lead: be tried, if, after the criminals have hung the ufual time, in-
flating

•J The following extraordinary indance of recovery, I have inferted from the Reports of the
Humane Society for the year 1778, p, 83 : it is one of thofe cafes of recovery that cannot be
made too extenfively public. Editor .

“ On Sunday night, July 5, 1778, at about half part ten, I was called to the affidance of
M Peter Lucas, aged eighteen, apprentice to Mr. Hicks in White Lyon-dreet, Norton Falgate,

** who was brought home upon boards, to all appearance dead , from a droke of lightning. Upon
“ entering the room, and examining the body, I found him both ftiff and cold, not perceiv-
“ ing the lead warmth in any part of the body or extremities : his fingers and toes were con-
trailed, his eyes funk, and his countenance livid. I immediately with affidance dripped off.
** his wet cloaths, and with all poflible expedition placed him between blankets made very hot.

The affiftants then ufed drong friftion over the whole body. During this, I made a very
*• large orifice in the bazilic vein, and procured by flow degrees near twelve ounces of blood. Vo-
latile and cardiac medicines were forced into the mouth, but for a ccnfiderable time to no ef-
** fedt, he being totally incapable of fwallowing. Large blidering plaiders were applied.. to the
** whole fpine of the back, and to both the feet. In half an hour I procured about eight ounces
“ more blood , and by the repeated ufe of volatiles, together with the dronged fridtions the whole
t( time, at about half pad eleven I perceived a very flight. convirHive motion- of the diaphragm, .
“ or hiccough ; which was fucceeded fome little time after by a flight warmth and irregular
14 pulfation of the heart; and foon after by a very flow interrupted refpiration. Before twelve
«« I perceived he began to fwallow, and by deadily ufing the fridtion and volatiles for an hour
longer,, a regular pulfation enfued ; the lungs performed their office; and a gradual heat, and
“ recovery of every faculty fucceeded. About one he fpolce, though not articulately. In the
4* morning he was in a confiderable fever, in great meafure accounted for by the dim-ulus offithe
**■ bliders, and the medicines applied the preceding night : but , by the ufe .of antiphlogiflic regi-

’nen3..

1 50 Obfervations on recovering a Man dead in Appearance .

flating the lungs in the manner propofed, would not fometimes bring them to
life. The only ill confequence that could accrue from a difcovery of this
kind would be eaftly obviated, by prolonging the prefent allotted time of fuf-
penfion *.

But this method would feem to promife very much in afiifling thole who
have been fuffocated in the water, under the above-mentioned circumftances j
at lead:, it appears necelfary to recommend a trial of it, after the body has been
difcharged of the water admitted into it, by placing it in a proper pofition,
the head downwards, prone, and, if it can be, acrofs a barrel, hoglhead, or
fome fuch-like convex fupport, with the utmoft expedition.

It does not feem abfurd, to compare the animal machine to a clock ; let the
wheels whereof be in never fo good order, the mechanifm complete in every
part, and wound up to the full pitch, yet, without fome impulfe communicated
to the pendulum, the whole continues motionlefs.

Thus, in the accidents defcribed, the folids are fuppofed to be whole and
elaftic, the juices in fufficient quantities, their qualities no otherwife vitiated
than by a Ihort llagnation, from the quiefcence of that moving fomething which
enables matter in animated bodies to overcome the refiftance of the medium it
a£ts in.

Inflating the lungs, and by this means communicating motion to the heart,
like giving the firft vibration to a pendulum, may poflibly, in many cafes,
enable this fomething to refume the government of the fabric,, and adlu^te its
organs afrelh, till another unavoidable neceflity puts a Hop to it entirely.

It has been fuggefted to me, by fome of my acquaintance, that a pair of
bellows might poflibly be applied with more advantage , in thefe cafes, than

“ men, togetheb with occafional laxatives, he was reftored to the enjoyment of perfeft health
x\ in the courfe of a week. Upon the ftrifteft examination of the body when fir ft brought home,
“ no external injury appeared, except a bruife along the right arm, which I prefume he received
“ either from the firft fall, or at the time of being placed on the board for conveyance, either, I
*' think, fufficiently accounting for fuch appearance. Upon being queftioned as to what had
“ happened, he knew nothing but from the teftimony of his companion, who was not in the leaft
“ affefted. It appears that they had been at Iflington, and were on their return caught in this
“ ftorm near the turnpike at the London Apprentice, Hoxton ; at which time the above Peter
“ Lucas was ftruck down at the other’s feet. It further appears from the beft calculation, that
«« before he (James Jaques) could procure afiiftance, to have him conveyed home, and make
“ application to me, an hour at leaft muft have elapfed, during all which time he was in
tx very heavy rain.

“ I am, &c.

“ White Lyon-Jlreet, “ J- MiLWARD.”

“ Norton Falgate.

Reports of the Humane Society for the Year 1773.

* The Reports of the Humane Society furnifh us with many inftances of recovery of hanged
perfons, who had been apparently dead for a confiderable time. Editor.

, the

Obfervations on recovering a Man dead in Appearance . 1 5 1

the blaft of a man’s mouth ; but if any perfon can be got to try the charitable
experiment by blowing, it would feem preferable to the other, for the follow-
ing reafons : ill. As the bellows may not be at hand. 2dly. As the lungs of one
man may bear, without injury, as great a force as thofe of another man can
exert; which by the bellows cannot always be determined. 3dly. As the
warmth and moifture of the breath would be more likely to promote the cir-
culation, than the chilling air forced out of a pair of bellows.

To conclude, as I apprehend the method above defcribed may conduce
to the faving a great many lives, as it is practicable by every one who hap-
pens to be prefent at the accident, without lofs of time, without expence, with
little trouble, and lefs ikill ; and as it is, perhaps, the only expedient of which
it can be juftly faid, that it may poflibly do great good, but cannot do
harm ; I thought it of fo much confequence to the public, as to deferve to
be recommended in this manner to your notice. For though it is already pub-
lilhed in a work which is generally read by the faculty; yet, perhaps, it
may be overlooked by fome, forgot by others, and perhaps, after all the care
that can be taken, it may never come to the knowledge of a tenth of thofe
who ought not to be ignorant of it.

P. S. As the reprefentation of an extraordinary faCt may perhaps induce
fome to try the experiment, when occafions like thofe which are fpecified in
the above remarks occur, it is hoped, that humanity will prompt all fuch to
favour the public with an account of their fuccefs, with the principal circum-
Itances that attended. And, as the writer of thefe remarks has embarked in
the defign of rendering this fad diffufively known, he would be glad to have
it in his power to inform the public, that numerous experiments confirm
what this cafe fuggefts, viz. the polfibility of faving a great many lives, without
rilking any thing.

White-hart Court,

Gracechurch-Street,

September 1744*.

De

V. • v:- • .;SnV, »' • ; v;:^

.

.... , ,,n„f -K'i . .’(Ht .bra ••' : od «-r

-j. . -r '

/

- h 1

; ,v. .■ ." j .• ;■ • ’

li

lad

i ’ w.

Wans j; fl ' Id 3r r

*.

blu

/ :. : ,nr.

•o.1 ■ d .j - j

( f

rt 3v/< '••9d yr

■4/ Ah : ;r ' T -i

c»

' •r: t

n«' ■ w;

;.'jiw 3d vc;: ntm

WO >0 •;

. j *, d rja v }M3:. >

/ i

r: t

'

•. u do; . !;nu i!/:f ’

i. )

3’toi

, _ t * < ■ ; r ')■ i ■ iiO

3lil

I

is: 1f>’;n.l3nop o T

; .

tc . /

I r: ?

. 'i? « : ^

t

•j; ■ K

1

r - ‘ ' 'J ' ’ ' '•

to. •;{®D. v^r? o 'jraj- ■ i -

■ . ,7 ■ yd ;K[ ; it

; ' :

■ . m 3 . . i : j < ■ * 5 : ■ ■ u •

< : If ICO p ' ■ 1

-du : 'd'-01 1 10 1

• ,■)«' j’(Jr • > '•

I ;) • )HW j ci.Ii L 'dnvairr: :' n sd
I - : rV/r > s ' :f

:i

d ’ •>/ x>h“V sd •

< . ,

. -k. . -(i ... Jlwo.-;-: v.;j • i‘j ■ ;( ,■ .! Ji : ?d no ^ ;ir

lo if tr c »n;_»i sd ol 1 > 3; r j’O .

■ . -

. , ..rh:. it r. - -i • . !)di VII 03 v;ui)

. 1 r. •' i i •' <■'*- ‘ • Oo~

' . • 1 • 1

.

. i *t <

> i V " ■ • ■ ;1 ' '

, • ■ .

Ji

O >' i ’ .7

tJ > ■ ; -f .. . ;>

; • ,M 1 J rJ '!

C *53 J

De Diaphragmate fiffo, et mutatis quorundam Vifcerum
Sedibus, in Cadavere Puellse decern Menfium obfer-
vatis ; Epiftola *

RICHARDO MEAD
JOANNES FOTHERGILL, S.

tJUM non ita pridem de cafu quodam, ut mihi videbatur, omnino fin-

gulari, coram te verba facerem, ipfe audtor eras, vir clarifiime, ut inte-

gram rei hiftoriam literis confignarem. Confilio igitur tuo morigerus opus
aggreflus fum eoque lubentius, prout mihi perfuafum eft, id minus ingratum
multis fore, ft in publicum prodiret, quod tibi privatim non difplicuiftet.
Tantum ftquidem et merito ab omnibus tribuitur illius audtoritati, cui nihil
antiquius, optatius nihil, quam bonis quibufcunque artibus, de civibus fuis,
de humano genere, optime mereri. Quo autem clarius tota res patefcat, ab
ovo, uti dicitur, exordiri animus eft, eorum omnium hiftoriam exponens,
quorum teftis eram, fide, fimplicitate, qua poftim, maxima.

Foemina generofa 21 circiter aniiorum, tarn ingenio acri et vivido quam
forma fpedtabilis, habitus proceri et gracilis, temperiei ad fanguineam ver-
gentis, firma fatis, ut plurimum, fanitate felix, quinto poft conceptionem
circiter menfe, primo pr^egnans abortum fecit.

Magno fuo malo id ei contigit, dum in cognati villa longe a fuis diftita
hofpitio excipitur. Proxima, rejubente, obftetrix advocatur, quae artis cum
primis ignara, et duris tantummodo ruricolarum ilibus aftueta, uterum tenellulse
eoufque duriter tra&avit, ut ex vafis laceratis immane adeo fanguinis pro-
fluvium exciverit, quantum ars ftftere non valuit, ufque demum donee gra-
viftima fuperveniens Leipopfychia tarn fluidorum motum, quam foiidorum
vim, imprsefentiarum fuftulit.

Tandem vero revixit, atque ita convaluit, ut ore ac membris in pallor em al~
lentibus , often tui ejfet multum vitalis Jpiritus egeftum.

* Philofophical Tranfa&ions, N° 478, p. 11. Read before the Roya' Society, June 16, 1745.

X Ex

154 Epijlola de Diaphragmate fijjo ,

Ex tantis autem malis vix, et ne vix quidem elu6lata eft, antequam de novo
fit gravida. Miferam vero fortem, qua per totum graviditatis decurfum
affligatur, referre piget ; gravifiima namque mala, quae uterum gerentes exer-
cere folent, haec noftram et peflime exercuerunt.

Puellulam tamen et fuo tempore enixa eft, cujus ad hiftoriam, rebus mater-
nis feliciter compofitis, quoad morbos, mortem, et cadaveris fe&ionem, per-
tinuerit, referendam me accingo.

Recens natae forma culpa omni carere videbatur : parvula erat et pufilla,
cujufque cutis jufto flaccidior, et aliquatenus rugofior, fe fuo nutrimento
parcius potitam teftabantur; quod nemini matris hiftoriam penfitanti mirum ^
videbitur.

Refpiratio a principio ei erat jufto paullulum frequentior, paucifque poft
diebus accedit, tanquam a correpto frigore, gravedo, cum ingenti laticis mucofi
ex ore, et oculis, et naribus profluvio, quod quoties ubera nutricis ducere co-
afta eft, fere fpiritum infanti praeclufit.. Et hinc fepius lachrymae, hinc etiam
irpe, graviores quidem quam adeo tenerae astati contingere folent quseque
faepius praefentibus metum injecerunt, ne, cum furore brevi, fimul et extre-
mum halitum efflaret.

Commodis vero medicamentis, alvum praecipue leniter ducentibus, a grave-
dine utcunque liberari videbatur : viribus etiam cum mole pedetentim audlis,
in fpem addudli funt parentes olim delicatulae fanitatem magis conftantem
fore.

Sspius tamen quam in plerifque aliis infantibus folet, ex improvifo vomitio
earn corripit : ejefla nec cibum crudum referunt, nec coftum, fed pultera
quafi purulentam, interdum acidum, fepe fetidum redolentem : dejedlionea
etiam jufto frequentiores et ejufdem omnino indolis erant. Refpiratio interim
frequens, laboriofa, nocftuque difficillima. Hasc eo magis integrs falutis
fpem minuebant, quo minus ' aufcultabant remediis, quae in hujufmodi malis
plerumque opem ferre folent.

Septimo tandem circiter menfe, exanthemata quasdam five tubercula per
faciem imprimis, deinde per collum, humeros, thoracem, et ad extremos.
manuum digitos, difleminata funt. Erant rotunda, pulicum inftar morfus
lata, rubcntia, duriufcula, pruritu moleftiftima, fenfim in veficulas parvas,
fero tenui pellucido tandem repletas, elevata : qute in Iquamas furfureas tan-
dem exficcata, decidebant, reliftis veftigiis livido-rubellis diu permanentibus.

Hsec in confpedtum venerunt paucorum poft dierum febriculam ; quum
vero neque ortu, neque deceffu juftum aliquem typum fervaverunt, pruriebant
demum infenfifiime, et nova femper feges demefiam fubfecuta eft, diuturnum
fore malum exiftimabam, altiufque radices egiffe, quam quje febre inordinata
eruendae forenm quumque exanthematum prorumpentium vis atque pruritus
indies augeretur, ab impuro aliquo hofpite, vitium humoribus inferente, mor-

bum

Epijlola de Eiaphragmate fijfo , &c. 155

-bum incrementa capere putabam. Adpurgantia itaque mitiffima, acidum aut
. acre obtundentia,eaque qute ad vifcidum folvendum apta viderentur, confugi;
et ne forte viftus ratio, quanquam nutrici optime, minus tamen molli alum-
nulae competeret, utrafque non nifi jufculis, carnibus tenerrimis, et id genus
coflu facillimis alendas jufii. Hinc tuberculorum numerus, pruritus, cetera-
que mala brevi diminuta fuerunt atque dubia hucufque falus quodammodo
ftabilita.

Decimi vitas menfis initium attigerat, quum parentum jufiu nutrix par-
vulam ablaftare fategit. Hoc fine magna moleftia tulit : die fexto, propter
alvum paulo aftrifliorem, afiuetum fibi folutivum haufit, unde bis dejecit, et
i>ene fe haburt.

Sub vefperam enormi vomitione corripitur, ex nulla quantum patuit caufa
oriunda, quae fine ulla fere intermifiione mifellam laceffebat, donee tragoedia
per 24 horas circiter afta, vitae brevis feenam claufit.

Cunfla, quibus ufa eft medicamenta, fingulatim referre haud opus eft. Tam
motis plerifque, quam novis auxiliis, intus, foras, novo et pertinaci malo
.obviam itum eft. Pras aliis 'per totum vitae (nam et idem erat morbi ter-
minus) decurfum, profuerunt tinflura rhabarbari ex aqua cinamomi tenui
parata, parca et faepius repetita dofi exhibitaj et linflus ex oleo amygdalino,
fyrupo peftorali et fapone pauciflimo confeftus. In ipfis vero extremis an-
goribus ad vomitum fedandum adhibita funt ea quae acidum aut acre tem-
perate, obtundere folent ; aromata grata, mitiffima, anodyna, demum et ipfa
foporifera, at fruftra omnia : alvus interea nec fponte foluta eft, neque ullis
cefiit irritamentis.

Atrocis morbi caufas atque fedes rimari animus erat j quod, impetrata venia,
poftridie,aggredior ; priufquam vero ad difteflionem manus admoveo, praeci-
puorum fymptomatum confpeflum, quibufeum a carceribus ad metam ufque
colluftabatur, coram fiftere haud forte abfonum videbitur.

1. Pulfus nunquam non turbatus erat, parvulus, tremulus, frequentifiirnus.

.2. Refpiratio femper naturali crebrior, noflu quam interdiu difficilior.

3. Id quoque obfervandum, quo laxior amiflus, etiam interdiu, eo crebrior
refpiratio ; quanto veftis arftior thoracem et abdomen cingens, tanto erat
-refpiratio naturali fimiiior.

4. Decumbenti etiam eadem aflio difScilior; inde evenit, ut poftquam
primum carpfiffet fomnum, ctetera noflis pars plerumque fedenti in gremio
nutricis abiit.

5. Tuffis, inquietudo, febricula, plus minus, dum ad fanitatem proxime
accedere vifa eft, noflu aderant, et femper quam interdiu molefdores.

6. Vomitiones frequentes fine caufa evidenti fcpius earn fatigabant : egefta,
cruda, etvariaj nunc acida, nunc putrefeentia, fubpinguia, fetida.

7. Dejefliones furfum egeftis fimiiiimae.

X 2

8. Carnium

156 Epiflola de Diaphragmate JiJfoy &c.

8. Carnium quolibet modo praeparatarum odor, vomitiones crudeles haud
raro ciebat ; tanto tamque infelici fenfu praedita erau

9. Quoties alvus aftricftior, toties major aderat ad vomendum proclivitas-;
at ventris fluxus quandoque enormis et diuturnus plus damni intulit, quam
vomitio.

10. Urinam infigni imbutam efle acrimonia docuit odor, fpiritus inftar-
urinofi plerumque acris : linteamina colore flavo tingebantur.

11. Et cutis quandoque limili tindtura fuffufa eft.

12. Elumor ifte, qui pone aures infantum excerni folet, in noftra etiam
maxime fetidus erat.

13. Ingenium ei erat mite, placidum, et malorum patiens : fi quando autem
accenfa efiet ira, mirum quantum excandefceret : pari tamen celeritate ex~-
tinguebatur, alioquin a fuffocatione illico periiflef.

Crederet, opinor, unufquifque rerum medicarum gnarus, ex hiftoria jam
tradita morbum efle infolitum ; vim ventriculi imprimis labefadtatam ; tur-
batas fecretiones,. vitiatum fanguinem, pulmones male fundtos officio ; forte
et hepar culpa non caruifle. Quis vero unquam conjedturis aflecutus eflet
divifum fuifle feptum tranfverfum ; per ejus rimam in ipfa pedtoris pener
tralia ventriculi amplam portionem et inteftinorum partem infignem irrupifle ?
Haec vero et plura docuit ipfa cadaveris. difledtio, quam poftero mane, comite
H. Delanoy Pigot, chirurgo Wandfworthienft perito, inftitui.

Corpufculum exfuccum, et mirum in modum unius ypegH intervallo exina-
nitum luftramus. Quoad partium formam et magnitudinem omnia redte, nift
quod thorax naturali longior videretur et anguftior : coffte fiauidem, minus
quarn folent oblique pofltae, ad corporis axin redtius fpeclabant.

Ilia finiftra livor occupaverat, tanquam gangraena fuiflent affedta : circa
humeros et brachia haud paucm veftculae cernebantur ; quarum aliae liquore
rubello, aliae viridefcenti, flavefcenti aliae fcatebant.

Divifam cutem, mufculofque tenues fubtus jacentes, tunica cellularis omni
omnino adipe vacua intercurrebat.

Ventre aperto, inferior omenti margo ne vel minima faeta pinguedine, vix-
que ad umbilicum protenfa in confpedtum venit. Inteftinorum etiam te-
nuium portio, imufque ventriculi fundus; deinde hepar magnum pallefcens.;
fub cujus cofta latebat veflca fellea, ampla, turgida, fundo furfum, cervice
deorfum redlius quam in fanis folitum fpe<ftante. Haec fcrfice reclufa bills
fpiflae, nigricantis ferme fefcunciam effudit : at quanquam ex plaga patula
haud fine preflura ; ufque adeo crafia tenaxque erat. Vicina omnia fumma
fiavedine tingebantur. Ileon inteftinum hinc inde inflammari videbatur:
Colon fuo loco abfuit : fplen, renes, reliqua, fana.

Refciflis deinde cute mufculifque, caute fternum ad jugulum ufque dividi-
mus. Aft aiduftis plagse marginibus, fpedtaculo, quantum novi, n unquam

antea

Epiftola de 'Dlaphragmate fijffb, &k. i gy

antea vifo, perceilimur. In finiftrum quippe pedoris antrum, magna ventriculi
portio fefe intruferat, tam pulmonum lobos, quam.ipfum pericardium, et in
eo cor, ex integro abfcondens.

Didudo tandem ventriculo, quid fubtus lateret infpeduri, ilei partem tros
circiter palmas longam; caecum, ejufque appendicem, una cum coli portione
baud parva, omnia uno eodemque teda hofpitio detegimuS'.

Rei novitate commotus, omnia rurfus intueor; anceps ne forte vulnus inter
fecandum diaphragmati inflidum vifceribus portam aperuiffet. At infpedio
quam maxime accurata dubium omnino fuftulit ; docuitque id olim fiffum,
divifum vel perruptum fuiffe : nam fepti hiantis margines perfede occalluere j
neque ullibi confpicienda erant plagae recentis indicia.

Quum itaque conftabat nullam a nobis diaphragmati illatam fuiffe vim,
cunda in locis quibus antea collocata erant ftudiofe reponimus, fingulatirn
omnia et adhibita diligentia luftraturi.

Septum tranfverfum ab offe fterno, et cartilaginibus anterius diremptum, et
ad centrum ufque tendinofum, divifum, retradumque, arcum lunatum tenfum
formaverat; cuj us cornua ad coftarum fines cartilaginofos, dextro latere fterno
propius, remotius finiftro, pertingebant : ficque finus effedus eft insequalis,
finiftro quam dextro latere patentior.

Per hunc amplum finum, fublata vifcera, in finiftro thoracis angulo, inter
coftas et cordis apicem tutas adeo adepta funt latebras, ut neque proprio pon.-
dere, neque valida fuccufiione,.. neque mutato, quacunque demum ratione,
corporis fitu, in priftinas fedes unquam deducr potuiffe judicabam : In prijiinas
aico, quoniam primitus ante partum fic fita fuiffe haud temere credendum eft.
In ipfo etenim partu malum accidiffe, plurima funt quse, ut ita credam, fa-
ciunt.

Saccus ille ventriculi, qui ingefta per cefophagum immediate accipit, multo
quam folet amplior, fuum locum obtinebat ; folito etiam pallidior et tenuiora
reliqua pars furfum protrufa, deinde oblique retrorfum, fupra fepti arcum elo-
vabatur j in ipfo tamen tranfitu a margine fepti anguftatum notavimus.

Has tandem emenfus fauces in amplum fatis utriculum rurfus excrevit ; qui
arcuato fepto, tanquam fcamno incumbens, omnem pedoris finiftri ambitum
fibi vindicabat. Corculum interea, nam tale revera fuit, fupra ipfam dorfi fpi-
nam detruferat ; pulmonumque lobos ejufdem lateris eoufque coardaverat,
ut omnino fedibus pulfos, aut nullos fuiffe, pene crediderimus.

Pylorus ex hoc utriculo juxta tertiam coftam emergens, et finuofa- flexura
deorfum vergens, in duodenum abiit; quod, qua parte fepti jugum in defeenfu
tranfivit, et ipfum coanguftari debuerat, quotiefeunque ventriculus aut cibis
aut flatibus intumuit. Quumque ita a naturali curfu devium aberrare neceffe
habuit, nil mirum fi dudus communis biliarius,.a redo inteftini itinere tenfu3

cz

s 'Epijiola de Diaphragmate f.£ot '&£.

et fere connivens, fuo Temper munere fungi non poterat : hinc cutis,, hinc urina
quandoque difcolores ; et hinc fine bile dejedtiones.

Tubi inteftinalis anfradtus prefie fequentes iterum in thoracis antra du-
cimur : nam fupra ipfum diaphragma, et pone ventriculum, portio ilei aliquot
palmas longa convoluta delituit : exitum finemve quaerentibus in confpedium
venit appendix vermiformis, et caecum fecibus diftentum, amplum, incum-
bente ventriculi mole compreflum, ejufque nifu extremo antri angulo adapta-
tum : denique annexa coli pars circiter dimidia, crebris et profundis finubus
notabilis.

Qua parte colon tenfum fepti limbum fuperabat, id. tantum non abfciffum
invenimus j nam . ventriculus fiepius repletus, cedentis inteftini latera contra
membranas renitentis marginem obfiftens, ea ita. attriverat, feu premendo an-
guftaverat, ut ne quidem fecibus craflioribus trajiciendis aptum videbatur.

His demum attente perfpeftis, caetera ejufdem cavi contenta exquirere
fategimus ; et fub firma te£bos membrana, quam mediafbini parietem effe finif-
trum judicavimus, pulmonum lobulos detegimus, arftiflime pofticas thoracis
^ regioni undique non adhaerentes modo, at firmiter agnafcentes dudum officio
fuo defuiffe videbantur. Plexus prasterea fibrarum validus, ex membrana cel~
lulofa quafi contextus, totam lobulorum compagem, pleurseque fuperficiem fie
intercedebat, ut nulla. ratione feipfos expandere valerent pulmones, fi a tergo
liberum movendi fpatium permififfent inteflina et ventriculi portio.

Alterius deinde lateris cavum excutimus, et pertufa membrana firma, quam
pro altera mediaflini plica habuimus, pulmo dexter fa-nus fatis et integer fefe
prodidit ; quiq-ue proculdubio utriufque munere diu perfundtus eft.

Paulo infra pulmonis marginem inferiorem, fupra diaphragma, faccus erat
quafi ex membrana cellulari conflatus, qui, forfice apertus, binas circiter
uncias liquoris ftavo-viridantis, albuminis infiar gelatinofi, loculamends mem-
branaceis contenti, profudit. Num ex hoc fonte profluxerat ifla fanies, quee in-
domabilem tuberculorum vim, faciem, collum, casterafque partes fedantem,
enutriverat? Ita quidem verofimile videtur j nam liquidi in utrifque color
idem erat.

Pericardium proxime referatur, quod et ipfum liquore fimili fcatebat.:
effluxit quippe ex apercura ad duas fere uncias humor deferipto, modo paul-
lulum tenuior rnagifque fiavefeens, fimillimus.

Cor erat exiguum, tadtui durum, et in bina aequalia quafi loculamenta
diferetum : hie enim auricula dextra fanguine diflenta, vix cordi magnitudine
cederet 5 ibi ventriculi cruore atro pauco craffiffimo fardli : inter utrofque
vinculi partes agunt vafa coronaria, cordis bafin ardte adftringentia.

Ex fedta auricula cruor aterrimus, fpifius, corio tenaci opertus exprimitur ;
ipfius facci latera ex venulis varicofis livefeentibus tantum non conftare
videbantur.

Stepius

Epijlola de Diapbragmate JiJfo, &c. 159

' Stepius inter fefcandum tam cafu, quam dedita opera, majores venas perm-
dihaws, at non quam alias, tam parum fanguinis effluxifte memini, ifque erat
cnaffus et niger, tanquam fero omni et diluente lympha orbatus.

Luftratis jam et iua-fede vifceribus, ventriculum eximere partemque intefti-
norum libitum eft, ut quantum ad formam fttumque mutata efient, exploratuun
haberem : dum vero manus operas admoveo, leniterque ventriculi fundum
prehendo, ecce omnino putris, et ne tadtus quidem levis pattens, pars ima intra
digitos collabafcit.

Nulla aderant inflammationis gangrasnofas indicia: non rubor, non ftriae,
nulla ftigmata livefcentia : omnis albore pallet, et ftc tam nulla vi in tabem
defluebat, ut potius acribus erofam, vel humidis laxatam fuifte c.ompagem,
quam gangrasna corruptam judicarem.

Nec imtuenti ventriculi fitum hoc abfonum videbitur. Heic enim ex imo
vifceris hujus fundo, ad fummum pylori jugum, afcenfus omnino acclivis:- in
noftra etiam fublata erat vis fepti renitens, cujus ope in altum attolli unice
valuerant ventriculi contents : plus itaque laboris rnufculis ventris fobs pera-
gendum erat, quod quam inualiis peragitur, fociato diaphragmatis nixu.
Ingefta proculdubio fuam fequi indolem, fayente mora, et quiete debuerant 5
quibus conditionibus ft addamus perpetuum humoris gaftrici ftillicidium in
unum quaft ventriculi pundum, tam vomitus funefti ortum, quam putredinis
caufam perfpedam habere poffumus.

Hinc quoque manifeftum erit, quare' ncdu quam . interdict, procumbens.
quam. ereda, laxe quam arde veftita, pejus fe habuit : et quantas anxietates,
asgritudines, et mokftias, pati oportuit, quoties fitus horizontalis, habitufque
parum ftridus, afcenfum facilem cibis in pedora prasbuere ? Cor ipfum mole
prasgravari necefte -erat 5 ludamque dubiam contra hoftes irruentes folum fuf-
tinere.

Tradita hucufque rerum hiftoria fymptomatum explicationem promptam,
ni- fallor/ reddidit, ideoque mihi fupervacaneam : fupereft tantum modo, ut
aliqua, quas in mentem mihi faspius morbum immedicabilem penfitanti vcne-
runt, at pauciffimis, referam.

1. Patet enim imprimis, animal pofie vivere, vegere, iaetari, et quodam-
modo valere, cui finditnr vel difrumpitur diaphragma.

1. Ideoque minus huic metuendum, in pedore pertundendo, quoties
empyema aut hydrops remedium anceps experiri fuadeant.

3. Ita affedum effe diaphragma, (1.) ft ampla hianfque plaga fuerit, forte
dignofcendum, ex ipfa thoracis figura produdiore, minus obliquo coftarum
fitu, et lasfa fimul refpiratione.

4, In morbis infantum, quorum natura videatur reconditior, ex accurata
partium externarum contemplatione, indagine, fortaftis aliquid lucis elici
queat : ideoque nequaquam prcetermittendum.

6

5, Quotiefcunque

l6o Bpijiola de Biaphragmate JiJJo , &c,

5. Quotiefcunque tubercula, puftulte exanthemata, fingularem aliquam cor-
poris regionem occupant, ibi fubtus, in vicinia, malum fomitem latere fufpi-
candum.

Ita tandem cafum, nulla arte fanabilem, et forte nimia diligentia expofui ;
id vero asgre te laturum haud quidem exiftimo: nollent enim nefcire cordatiores
in arte viri, quibus ex caufis prsematura mors fuperveniat, quotiefcunque ca-
davera luftrandi copia conceditur : ipfos etenim medentes non folum rerum
gnaros peritofque reddit, verum etiam tarn orbatis dolorem minuit, quam
dedecus aufert arti, palam perfpeilum habere, nullis remediis, nulla ope, ne
quidem tua, fupremam fortem potuifie protrahi.

Yale, vir candide, diuque felix orbi interfis, bonarum artium patronus, me-
dic^eque juyentuti-s pater atque princeps.

TRANSLATION

[ 161 ]

i

TRANSLATION

0 F

A LETTER

O N A

Ruptured Diaphragm , and a Change in the Situation of
fome Vifcera , obferved in the Body of a Fetnale Child
Fen Months old \

AD DRESSED TO

RICHARD MEAD .

WHEN I lately made mention, in thy prefence, of a cafe which ap-
peared to me altogether fingular, thou advifedft that I fhould commit
the whole hiftory of it to paper : I have therefore attempted to comply with
thy advice ; and this I have done the more willingly, as being certain, that
what had not difpleafed thee in private, would be agreeable to many if made
public. Thus much will certainly be attributed, and that with juftice, to the
authority of a man, whofe deareft objedt and ftrongeft wifhes are, to deferve
well of every ufeful art, of his fellow citizens, and of human-kind in
general.

But that the cafe may appear more clear, I intend to commence my hif-
tory from the firft origin of it, giving a relation of every thing I was wit-
nefs of, with all the fidelity and fimplicity in my power.

A woman, about twenty-one years of age, of a genteel family, refpedtable
both for her keen lively wit and agreeable perfon, of a tall flender habit, a
temperament verging towards the fanguineous, generally happy in moderate
health, mifcarried, about the fifth month of pregnancy of her firft child.

Unfortunately for her, this happened while fhe was on a vifit to a rela-
tion, in a village far diftant from her friends and home. The cafe being
urgent, the neareft midwife was called in; who being in great meafure ignorant

Y of

162 Letter on a Ruptured Diaphragm, &c.

of the art, and only ufed to the robufl women of the country, treated the
•uterus of this delicate perfon fo rudely, that Ihe excited from the lacerated
veffels an hsemorrhagy, or flooding, fo violent that no art could flop it : at
length a molt alarming Jyncoge , or fainting, fupervened, which, for the pre-
fent, both took off the motion of the fluids and the adtion and force of the fo-
lids. After fome time, however, fhe revived, and at length recovered, but
in fuch a manner, that the palenefs of her face and limbs evidenced great
lofs of the vital fpirits.

She was fcarcely recovered from thefe great misfortunes, when fhe again
became pregnant ; but it would be melancholy to relate her miferable condition
through the whole courfe of her pregnancy j all the moft: dangerous com-
plaints which ufually affiidt pregnant women, afflidted our patient in the worfl
degree.

At the proper time, however, fhe was brought to bed of a girl ; whofe hiflory,
with refpedt to difeafes, death, and opening the body (the circumflances of
the mother having terminated happily) I now undertake to relate.

The body of the new-born infant feemed free from fault : it was, however,
little and weakly ; its fkin too flaccid, and fomewhat too much wrinkled,
which evidenced its having received too little nourifhment ; but no one will
wonder at this, who confiders the hiflory given of the mother.

The refpiration of the infant was too frequent from its birth, and a few days
after came on a fluffing and heavinefs of the head, as if from having caught
cold, with a confiderable excretion of a watery mucus from the eyes, nofe, and
mouth, which, as often as it was obliged to fuck, almofl threatened fuffo-
cation. On this account it would cry, and go into more violent paffions than
is ufual at fo tender an age ; fo that the attendants would often fear, left in a
fhort guft of paffion it ffiould expire.

By proper medicines, efpecially gentle laxatives, it feemed in fome mea-
fure freed from the cold and fluffing of the head : flrength alfo gradually in-
creafed as it grew bigger, and the parents were induced to hope, that the
health of their little delicate daughter would now become more flrong and
firm.

The infant was feized with a fudden vomiting, more frequently than is
common to mofl other children ; the matters thrown up, neither refembled
crude nor digefled food, but a kind of purulent pap, fometimes acid, fome-
times of a foetid fmell ; the flools alfo were too frequent, and exactly of the
fame kind of master : the refpiration in the mean time frequent, laborious,
and during the night extremely difficult. Thefe fymptoms were the more dif-
couraging, as they did not yield to remedies which ufually give relief in fimilar
complaints.

About the feventh month fome exanthemata or eruptions appeared, firil on

the

Letter on a Ruptured Diaphragm, &c. 163

the face, then on the neck, lhoulders, bread, and to the ends of the fingers.
They were round, broad, like flea-bites, red, hardifh, and extremely trouble-
fome, with itching ; by degrees they were raifed into little veficles, and at
length filled with a thin pellucid ferum : being dried into chaffy fcales, they
fell off, leaving marks of a livid red colour, which remained a long time.

Thefe eruptions had appeared after a fever of a few days continuance ; but
as they obferved no regular type either in their coming on or going off, as
the itching was extremely troublefome, and a new crop always fucceeded
the old one, I concluded the difeafe would be of long duration, and had
taken a deeper root than what could be accounted for from an irregular fever ;
and as the force and itching of the exanthemata coming out, daily increafed,
I fuppofed the difeafe derived its increafe from fome impure matter lodged
within, vitiating the humours. I therefore applied to the mildeft purgatives,
fuch as would obtund the acid or acrid matter, and thofe which feemed pro-
per to refolve the vifcid. And, left the manner of diet, though the moft
proper for the nurfe, fhould not fo well agree with the tender infant, I or-
dered both of them to eat nothing but broth, the moft tender animal food, and
fuch as was of moft eafy digeftion. By this means the number of tubercles, the
itching, and other complaints, were in a fhort time diminifhed, and the
health of the infant, hitherto doubtful, was in fome meafure eftabiifhed.

It had reached the beginning of the tenth month of its age, when the
nurfe, by order of the parents, began to wean it. It bore this without much
inconvenience ; on the fixth day, being coftive, it took its ufual folutive
draught, from which it had two ftools, and was well. Towards evening it was
feized with a moft violent vomiting, arifing, fo far as could be perceived, from
no caufe.; but which harraffed the little fufferer, almoft without intermiflion,
for the fpace of twenty-four hours, and then clofed the fcene of a fhort life.

It is not neceflary to mention ftngly all the remedies made ufe of. This
new and obftinate difeafe was oppofed, both by moft known remedies and
fome new ones, internal and external. Through the whole courfe of life (for
this was the terminus of the difeafe) the tincfture of rhubarb, made with weak
cinnamon-water, and given in fmall dofes often repeated •, and a lindtus made
of oil of almonds, pedtoral fyrup, and a little foap, were more ufeful than any
other remedies. In the laft fatal ftruggles, the moft mild, grateful aro-
matics, anodynes, and even foporific medicines, which ufually moderate and
obtund the acid or acrid matter, were exhibited in order to take off the vomit-
ing, but all in vain. No fpontaneous motion to ftool nqw occurred, nor did
the bowels yield to any ftimulating remedies.

I had a wifli to fearch out the caufes and feat of this violent difeafe ; and
having obtained permiffion, I attempted it the next day. But before I enter

Y 2 upon

164 Letter on a Ruptured Diaphragm , &c.

upon the difieftion, it will not be amifs, perhaps, to bring into one view the
principal fymptoms under which the infant laboured from firft to laft.

1. The pulfe was always difturbed, fmall, tremulous, and very frequent.

2. Refpiration was always quicker than natural, and more difficult in the
night than the day.

3. It mull be obferved alfo, that even in the day-time, the refpiration be-
came more difficult, in proportion as the cloaths were put on more loofely :
and the more tightly they bound the breaft and belly, the more natural was
the refpiration.

4. The adtion of breathing alfo was more difficult when lying; hence it
.happened, that, after the firft fleep, it commonly fpent the reft of the night
fitting in the bofom of the nurfe.

5. When the child feemed in its beft ftate of health, it was affli&ed in the
night, more or lefs, with cough, reftleftnefs, and feverifh heat; and thefe were
always more troublefome in the night than the day.

6. It was often diftrefied with frequent vomiting, without evident caufe : the
matters thrown up were crude and various ; fometimes acid, fometimes pu-
trefcent, fattifh, or foetid.

7. The difcharges by ftool were like thofe thrown up by vomiting.

8. It was endowed with fo ftrong and unhappy a fenfe of fmelling, that the
fmell of animal food, any-way prepared, often excited fevere vomitings.

9. Whenever it was coftive, there was a greater tendency to vomit; "but a
diarrhoea, fometimes violent and continuing long, did more harm than vo-
miting.

10. The urine was affedted with great acrimony, as appeared by the fmell,
which was commonly acrid, like the fpirit of urine i it tinged cloths of a yel-
low colour.

11. The fkin was fometimes covered with a fimilar taint.

12. The humour commonly excreted behind the ears of infants, was alfo
in this extremely foetid.

13. Its difpofition was mild, placid, and patient under fufferings : but if
at any time its paffion was kindled, it rofe to a wonderful pitch ; the paffion,
however, was extinguiffied with equal celerity, otherwife it would immediately
have perifhed from fuffocation.

Every one {killed in medicine, I think, will fuppofe, from the hiftory now
given, that the difeafe was a new one; that the powers of the ftomach efpe-
cially were debilitated, the excretions difturbed, the blood vitiated, and that
the lungs did not properly perform their office ; perhaps alfo they may fup-
pofe the liver had not been free from fault. But who would ever have con-
jectured that the Jeptum tranjverjum was divided afunder, and that a large

3 portion

Letter on a Ruptured Diaphragm , &c. 165

portion of the ftomach, and great part of the inteftines, had rufhed through
this opening into the cavity of the breaft ? Yet this, and even more, the
difieftion of the body difcovered to us ; which the next morning I performed,
accompanied by H. Delanoy Pigot, a fkilful furgeon of Wandfworth.

We found the body fhrivelled, and wonderfully fnrunk, in the fpace of
twenty-four hours. As to the figure and magnitude of the parts, every
thing was right, except that the breaft feemed longer and narrower than
natural. The ribs, indeed, were not fo obliquely placed as ufual, but lay
too flat towards the axis of the body.

The left iliac region was of a livid colour, as if it had been affefted with
gangrene : many veficles were vifible about the fhoulders and arms, fome of
which contained a reddilh, fome a greenilh, and others a yellowifh liquor.

Having cut through the fkin and thin mufcles lying underneath, we found
the tunica cellularis quite free from fat.

The belly being opened, we found the lower margin of the omentum wholly
free from fat, and fcarcely reaching to the navel. A portion alfo of the
fmall inteftines, and the loweft part of the ftomach, were vifible ; next we
obferved the liver, large and pallid ; under the fide of which lay concealed
the vefica fellea , large and turgid, the bottom lying more directly upward, and
the neck more diredtly downward, than what is ufual in healthy perfons. This
being opened with the fciflars, it was found to contain nearly an ounce and an
half of a thick blackifh bile ; but though the wound was open, it was too
thick and tough to run out without prtflfure. The neighbouring parts were
all tinged of the deepeft yellow ; the ileon feemed here and there inflamed ;
the colon was removed from its proper place ; the fpleen, kidnies, and other
parts, were found.

Having again cut through the fkin and mufcles, we cautioufly divided
the Jiernum up to the jugulum. But, the edges of the wound being drawn
afide, behold! a fight, never, that I know of, before feen. A great portion
of the ftomach had thruft itfelf into the left cavity of the breaft, wholly co-
vering the lobes of the lungs, the pericardium itfelf, and in it the heart.

Having drawn afide the ftomach, to fee what might be concealed under it,
we found a part of the ileon, about three times the breadth of the hand, the
caecum and its appendage, together with no fmall portion of the colon, all
concealed in one and the fame cavity.

Struck' with the novelty of the thing, I again examined the whole j doubt-
ful left a wound made in the diaphragm, in differing the body, might have
opened a paflage to thefe vifcera. But an infpedtion, as accurate as pofti-
ble, removed all doubt, and convinced me that the diaphragm had been
fplit, divided, or ruptured for fome time ; for the edges of the rupture were

perfectly

1 66 Letter on a Ruptured Diaphragm , &c.

perfectly hardened, nor were there any marks of a recent wound any where to
be feen.

As therefore it appeared that no injury had been done to the diaphragm
by us, we carefully replaced all the parts in the fituation they had been in
before, that we might examine them one by one with proper attention.

The feptum tranfverfum being torn off from the os Jiernum and cartilages
on the anterior part, and divided and drawn back to its center, had formed a
tenfe lunar arch ; the corners or horns of which, on the right fide, reached
nearer the cartilaginous terminations of the ribs ; on the left they were more
diftant ; and thus there was an unequal finus formed, more open on the left
than on the right fide.

The vifcera having been carried upward through this ample finus, had
gained fo fafe a feat in the left angle of the breaft, between the ribs and
apex of the heart, that I judged it impoffible that they could ever have
fallen back into their prijline fituation, either by their own weight, or any
fhaking or change in the pofture of the body, in whatever manner this had
been made. I fay their prijline fituation, becaufe we are not haftily to fup-
pofe that they were in this fituation before the birth of the child. Many
reafons induce me to believe that the mifchief happened in the birth.

The bag of the ftomach, which immediately receives the ingefta from the
cefophagus, was much wider than ufual, and alfo paler and thinner, but re-
mained in its proper fituation. The other part, being pulhed upwards, and
then obliquely bent backward, was elevated above the arch of the feptum :
in this paffage, however, we obferved that the margin of the feptum had
made that part of the ftomach narrower, or formed a kind of ftritdure upon it.

Having paffed thefe ftraits, it was again enlarged into a bag fufficiently
capacious, which lay upon the arcuated feptum, as on a bench, and occu-
pied the whole fpace of the left breaft. It had thruft the little heart, for
fuch it really was, upon the fpine of the back, and had fo ftraitened the
lobes of the lungs on that fide, that one would almoft have thought they
had been driven from their fituation, or that there had been none at all.

The pylorus emerging from this bag near the third rib, and bending down-
ward with a finuous flexure, ended in the duodenum.; both of which mult have
been ftraitened or conftridted, in the part where it paffed over the ridge of
the feptum, as often as the ftomach had been fwelled with food or wind.
As therefore the duodenum had been under a neceffity of deviating from the
natural courfe, it is no wonder if the common biliary du£t, bent from the
ftrait line of the inteftine, and almoft clofed, had not always been able to
perform its office : on which account the fkin and urine were fometimes dif-
coloured, and difcharges by ftool, without bile.

We clofely followed the winding tradt of the inteftinal tube, and were again

led

Letter on a Ruptured Diaphragm, &c. 167

led into the cavity of the thorax : for a convoluted portion of the ileon, fome
hands breadth in length, lay concealed above the diaphragm, and behind the
ftomach. Searching for its exit or end, we found the vermiform appen-
dage, and the ctecum diftended with faeces, large, and compreiTed with the in-
cumbent load of the ftomach, by the motion of which it was adapted to the
extreme angle of the cavity. About half the colon, annexed to it, was re-
markable for frequent deep finuofities.

Where the colon had ftretched beyond the tenfe border of the feptum, was
the only part of it we found not cut and worn ; for the ftomach, often full,
preffing the fides of the yielding inteftine againft the edge of the refilling
membrane, had fo worn or conftriited it by preffure, that it feemed by no
means fuited to admit the thick faeces to pafs through it.

Thefe being at length attentively viewed, we fet ourfelves to examine the
other contents of the fame cavity ; and under a firm membrane, which we
took to be the left fide of the mediaftinum, we found the lobules of the lungs
concealed, and every where not only clofely adhering to the pofterior region
of the thorax, but firmly growing to it, fo that they feemed long to have
failed in performing their function. A ftrong plexus of fibres alfo, formed
as it were of the cellular membrane, connected the whole ftruilure of the
lobules and fuperficies of the pleura, fo together, that the lungs could by no
means have expanded themfelves, if the inteftines and part of the ftomach
had left a free fpace behind.

We next examined the cavity on the other fide; and, having cut the firm
membrane, which we took to be the other folding of the mediaftinum, the right
lung appeared fufficiently found and compleat ; and which, no doubt, had long
performed the office of both.

A little below the inferior edge of this lung, above the diaphragm, was a
bag, formed as it were of cellular membrane, which being opened, with the
fciffars, was found to contain about two ounces of a yellowilh-green liquor,
gelatinous like the white of an egg, and contained in membranous follicles. —
Had the fanies, which gave fuch irrefiftible force to the tubercles affecting
the face, neck, and other parts, arifen from this fource ? It feems very pro-
bable, for the liquids in both were of the fame colour.

The pericardium was opened next, and was found to abound with a fimilar
liquor. There flowed out from the aperture about two ounces. of an humour
exailly like that defcribed above, only it was a little thinner and more yellow.

The heart was fmall, hard to the touch, and divided as it were into two
equal partitions ; for the right auricle, diftended with blood, almoft equalled
the bulk of the heart; the ventricles were fluffed with a fmall quantity of black
thick blood : between both ventricles the coronary veffels ailed as vinculi,
or ties, binding tightly the bafts of the heart.

The

i68

Letter on a 1 Ruptured Diaphragm , &c.

The auricle being cut open, a moft black fpifiid blood, covered with a
tenacious membrane, was fqueezed out from it. The lides of the bag itfelf
feemed almoft wholly formed of fmall livid varicofe veins.

We often, in difiedting, both by accident and with defign, wounded the
larger veins ; but I never remember that any thing iffued out but a little
blood, which was thick and black, as if deprived of all its ferum and diluent
lymph.

Having now examined the vifcera, and their fituation, I wilhed to take out
the ftomach and inteftineSi that I might fee how much their form and fituation
had been changed. But on attempting this, and gently taking hold of the
Tottom of the ftomach, behold it was altogether putrid, not bearing the
flighted touch, but the lower part of it fell to pieces between my fingers !

There were no figns of a gangrenous inflammation ; no rednefs, ftriae, or
livid fpots appeared : every part was of a pale white, fo that I imagined the
ftomach had not fallen into this wafte from any violence or force, but that
its ftrudture had rather been eroded by fome acrid matter, or relaxed by
moifture, than corrupted by gangrene.

Nor will this feem improbable to any one viewing the fituation of the
ftomach ; for the afcent from the bottom of this vifcus to the higheft
point of the pylorus, was altogether fteep ; in this fubjedt, alfo, the re-
adtion of the diaphragm was loft, by the help of which only the contents of
the ftomach can be raifed upwards. More labour therefore refted on the
mufcles of the belly, than in other cafes where the adtion of the diaphragm is
joined ■with them. The ingefta muft, without doubt, from their delay and
reft in the ftomach, have retained their own nature ; to which, if we add
the conftant dropping of the gaftric juice as it were on one part of the fto-
mach, both the origin of the fatal vomiting, and the caufe of the putridity,
will be evident.

Hence alfo it will appear why the infant was worfe in the night than the day,
when lying than in an eredt pofture, and when loofely clad than when tightly
bound ; and how great anxiety, ficknefs, and inconvenience, it muft have
fuffered, as often as its horizontal fituation, and loofe drefs, gave an eafy
afcent to the food into the breaft. The heart itfelf muft have been greatly
incommoded by the bulk of the unnatural contents of the breaft, and have
alone fuftained a doubtful conteft againft the ruftiing foes.

The hiftory of what appeared on difledtion, thus far delivered, gives, if
I miftake not, an eafy explication of the fymptoms, and therefore unnecefiary
for me to attempt ; it only remains, that I relate briefly a few things which
occurred to me, when often contemplating this incurable difeafe.

I. Firft then it appears, that an animal may live, be ftrong, chearful, and
in fome meafure well, in which the diaphragm is fplit or ruptured.

2. Therefore

Letter on a Ruptured Diaphragm , &c. 169

2. Therefore lefs is to be feared from this accident, in opening the breaft, as
often as an empyema, or dropfy, perfuade us to try this. doubtful remedy.

3. If the wound be wide and open, we may, perhaps, know that the
diaphragm is thus affedted, (1.) from the figure of the breaft being too long;
from the lefs oblique fituation, than ufual, of the ribs; and the refpiratiom
being at the fame time injured, or rendered difficult.

4. In difeafes of children, the nature of which feems very abftrufe, fome light
may perhaps be gained from an accurate view and examination of the ex-
ternal parts ; and therefore it ffiould not be omitted.

5. As often as tubercles, puftules, exanthemata, affecft fome particular
part of the body, we may fufpedt that the fomes of the difeafe lies not far
beneath.

Thus, at length, I have explained a cafe curable by no art ; but, perhaps,

I have been too minute : this, however, I think will not difpleafe thee, as the
fincere in the art are unwilling to be ignorant from what caufes premature
death may fupervene, as often, at lealf, as an opportunity of examining the
body is granted them : for the diffeflion of fuch bodies not only renders the
phyficians more fkilful, but it alfo leflens the grief of parents or friends for
the deceafed,. and takes off the odium from our art, when it is publicly known,
that by no remedies, by no help, no not even by thine, the final period of
life could have been protracfted.

Vi ale, vir candide! May’ll thou long be happy in life, the patron of ufeful arts,
the father and encourager of medical youth !

a r.

[ 17I 1

jF was. a cujlcm very early introduced into the Royal Society, to injert Re-
marks on important Publications, that had any reference to the objects of its
injlitution. It was not unufual to refer fuch works to fome junior member, who
made an epitome of them, or offered fuch critical remarks as he deemed proper to lay
before this learned body. Of this kind is the following Effay . The fucceeding volume
was put into the hands of the learned Dr. William Watfon , of Lincoln s-inn-
fields : his obfervations were printed in the Philofophical Franfablions, vol. xlviii.
p. 1 41. ann. 17 53 ; and this is followed by a letter from Philip Miller , F.R.S. to
Dr. Watfon , concerning a miftake of Profeffor Gmelin, refpebling the Spondylium
vulgare hirfutum of Cafpar Bauhin, vol. xlviii. p. 153.

For fever al years pafi, the Society has not been in the pr a Slice of thus epitomiz-
ing the works of the learned ; it was probably fuggejled , that it gave the Franf ac-
tions of the Society too much the form of a Bibliotheque : it may, however , be
doubted, whether this reformation has added to the merit and reputation of this col-
le Elion of immenfe literature, or been the means of admitting more original and im-
portant communications .

Editor.

/

Z 3

A N

II

feM ••

■ ■ -v

c ’ <•

V ■ •’< ’

- -*\ :

' . - -••v y.V

c. 1 •

•-

s \

:

). c 73 V,

-1 1 . A'

. V \ )

- * ; v : ■

■ • ■■■ v . . • - :

St

■

X 1 . i .

'

• \ v' ' '*> r .

' V V V< ■ ■' V <5

• V-- :i ; : * •

• . ^ _ i ■

<. n

* '

v. ■ . , . • \

..

. ‘ 1

I

" 1 . >

"

[ 173 I

A N

ACCOUNT

OF S O M K

OBSERVATIONS and EXPERIMENTS

MADE IN S I B I R I A ;

Extracted from the Preface to the u Flora Sibirica , five
<c Hiftoria Plant arum Sibirice , tabulis ceri incifis .

tc Au£t. D. Gmelin. Chem. et Hift. Nat. Prof. Petropoli
cc 1747. 4to, vol. i.* ’*

Read before the Royal Society, February 11, 1748.

BY direction of the late Emprefs of Ruflla, feveral Members of the Royal
Academy of Sciences at Peterfburg undertook a journey into Sibiria, in
order to enquire into the natural hiftory of that country, and to make fuch
experiments and obfervations as might tend to give a juft idea of that almoft
unknown region, and to the improvement of phyfics in general.

Dr. John George Gmelin, Profefior of Chemiftry and Natural Hiftory at
Peterfburg, was fent at the head of this deputation, who, befides feveral of his
colleagues, and fome ftudents, had a painter or two, a miner, huntfman, and
proper attendants in his retinue.

He fet out upon this expedition in Auguft 1733, and returned to Pe-
terfburg in February 1742, after having fpent nine whole years in vifiting
almoft every part of Sibiria.

The fruits of this undertaking are defigned to be communicated to the pub-
lic ; and one volume of the Hiftory of Plants has already appeared, under
the title of tc Flora Sibirica , five Hijloria Plant arum Sibiria , Tom. I. continent
*l Tabulas AEri incifas L. Auffiore D. Joh. Geo. Gmelin, Chem. et FUJI. Natur.

* Philofophical Tranfa&ions, N° 486, p. 248^

“ Prof.

174 Account of fome Obfer vat ions and. Experiments made in Sibiria.

a prof, Petropoli Typis Academia Regia Scientiarum 1747.” This is intended
to be followed by feveral others, containing not only a. defcription of the
plants, their locus natalis, dec. but their ufes among the inhabitants, fo far as
the Profeflor could get information concerning them.

In a large preface to this firft volume, the ingenious and indefatigable au-
thor has given us a concife account o|^ Sibiria fp general, its rivers, lakes,
mountains, mines, the nature of the foil, fertility, &c. with feveral judicious
experiments and remarks on the altitude ofi the earth above the level of the
feaj but. efpepially on the qualities of the air in that climate; an abftraft
whereof, at firft drawn up for private entertainment, was thought. not unworthy
of more public notice, and is therefore addrefled to the Royal Society.

The country, whofe natural hiftory Dr. Gmelin has colledted, is of vaft ex-
tent. It is bounded by a chain of mountains called the Wercfyottgian and
Vralian, on the weft.; by the fea of Kamtfchatka, on the eaft; and compre-
hends^ all thofe countries that lie hetwixt the Mare Glaciate , and the. borders
of the Kalmucks and Mongales, to the very confines of China.

The rivers which water this tra<ft are numerous ; fome of them large, and
even receiving ftreams in their courfe, which in other countries would be
looked upon a§ capitals themfelves. The fpace they meafure is no lefs
confiderable. The Jai'k is the firft river of note on the weftern fide. It rifes
under the latitude of 54, of longitude 78, and runs into the Cafpian in 47
of latitude, and 74 of longitude. The Irtifch rifes in the country of the Kal-
mucks, latitude 467, longitude 103; and empties itfelf into the Oby, latitude
6 1, longitude 86. The Oby rifes under 52 latitude, 103-5- longitude, and
lofes itfelf in the Mare Glaciate, latitude 67, longitude 86, after running, a
courfe of near eight hundred leagues, and receiving a great number of rivers
of confiderable note. The Jenifea is not much lefs than the Oby. The
Selenga takes its rife under latitude 48, longitude 114, runs into the lake
Baical in 510 20" latitude : with many others equally confiderable, which it
would be tedious to mention.

The water of thefe rivers is for the moft part frefh, clear, and falubrious.
In fome it is a little brackifh, by the mixture of currents from fait. lakes and
fprings, which abound in many places. They contain fifh of various kinds in
great plenty, and moftly of an excellent flavour.

The lake Baical may deferve fome mention to be made of it, being one of
the greateft frelh water lakes yet difeovered. It extends, according to our au-
thor, from the one hundred and firft degree of longitude, to the one hundred
and twenty-feventh, being upwards of five hundred leagues in length, and is
from twenty-five to eighty leagues in breadth. It is every, where deep and
navigable ; the water is extremely clear, and abounds with great plenty of fine
fifh. It receives a great number of rivet's; but: the Angara alone runs out cf
5 it:

Account of fome Obfervations and Experiments made in Sibiria. 175

it: whicji joining the Tungufca, lofes its name; as this likewife does., when it
runs into the Jenifea.

Salt lakes are common in many parts of Sibiria : fome contain a pure white
fait, well tailed, and fit for ufe ; which, in fummer, is cryftallifed by the heat
of the fun alone, and forms a cruft on the top of the lake. In fome this
grows fo heavy, as to break and fall to the bottom. Befides this kind of pure
common fait, which is fit for ufe, there is another fort, of a bitter tafte, much
refembling the Jal mirabile , found in feveral lakes in this country. Springs
of fait water are fometimes obferved to rife in the midft of frefh water. Our
author allures us, that he has feen feveral fuch ; one efpecially he obferved
rifing through a ftone, in the bed of the river Angara.

Before we difmifs the fait lakes, we may juft mention, that on the banks of
the river Kaptendei, where it runs into the Wilvius, are a great number of
fait fprings, which afford excellent fait ; and that, about thirty leagues above
this place, along the fame Kaptendei, on the right hand, is a hill about
thirty fathom high, and two hundred and ten long, confifting entirely of Jal
gem.

There are fome lakes, which, our author informs us, in the memory of man,
contained only frefh water, but now are very fait. One of this kind, about
forty years ago, abounded with frefh-water filh, but is now become fait, fmel-
ling ftrong of fulphur, with a bitter tafte, and all the filh are killed.

The inhabitants alfured our author, that fome frefh-water lakes have been by
degrees dried up, and that others have appeared where formerly it was dry
ground ; and that even fome of thefe new-formed lakes, which at firft had no
filh in them, are now very plentifully flocked. They have not recourfe to
fubterranean caverns or paffages for a folution of this phenomenon ; but
affert, that ducks, fea-mews, &c. that live upon fifh, carry the eggs from
one lake to another.

In the delcription which our author gives us of the courfe of rivers, fitua-
tion of lakes, &c. he takes notice of the foil, its barrennefs, fertility, &c.
Thefe are different, as it may be fuppofed, in the different parts of fuch an
extenfive climate under fuch latitudes. About the lake Baical is the moft
fruitful trad, and thence is called the granary of that part of Sibiria. They
grow fome little corn about the latitude of 61. They have made of late
fome trials ftill further; but the fuccefs was not known.

In his paffage through Sibiria, he tells us, that he could fcarce think1
himfelf in Afia, till he got over the river Jenifea; till then, he faw no animals,
but fuch as are common in Europe, at leaft may be feen in the plains wafhed
by the lower part of the Volga. The plants and ftones were of the fame kind,)
and the face of the country in general, like other parts of Northern Europe.
But frotn the Jenifea, to the eaft, north, and weft, the climate feemed to be

wholly

176 Account offome Obfervations and Experiments made in Sibiria ,

wholly different, and as if enlivened with new vigour. It is mountainous ; but
thefe mountains are intermixed with rich delightful valleys and fruitful
plains. The animal that affords the mufk, and the mufimon of the ancients,
were now to be met with. Many of the moft common European plants
by degrees difappeared, and others became frequent, which are ftrangers in
Europe. The purity, clearnefs, and falubrity of the waters, the exquifite tafte
of the fifh and fowl, but more efpecially the different genius and way of life
of the inhabitants, plainly proved they were got into another climate. This
remark our author fubmits to the confideration of geographers.

Amongfl the curiofities of Sibiria the Profelfor mentions a place remark-
able for its exceffive coldnefs in the midft of fummer. It is in the province
of Jacutfki, about the middle way to Ochotz along the river Jucanan ; it is
called by the Ruffians Springing Ice, by the natives the Icy Lake. Three other
fuch places occur within the circuit of eighty leagues.

The provinces beyond the lake Baical are mountainous, with high and wide-
extended plains lying betwixt them, which in many places are only covered
with barren fand ; fo that in fome places one may travel through fuch deferts
one, two, or three days together, without finding wood enough to make a
fire, or any other water than that of fait fprings, which are very frequent ;
and being dried up by the fummer heats leave a faline cruft, very much re-
fembling Natron , being of an alcaline nature, with a fulphureous fmell.

The country that borders on the rivers Uruncan and Gafimur is extremely
rich and fruitful. The face of the country is delightful, and its produce
to the hufbandman almoft exceeding his hopes : but what renders it ftill more
furprifing is, that a country, whofe foil yields to few in fertility, and the
beauty of its bloom, fhould yet cover immenfe riches in its bofom. Here
are mines of gold and filver, which have long been worked to advantage :
the veins are rich, and lie fhallow ; yet communicate no poifonous effluvia to
the vegetables that cover them : nor do thofe diftinguifhing marks of fterility
appear here, which in moft other mining countries are fo obfervable.

The higheft part of Sibiria is towards the fprings of the rivers Argun,
Schilca, &c. about the 49th degree of latitude, 130th longitude. This
part is deftitute of marble and lime-ftone, which are almoft every where to be
met with in the lower tradbs both of Sibiria and Rufiia : no petrifications are
to be found here, either of the teftaceous or cruftaceous animals ; and the veins
of ore are always found near the furface, never entering deep into the earth-.
Befides the mines of gold and filver above-mentioned, copper and iron are
found in feveral places ; likewife the Glacies Mari or Mufcovy Glals, is
dug near the river Mama. Loadftones are alfo got in Sibiria ■, and in feveral
of the rivers, beautiful tranfparent pebbles and cryftals occur.

I fhall only add, that there are fome natural warm baths in feveral parts of

Sibiria,

Account of fome Obfervations and Experiments made in Sibiria.. tyy

Sibiria, and Tome of them of a moft agreeable temperature; and proceed to
the account of our author’s obfervations and experiments on the height of
the earth, &c.

Pauda is allowed to be the higheft of all that ridge of mountains called
Werkoturian. Our author endeavoured to take the height of it by means
of the barometer.

On the nth of December 1742, at our author’s lodgings at the foot of
Pauda, the mercury in the barometer, in a cold place, but within doors, flood at
26 Paris meafure. Pie then carried it up the mountain as high as he
could go, which was about one-third of the whole height, where he hung
up the barometer on a tree, from nine to eleven in the forenoon, making a
good fire pretty near it, left the intenfe cold, which funk the quickfilver in
De Lifie’s thermometer to 201, fhould affedt the barometer, and lead him to
aferibe that to gravity, which was only owing to the contradtion of cold.

Under thefe circumftances the quickfilver funk to 25-fVV

Hence, according to M. Cafiini’s calculation, our author’s firft ftation will
be 941 feet higher than the level of the fea ; the fecond on Pauda 1505 feet,
and the whole height of this mountain 4515, or 752 Paris toifes ; which added
to 941 feet, the height of his lodgings at the foot of Pauda, makes 54 56
feet, or 909 toifes, the height of Pauda’s top above the fea ; fuppofing the
level of the fea to be 28 inches, as the Paris academicians have fixed it: though
this differs from obfervations made on the barometer at the fea-coaft of Kamt-
fchatka at Bolcheretz ; where, from experiments made above two years, the
mean height of the mercury was 27 inches, 6t lines. And at Ochotz, dur-
ing a year’s obfervations, the mean height was found to be 27 inches and about
8 f lines.

Hence it would appear, that the fea of Kamtfchatka is higher, with refpedt to
the earth’s center, than the Ocean and Mediterranean ; and at Bolcheretz
higher than at Ochotfki.

The following lift of barometrical obfervations, made in various parts of
Sibiria, will lhew the different heights of the different tradts in it.

The mean height of the barometer, from a year and?

10 months obfervations at Ircuts, was — \

Its height above the fea will then be — —

At Selengia, 1 month’s obfervations — —

Its height above the fea — — —

At Kiachta, a town on the confines of China, 12 days?
obfervations in April and May, mean height — j

Feet.

Toifes.

Inches.

^6 3 8-
I 0 O

T355

or 226

0 c 9 s

I779

or 296

^ J i o"o

25 tVo

A a

Its

1 78 Account of fome Obfervations and Experiments made in Sibiria.

Its height — — —

At Nertfchia, from 20 days obfervations in June
The height above the fca —

At the filver mines at Argun, 9 days in July
The height above the fea —

Our author adds feveral judicious reflections upon the time and manner of
making thefe obfervations, in order to determine any thing with certainty,
which he has endeavoured to keep ftriCtly to in thefe experiments; and
concludes, that the plains in fome parts beyond the lake Baical, are almoft
as high as the tops of high mountains in fome other countries; Mount Maf-
fane, according to the French geometricians, being but about 408 toifes
high, which differs but little from the plain country at Kiachta; which,
yet has confiderable mountains rifing in its neighbourhood.

From whence our author concludes, that the elevation of the earth, in this
trad, above the level of the fea, is very great, compared with the weft part of
Sibiria and Europe f.

The air of Sibiria, with refpeft to its gravity, is, as in other countries, the
nearer the fea the heavier ; and the more remote, the lighter : fo that at
Kiachta, fcarce one perfon in our author’s retinue efcaped without fome
indifpofition. They were feized after their arrival, fame with acute fevers,
others complained of extreme laflitude and dejection. It was in the fpring
feafon, the weather moderate, their manner of living regular, nor had they
been much fatigued with their journey ; in ftiort, they could attribute, it to no
other caufe than the lightnefs of the air.

In thefe provinces, viz. beyond the lake Baical, our author tells us, that

* In the copy before me appears to be a great miftake, either of the printer, or in the ma-
nufcript ; it being put down in words at length, bis tnille quadringevtarum Orgyarum cunt dimidia $,
which is impoflible ; and the number of feet is not exadt, according to other calculations.

f M. I>e la Condamine, in his voyage through the inland part of South America, makes
Quito to be between 14 and 1500 toifes above the level of the fea,

Suppofe » ■ - 1450

He tells us, that Pichincha is 750 higher ■■ — - » 750

This makes in the whole, above the level of the fea — - — 2200 toifes,

P. Martel, engineer, in his account of the Glacieres in Savoy, printed at London 1742, tells us,
that the barometer at Geneva, by the fide of the Rhone, flood at 27 T\ I. which is 656 feet above
the level of the fea, according to Scheuchzer ; and that the higheft point of Mont Blanc, mea«-
fured partly by the barometer, and where inacceffible from the fnow that covers it, by trigono-
metrical operations, is 12,459 feet> Gr fomewhat more than 2,076 toifes above the level of the
Rhone; which, added to the height of this above the fea, makes 13,1 15 French feet, or about
two Englilh miles and two-thirds.

— 2400 or 400* —

■ 25 TW

— 1738 or 298

— • 2121 or

interm ittents

Account of fame Obfervations ami Experiments made in Sibina. 179

intermittents are feldom heard of, and ophthalmies are endemic ; but that,
in the fenny trails which lie near the Oby and Janifea, intermitting fevers
are very frequent.

The coldnefs of the air of Sibiria is of all others, of the molt remarkable
quality. In fome places it fnows frequently in September, and not feldom in
May. In Jacutlk, if the corn is not ready to cut in Auguft, which often
is the cafe, the fnow fometimes prevents it, and buries the harveft all toge-
ther. At Jacutlk, the ProfelTor ordered a hole to be dug in the earth, in a
high open place, on the 18th of June 3 the mold was 11 inches deep; below
that was fand about 2f feet; it then began to feel hard, and in half a foot
more it was froze as hard as polfible. In a lower place, at no great diftance
from this, he ordered another hole to be .dug : the foil was 10 inches; foft
fand 2 feet 4 inches ; below this, all was congealed ; fo that the earth is
fcarcely thawed even in fummer above four feet deep.

Our author inclines to the received opinion, that the eaftern climates under
the fame latitude are colder than the weftern ; and thinks this is confirmed
by experiments made in different parts of Sibiria.

The mercury in De Lille’s thermometer often funk in winter in very
fouthern parts of this country, as near Selinga, to near 226, which is equal
to 55 ~ below o. in Fahrenheit’s thermometer. But the cold is often much
more intenfe than this, as appears by the following experiments, made at
Kirenginlki.

Feb. 10, 1738. At eight in the morning the mercury Hood at 240
degrees in De Lille ; which is 72 below o. in Fahrenheit’s.

On the 20th it funk one degree.

At the fame place in 1736,

Dec. 11. At three in the afternoon, 254 in De Lille.

Almoft 90 below o. in Fahrenheit.

Dec. 20. Four o’clock, p. m. 263 in De Lille.

99 Tiro below o. in Fahrenheit.

D. F.

Nov. 27. Twelve at noon, 270= 107 T-o-V below o.

Jan. 9. — . 275 = 113^.

17 35, Jan. 5. Five in the morn. 260.

Six — 280 = 120.

Eight — 250, and rofe by degrees till eleven

at night, when it Hood at 252.

Such an excefs of cold, could fcarcely have been fuppofed to exift, had

A a 2 not

180 Account of fome Obfervations and Experiments made in Sibiria,

not experiments, made with the great-ell exadtnefs, demonftrated the reality
of it.

During this extreme froft at Janifea, the magpies andfparrows dropped down
as they flew, and to all appearance dead ; though they moftly recovered when
brought into a warm room. This was quite new to the inhabitants of that
country; though it frequently happens in Germany in much lefs intenfe cold,
when the weather fets in at once very fevere.

The air, fays our author, was at that time extremely unpleafant; it feemed
as if itfelf was froze, being dark and hazy ; and it was fcarce poflible even
to bear the cold in the door-way for three or four minutes.

Thefe experiments, our author affures us, were made with all poflible exadt-
nefs, and agree with many otheffc, made in different parts of Sibiria by his
diredtion ; and from thefe we may conclude, that the cold in Sibiria is more
intenfe than it has yet been found to be in any other part of the world.

It was not apprehended that a greater degree of cold exifted any where,
than that artificial one produced by Boerhaave, by means of concentrated
fpirit of nitre, which funk the mercury 40 degrees below o. in Fahrenheit’s
thermometer ; which was fuppofed to be the point beyond which no animal
could bear it.

But the utmofl: limits of cold are yet unknown ; or to what degree an
animal can fubfift in it, when inured to it by little and little. The hiftory of
heat is alike imperfedl. The celebrated Profeffor above-mentioned was in-
duced to think, that a man could not bear, without the utmofl: danger, a
greater heat than that which would raife the mercury to 90 in Fahrenheit’s;
but an ingenious and accurate correfpondent of our author’s at Aftrachan
informs him, that it not only rifes there to this degree frequently, but
even to 100, and he has feen it ic>3f. Even in the bagnios in Ruffia, the heat
is often equal to 100 : it fometimes makes the quickfilver afcend to 108,
10, and to 1 16, as may be tried every day; and yet people not only bear
them with impunity a few minutes, but often ftay half an hour or an
hour.

One neceffary obfervation our author makes, which is, that the ball or
tube containing the mercury ought to be as dry as poflible 'on the outfide,
during thefe or any other trials with the thermometer; for the adhering
moifture, by forming a cooler atmofphere round it, has fometimes occafioned
a difference of ten degrees.

Thefe are fome principal fadls given us by our author in his preface, re-
lative to the natural hiftory of Sibiria in general : what follows chiefly regards
the work it is prefixed to.

10 As

Account of fome Obfervations and Experiments made in Sibiria, 1 8 i

As a juft idea of this part cannot be exhibited in a narrow compafs, the
curious in this branch of fcience muft be referred to the book itfelf.

I have only to acknowledge with gratitude the inftrudtion and entertain-
ment I have received from this elaborate work : it is a tribute juftly due
to the learned and ingenious author, in return for the pains he has taken, and
the fatigue he has endured in this inhofpitable region •, and to entreat your
indulgence, if I have flattered myfelf too much, in apprehending this ex-
cerpt might afford you fome amufement.

A N

.

■

3 '• t

: . ’ ■

!f|? ’ ' ' ■

. • - 1

.

A N

ACCOUNT

OF THE

PUTRID SORE-THROAT.

[ 185 1

PREFACE *

W HEN the following treatife was firft publifhed in the year 1748, the
difeafe which is the fubjedt of it was not generally known in England,
though it had fpread like a plague through many of the fouthern parts of
Europe about a century before, and had carried off great numbers of people,
children efpecially.

From the time of its ftrft appearing in this nation, it has vifited many parts
of the kingdom, with different degrees of violence, as different caufes con-
tributed to render it more or lefs malignant.

It is probable that this kind of Sore-throat may continue amongft us for
the future, breaking out with more or lefs feverity, as feafons, fituations,
and other circumftances, may concur. And,

Though its afpedt has fometimes varied, according to the epidemic con-
llitution, yet upon the whole it has feldom, in any place that I have heard of,
deviated fo far from the following defcription, as to leave it doubtful under
what fpecies of difeafe it ought to be ranked.

Warranted by the authority of thofe Phyficians who had early and ex-
tenfive opportunities of obferving this diftemper in Italy, Spain, and other
countries, at its firft breaking out in Europe, as well as by the experience of
fome Phyficians at home, the late very eminent and learned Dr. Letherland
particularly, inflead of treating it as an inflammatory difeafe, which a Sore-
throat was generally deemed to be in this country, a warmer regimen was pro-
pofed, and fuch as is molt commonly purfued in putrid fevers, and diforders
allied to them.

This method has for the moft part fucceeded very happily and it now
feems to be the concurrent opinion of the moft experienced in the faculty,
that a generous and cordial regimen, is in this fpecies of Sore-throat the mofl
falutary.

Amongft all the fymptoms which attend this difeafe, there is none more
formidable than perpetual watchfulnefs, with a delirium. Thefe fymptoms
moft commonly affedt adults, and efpecially the fanguine and plethoric.

The throat, in thefe circumftances, is feldom much ulcerated; this part
is the leaft of their complaints : the patients are hot, reftiefs, and, though

* The fixth and laft edition of this interefting produ&ion was reprinted in 1777 ; to which, and
the preceding edition only, this Preface was prefixed. Editor.

B b delirious.

delirious, are fenfible for a moment, and anfwer queitions put to them, not
improperly. The fkin is covered with a deep eryfipelatous rednefs, and
always dry, as they are continually moving about. The pulfe is quick, fmall,
and hard ; the urine various, often turbid, yet fometimes clear and flame-
coloured.

In fuch cafes -bleeding feems not only allowable, but neceflfary, efpecially
by cupping from the back of the head, or by leeches from the temples;
from the arm perhaps it might occafion too great faintnefs ; and a retreat
of that eruption, which though no critical difeharge, but rather a fymptom
of malignity, ought not to be reprefted.

After bleeding, the Bark, conjoined with alexipharmacs, as the Ample
or compound powder of Contrnyerva , Con fe Elio Cardiac a, or the like, may
be exhibited, in quantity and frequency proportioned to the age and
fymptoms.

The ufe of the Bark in the cure of this difeafe, was unknown to the early
pradlitioners. It is but of late that this celebrated medicine has been ufed
with freedom in this as well as in other putrid difeafes, and with great
advantage.

The difficulty of prevailing upon children afflidted.with this diftemper to
take any kind of medicine, put me early on trying the Bark in clyfters,
and fometimes when there feemed very little chance of relieving them by
any means. To very young children, two or three drachms of the Bark, in
fine powder, have been given every fix hours, in three or four ounces of
broth, as a clyfter, adding a fmall quantity of the Eleft. e Scordio to the fecond
or third, if the firft was difeharged too fpeedily; and this has faved many,
when not a drop of any medicine, and fcarcely any kind of nourifliment,
could be fw allowed.

Adults may take half a drachm of the powder in an ounce and a half of the
decotftion, warmed with any grateful compound water, every two or three
hours j taking particular care to prevent any confiderable tendency to a
diarrhoea, from the ufe of the medicine.

Tree, but not cold air, plenty of liquid nutriment and generous, with con-
ftant attention to keep the patients clean, their mouths and throats often
walked, and their linen changed, contribute greatly to the cure of this
difeafe. While their fkin is covered with that deep efflorefcence, if they are
at all fenfible, they often complain of the leaft admiflion of cold air, and
very frequently of much ficknefs and opprefiion, if this efflorefcence fpeedily
difappears.

To favour this eruption, it will always be proper to put thofe who are
feized with this diftemper to bed as early after feizure as poffibie, and to give
the mild and cordial diaphoretics. And, as a prefervative, I have often

recommended

Preface . 1 87

recommended the Bark to be given both in decoCtion and fubftance, with the
addition of fuch a quantity of the volatile tinCture of Guaiacum , as may render
it gently purgative.

Though the Faculty and the Public are now fufficiently convinced of the
exiftence of this diftemper, and it may feem, therefore, needlefs to continue
fo many teflimonies of it yet as this recapitulation may ferve as an index
to fome of the moll: approved authors on the fubjeCt, it may not be without
its ufe to inquifitive practitioners j and others may eafily pafs it over to a
part in which they are more immediately interefted, viz. the knowledge and
cure of this difeafe, as it has appeared, and ftill continues to appear, in
many parts of this nation,.

7. F.

Nov.. 25, 1769,

B b 2

PART

, k . . : ‘ ' V. - •

t f

’

.. k - ■ - ■ > : ■ i . iu ' . . - i * i ■ • L i o

. • • •• -

■ ; . .

• I •' ‘ :

-

4 .14.. J ^ A - -

.

' •- : ' "

\ . , *’ • - " '
• • . , -UIj - - ■ ■

v

' '• 1 *

,«** *■

i

[ * * * §89 ]

PART I.

Of the SORE-THROAT attended with ULCERS;

As it appeared in Spain, Italy, Sicily, &c.

THE difeafe which is called, by the Spaniards, Garrotillo * } by the Ita-
lians, and other nations. Morbus ftrangulatorius , Pejlilens Faucium Affeblus,
JLpidemica Gutturis Lues , and by divers other appellations f ; is faid to have
appeared firft in Spain about the year 1610; to have fpread from thence
to Malta, Sicily, Otranto, Apulia, Calabria, and the Campagnia, in the fpace
of a few years; and to have broke out at Naples in 1618, where it conti-
nued upwards of 2.0 years ravaging the different parts of that kingdom

It is not certainly known how much longer it remained in thefe countries,
or to what others it was communicated at that time, its declenfion being as
obfcure as the caufes it fprung from. That it wholly difappeared in thefe
parts, foon after the time above-mentioned, feems probable, from the filence
of thofe phyficians, who have publifhed their obfervations made in the places,
which had fo feverely felt the effects of this diftemper.

Several writers, as Wierus §, Forreftus ||, Ramazzini **, and others, take
notice of epidemic affeditions of the throat, in fome refpedls refembling the
difeafe here defcribed ; but a little attention to the fymptoms of each will, I

* Ab Hifpanis Garrotillo appellatur, ut eadem patiantur Angina laborantes, qure facinoro/1
homines, cum injedto circa collum fune ftrangulantur. Epill. R. Moreau ad Th. Barth. Epill.
Med. Cent. i. p. 336.

f Aftedtus fuffocatorius, Carbunculus anginofus, Phlegmone anginofa, Angina peftilentialis.
Morbus Gulas, Morbus Puerorum, Peftilens ac prasfocans pueros abfceffus, Tonfillae pellilentes,
Ai^ooi Xoipahi;, Apthae malignae, Paflio anginofa, Laqueus gutturis, &c. Vide Cortef. Mifcel.
Med p. 666. Severin. et Epill. Ren. Moreau ad Th. Barthol. de Laryngotoqjia.

% Severin. de recondita abfcelTum natur. p. 44 6.

§ Job. Wieri Obfervat. lib. vi. de Angina peftilfenti epidemica, Oper, p. 910.

|| Pet. Forreft. Obfervat. lib. vi. de Febribus publice grafiantibus, p. m. 150.

** Bern. Ramazzini Conliitutiones Epidem. Oper. p. 195, & feq.

think.

190 Account of the ■putrid Sore-throat.

think, difcover an effential difference between them. The fame, I think,,
may be faid of the fore-throat and the fcarlet fever, which Ihewed itfelf at
Edinburgh in 1733 *.

Tournefort, in his voyage to the Levant f, feems to have met with this
difeafe in the ifiands of the Archipelago; at lead: fo far as one can judge
from the imperfedt defcription we have of it. His account is as follows :

“ When we were in this ifland (Milo) there raged a terrible diftemper,
<c not uncommon in the Levant ; it carries off children in twice 24 hours :
<c it is a carbuncle or plague-fore in the bottom of the throat, attended with
“ a violent fever. This malady, which may be called the child’s plague,
“ is epidemical, tho’ it fpares adult people. The beft way to check the
“ progrefs of it, is to vomit the child the moment he is perceived to grow
“ heavy-headed. This remedy muff be repeated, according as there is oc-
“ calion, in order to evacuate a fort of aqua fortis that difcharges itfelf on
<f the throat. It is neceffary to fupport the circulation of the juices, and the
*« ftrength of the patient, with fpirituous things ; fuch as the 'Theriaca , Spir.
“ vol. oleoj. aromat. and the like. The folution of liquid llyrax in brandy
“ is an excellent gargarifm upon this occafion. Tho’ it is a cafe that requires
“ the greateft difpatch, the Levantines are feldorn much in hafte in the cure
“ of any difeafe.”

This account does not difagree in generaf with that which has been left
us of the morbus Jlrangulatorius only he is lingular in afferting it to arife
from a kind of aqua fortis difcharged upon the parts ; but his favourite ftudy
had engroffed his attention, and to this we muft impute both the prefent
miftake, and his want of accuracy and precifion too frequently, when he
treats upon medical fubjedts.

When it firft broke out in the countries above-mentioned, it foon engaged
the phyficians of thofe times, as well to obfer/e its nature, effedts, and what-
ever might contribute to its cure, as to vindicate their refpedlive fyftems;
and opinions ; and out of fuch of the tradls then publilhed as I have had
an opportunity of perufing, the following account of it, as it appeared at:
that time, has been collected.

Ludovicus Mercatus, phyiician to Philip II. and III. Kings of Spain, among
his Confultations, publilhed in tome Y. of his works £, has one upon this
difeafe §. He mentions it as a calamity which had but newly appeared, and

* Medical Effays, vol. iii. p. 26.

f Tournefort’s Voyage to the Levant, vol. i. p. 135.

J D. Ludovici Mercati, medici a cubiculo Philippi III. Hifpaniarum Regis, 8cc. Oper. Tom. 5,
Francof. 1614.

$ De Faucium et Gutturis anginolis et lethalibus Ulceribus. Confultatio xxiv. p. 137.

at

Account of the putrid Sore-throat . 191

at that time affetfted feveral provinces and cities of that kingdom. He has
related only one cafe ; but in commenting upon it, according to the me-
thod of writing on difeafes then in ufe, he takes notice of feveral circum-
ftances relative to it, and makes fome obfervations refpefting the cure,
which, tho’ they feern to have been negle<fted by many who fucceeded him,
experience hath fince fhewn to be juft : fome of thefe. will be pointed out
in their proper places ; and, confidering that he wrote very foon after the
diftemper broke out, the approbation prefixed to this part of his work be-
ing dated in 1612, they are a proof of his attention and fagacity.

Johannes Andreas Sgambatus, a phyfician of Naples, publifhed a treatife
upon this fubje£t in 1620 *. He gives us a methodical and pretty exabl
hiftory of the fymptoms, and method of cure both general and topical, toge-
ther with a fummary view of the difputes, which were at that time ma-
naged with fufficient heat and acrimony, in relation to its name, caufe, and
nature ; about which they were as much divided as they were about the me-
thod of cure ; each party appealing to Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, &c.
for the fupport of their opinions concerning a difeafe, which it is not certain
that thofe whom they appeal to ever knew.

Johannes Baptifta Cortefius, in his Mifcellanea Medica J, takes notice of this
difeafe, and defcribes its principal fymptoms, in a letter to Jo. Anton. An-
guilloni, phyfician in chief to the Makefe gallies. He confiders it indeed as
a different diftemper from that which infefted Naples, and other parts of
Italy; tho’, from his own account of it, there appears little reafon to queftion
its being the fame. He feems to have been led into this miftake, by confi-
dering the difeafe he treats of, as contagious only in a certain limited fenfe,
whilft the Italians, as fome of the Spaniards had a-lfo done, declared theirs to
be peftilential and contagious without reftriftion. He allows, that the breath
of a perfon affefted might convey the contagious effluvia to another near
at hand ; and gives an inftance of one who got the difeafe, and died of it,
by trying, at his friend’s requelt, who then laboured under this difeafe, if his
breath was affefted J ; for from this circumftance they gueffed at the degree
of danger attending the fick.

In

* De peftilente Faucium afFe&u Neapoli Faeviente, opufculum, audtore Jo. Andrea Sgambato,
philofopho ac medico Neapolitano, et academico otiofo. Neapoli excudebat Tarquinius Longus,
J620, in qto.

f Joannis Baptiftae Cortefii, medici ac philofophi, in Meffanenfi academia praxim ordinariam
e prima fede interpretan tis, Mifcellaneorum Medicinalium Decades Denae. Mefianae 1625, in fol.

t Divi Francifci Cuftos, vir do&rina et moribus inFignis, hac lue obfefFus, tonfillas Folummodo
et gargareonem inflammatione laeFa habebat, et continuo querebatur Fe percipere in ore Fcetorem
quendam ; et ut hac de re certior redderetur, ad Fe vocavit baccalaureum quendam fibi ami-
ciffimum, qui maximo affedtu aiFiftebat, rogavitque ut vellet olFacere, percipereque naribus, an

verum

I

192 Account of the putrid Sore- throat.

In 1636, iEtius Cletus, of Signia in Italy, published his treatife De Morbo-
ftrangulatorio *. He mentions fome fa<5b relating to it, that had efcaped
Sgambatus and Cortefius, which will be taken notice of hereafter.

Marcus Aurelius Severinus, ProfefTor of Anatomy and Surgery, and phy-
fician to the Hofpital of Incurables at Naples,, wrote a diftertation upon this
difeafe, under the title of Ptedanchone Loimodes , feu de pefiilente ac prafocante
Pueros Abfceffu ■, and annexed it to the fecond edition of his book De recondita
Abfceffuum Naturay which was printed in 1643 f. From a perfon of his
capacity, and furnifhed with the belt opportunities of feeing the difeafe in
every ftage and condition, we might reafonably have expedted fuch obferva-
tions as would enable one to form a juft idea of this diftemper ; but we meet
with little of this kind in his performance. He has indeed mentioned fome
circumftances relating to its hiftory, not taken notice of by the other writers
I have feen, and his method of cure is different from the reft ; but he re-
fers us to others for an account of the fymptoms, and contents himfelf with
reciting and commenting upon Aretseus’s defcription of the JJlcera Syriaca ,
which he takes for granted to have been the fame with the difeafe at that time
infefting Naples ; tho’ very probably without fufficient reafon.

Petrus Michael de Heredia, phyfician to Philip IV. King of Spain, in
his Difputationes de Morbis acutis3 treats of this difeafe exprefsly in feveral
chapters under the title of Angina Maligna. His hiftory of the fymptoms
contains feveral circumftances which were not taken ncdce of by any other
writer I have feen ; fo that though he was probably among the laft of the
Spanifh phyficians who wrote upon this fubjedft yet the diligence of his
predeceffors had not wholly exhaufted it. In the fecond edition of Heredia’s
works, which was that I made ufe of J, nothing appears whereby to after-
tain the time exadtly when he wrote his account ; but as he mentions the
Polyanthea of De la Parra, which, according to Ren. Moreau in Barthoiine’s

verum eftet talem fcetorem emittere, an ab ejus imaginatione prodiret : olfecit baccalaureus,.
me (fcil. Cortefto) prsefente, et multis aliis : at ftatim non multis elapfis horis decubuit fola fau-
cium et glandularum inflammatione vexatus, abfque aliqua manifefta corruptione partium,.
omnibufque prsfidiis ex arte faftis, quarto die fuffocatus periit ; et tamen Cuftodem non tetigerat,
fed Mo olfaftu aerem ab ore prodeuntem naribus traxerat : quare ab hujufmodi exemplo veni in
fententiam hunc morbum non effe abfque aliqua contagione. Cort. Mifcel. p. 698^

* De morbo ftrangulatorio, opus aEtii Cleti Signini, doftoris medici et philofophi. Roms
1636, Svo.

f De recondita abfcelTuum natura, libri 8. Marci Aurelij Severini Tharfienfis, philofophi et
medici, regio in gymnafto Neapolitano anatomes et chirurgiae profeftoris. Editio fecunda, Fran-
cofurti ad Masnam 1643. And again printed with Barthoiine’s Exercitationes, as a commentary
upon it, and Villani’s Therapeuta Neapolitanus, feu Veni mecum Confultor. Neapoli 1653.

% Petri Michaelis de Heredia Complutenfis — Philippi IV. Hifpaniarum regis archiatri — Opera
medicinalia — Lugduni 1673. fbl.

?

Epiftles,.

Account of the putrid Sorest hr oat . E93

Epiftles, was printed at Madrid in 1625, it is plain that he mull have
written after this time.

One might juftly expert fome curious obfervations upon this difeafe, from
a perfon fo well qualified for it as Thomas Bartholine : he was in Italy whilff:
it raged there, and, it might be fuppofed, would be attentive to the mi-
nuted circumdance relating to it, and be inquifitive enough to know what
men of character had faid upon it. But the Treatife which he wrote upon
this difeafe, and publiflied in 1646 *, contains fo little to the purpofe, that
it is difficult to conceive for what end it was written, unlefs to compliment
his mader Severinus, which he does very liberally f .

According to the accounts which have been left by thefe Authors, it ap-
pears, that the difeafe which they defcribe was extremely malignant, and
mod particularly fatal to children, though adults, if they were much con-
verfant about the fick, were very often feized with it 3 yet more of thefe
recovered in proportion than of children 3 and it was obferved, that more
boys got well through the difeafe than girls: fome thought, that fuch of this
fex as had black eyes fuffered more from it than others.

As it was fometimes obferved to carry off whole families together, and
to fpread to thofe places fird, between which, and the countries affedled
by it, the communication was mod frequent 3 and alfo that children, fent away
from the towns where it raged, in order to avoid it, efcaped whild they were
kept at a didance, but had it on their return, if the difeafe was not ex-
tinguilhed ; it was alrnod univerfally allowed to be contagious

Thofe who were feized with it, fird complained of a pain or forenefs in
the throat, with a diffnefs of the neck, an uneafinefs on moving it, as if a

• Thomse Bartholini de Angina Puerorum Campania: Sicilijeque epidemica exercitaticnes,
Lut. Parifior. 164.6.

t Zacutus Lufitanus alfo mentions this difeafe, and relates an unhappy inftancc pf its effe&sin
the following terms :

In his partibus (fcil. faucibus) ex humoris virulenti affluxu gignuntur carbunculofte inflam-
mationes, quae peftis dirae, aut veneni promptiflimi inftar, contagio quodam, pueros et adultos
corripiunt ; et faevis inaleficentiflimiique ftipat;e fymptomatis citiflimam necem inferre folent.
Malum in Hifpania non multis abhinc annis frequens, vulgus medicorum Hifpano fermone Garrotillo
nuncupat j de cujus effentia, periculo, bre.vitate, et complicatione uftiyi et ulperofi tumoris, ac
deleteria corruptione, laconice dicam. Hoc fuit preffus biennis infans, fanguineus et obefus. Primo
die ex catarrhofa defluxione in fuffocationem pene incurrit, difficulter refpirabat, et Jac deglutiebat,
et febri acuta affedtus, nec plorare poterac. In parte gutturis dextra externa glandulofus apparuit
tumor cum dolore multo. Secunda die intra fauces ulcus vjfum eft ad nigrum vergens, quod putri-
lago et mollities malta comitabantur ; et ab ore fcetor horribilis prodibat, magnum certe corrup-
tionis complete indicium. Tertio die nullis adjutus auxiliis ft/angulatus eft extindlus. De Praxi
Medic. Admiranda, lib. 1. obferv. 20.

x Quod ad contagium attinet, hoc communi omnium confenfu atque experimento evincitur.
Severin. p. 442.

C c

cord

194 Account of the putrid Sore •throat.

cord was twilled about it, a difficulty in fwallowing, and frequently in
breathing alfo, with a difagreeable fetid fmell and tafle. On infpeflion, the
Uvula, the Tenjils, Pharynx, and the whole Fauces, appeared of a remarkably
florid red colour, like that attending an Eryfi-pelas : this colour was not uni-
formly intenle, but fome parts feemed to be of a deeper dye than others*
The parts above-mentioned were fwelled more or lefs, though not always
fb much as to affect refpiration, as in a common Angina.

If the attack was violent, they had an extreme difficulty in breathing,
and alfo in fwallowing, with a kind of compreffive pain and ftraitnefs of
the breaft and back, a rednefs of the whole face and neck, great heat of all
the parts affected, the voice much injured, an unquenchable thirft, and the
patient feemingly in danger of being choaked *. In fome, the fwelling and
ulcers of the fauces were apparent upon looking into the mouth ; in others,
nothing could be feen, but a moil offenfive putrid fmell was perceivable. A
fever came on with the other fymptoms, and was frequently accompanied
with fmall pimples and eruptions like flea-bites. In very bad cafes, this
fever, which Mercatus calls a molt malignant one f, did not always difcover
its violence or malignity at firft ; but it was not the lefs formidable on this
account

On the fame day, or the day following, fuch parts of the fauces as at firft
feemed to be of a deeper colour than the reft, turned white, afh- coloured,
or black : this was not occafioned by any cruft or matter fuperinduced upon
the parts, but proceeded from, a gangrenous colliquation of them, the fub-
fiance itfelf being mortified.

The voice was hoarfe and obfcure, not as in a common cold, but as it is in
thofe people who have venereal ulcers in the throat :: fb that, from this affec-
tion of the voice alone, fome were able to guefs at the difeaie §.

The neck and throat fbon after began to fwell externally ; the tumour was
of a foft oedematous kind, and increafed in magnitude as the difeafe ad-
vanced. All the fymptoms were aggravated during the night. If the
patients had any interval of quiet, it was commonly in the day-time ||,

# difficultas refpirandi, et non raro deglutiendi, cum peftoris et dorfi dolore ac veluti

compreflione fuffocante, fimul cum peftilente edore, et vehementi harum omnium partium ardone,.
et rubore totius oris et colli, cum vocis et loquelae vitio, ac lingua extra&ione, et liti incom-
pefcibili. Mercati Confult. p. 136.

f Maxime ob maligniflimam febrem, quam plerumqne fihi adjunftam babet, &c. Confult.
p. 136.

t — nec multum fidere oportet, fi febris mox non apparuit aut fuccrefcat, nam fajpe citius
fufFoeat affe&io, quam caufa fuccendatur ; ac non raro malignitas humoris corrumpit fpiritus et
mortem accelerat, fine eo quod febris fuccendatur. Mercat. Confult. p. 137.

§ Severin. p. 44a.

^ Sgambat.

*

About

Account of the putrid Sore-throat . 195

About the fourth day this tumour was generally grown very large, and the
white places in the fauces began to turn black ; a putrid corrofive fanies was
difcharged by the mouth and noftrils * ; the breath grew extremely offenfive }
refpiration, if hitherto not much affefted, now became difficult, and the pa-
tient expired in a very ftiort time.

Though this was the common progrefs of the difeafe, where it terminated
unhappily, yet it often varied from this type, and was attended with very dif-
ferent fymptoms. Some had an extreme difficulty of breathing almoft from
the firft j fome had a violent cough ; fome were comatous ; others had a de-
lirium ; fome died in a lethargic ltupor ; others bled to death at the nofe ;
whilft others again had none of thefe fymptoms, but were carried off fud-
denly by an inftantaneous fuffocation. The eefophagus in fome was fphacelated
down to the ftomach ; the afpera arteria , in others, to the lungs. As thefe
could only breathe in an ere<5t pofition ; fo thofe could fwallow nothing when
the parts were fo affefted. The noftrils difcharged a fetid ichor, fometimes
mixed with blood; and fometimes blood alone, without mixture. This
bleeding at the nofe feemed at firft, in one cafe, to give relief ; but the pa-
tient foon after died f . Mercatus relates an inftance of a child that had the
difeafe, in which the acrimony of the humour difcharged from the ulcers was
fo great as to inflame the nurfe’s breaft, and brought on a mortification. He
alfo tells us, that the father of the child whofe cafe is defcribed above, hav-
ing frequently put his finger in the child’s mouth, to draw out the vifcid
phlegm, had his finger inflamed, and was feized with the fame diftemper J.

Thefe were the fymptoms in general, and they judged of the event by the
mildnefs of their progrefs, or the contrary : though it was agreed, that no-
thing could be more fallacious than this difeafe ; and that the moft ex-
perienced were often deceived in their prognoftic.

If the rednefs of the fauces above defcribed, which appeared at firft being
feized, was fucceeded by an ulceration, without any of that whitenefs (which

* Quibus etiam accedit fublimis refpiratio et alta ac fpirituum revulfio, cum maxima pinnarutn
liafi diftenfione. — Saniei per os et nares excretio, variis ulcerum coloribus et intenfiflimo fcetore
naufeam plerumque movente cum fordida excretione. In aliquibus vero extra, prope cervicem,
et infra mentum glandulae apparent, peitiferi morbi naturam redolentes, et univerfa cervix, et
collum intumefcunt, et fauces cum robore faturato, inftar laqueo fuffocatorum. Merc. Confult.
p. 136.

t Severin. p. 44.0.

X erat quidem dira humoris conditio adeo perniciofa, efficax et contagiofa, quod di»

gitum patris indicem, quo extrahebat eum fuccum ab ore filii, mordicaret, et in ruborem moveret
cum dolore : tandem mox pater conquerebatur de difficultate refpirandi et deglutiendi cum dolore
et tumore faucium, ac faturato colore, et glandulis extra apparentibus juxta mentum. Ex quibus
fecundo die halitum prave olentem expirabat; ita ut jure optimo poilis colligere, ccntagio filii
patrem fuiffe affeftum. Mercat. Conf. p. 139.

C C 2

for

196 Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

for the future I fhall call Houghs), if the fwelling about the neck and throat
was not large, if the patient difcharged by the mouth considerable quantities
of thin pituitous matter, if the breath was not foetid, and the patient had no
difguft to his food, if the eyes retained their proper luftre, all was judged to be
Secure.

On the other hand, if the luftre of the eyes was considerably faded * * * §, if
the external oedematous tumour was very large, if the breath flunk, if the
fauces were livid or black, with a coma or delirium, if with thefe the patient
had an averfion to his nourifhment, and his breathing became difficult or
laborious, the danger was judged to be extreme.

It was not obferved that the difeafe had any ftated crifis ; or that the
figns of recovery, or death, appeared on any certain day. Some died on the
firft, others- on the fecond, third, and on every day, to the Seventh ; though
the greateft part died before the fourth f. Thofe who furvived the four-
teenth were thought to be out of danger, at leaft from the difeafe itfelf
though Some dropped off unexpectedly, after a much longer reprieve §.

The confequences of this difeafe were often felt a long time after it had
ceafed. An exceffive languor and weaknefs continued for many months.;
and the voice or deglutition was. frequently affecfted, fo as to be perceivable
in fome almoft a year after ||.

It was however obferved, that notwithftanding the difeafe moft frequently
was accompanied with Symptoms of peftilential malignity, yet it Sometimes
appeared with a much more favourable afpedl ; its progrefs not being fo . quick,
nor its fymptoms fo violent and dangerous, as hath: here been defcribed to be
the cafe in general **. At its firft breaking out in any place,, it was comr
monly the moft fevere ; it then Spared no age or fex,, but fwept off adults
together with infants ff. By degrees it became iefs violent, and at length,
either wholly difappeared, or was- of fo little confea.uence-as to be difre-garded.

We are directed, by moft of the authors I have feen, to begin the cure
of this diftemper, whenever we are called in time, with evacuations, the chief
whereof are bleeding and purging: which of the two ought to precede, was
not a little difputed-; but it was on all hands agreed, that unlefs thefe re^-

* Hoc unum falutis eft indicium vel interitus 1 dum oculorum nitor adfervatur, falutis fpes fern*-
per adeft ; quo tempore hie deperiit, in propinquo mors eft. iEtii Cleti Op.

| indies magis ac magis haec accidentia crefcunt, donee breviflimo tempore laborantiuna

m2jo/-em partem perimat, idque non raro ultra quartum diem. Merc. p. 137-.

X iEtii Cleti Op. de Morbo ftrangulatorio.

§ Quinimo poft xxx dies, et xl. jam prsrepti morbi furoribus, pneter omnium opinionem ex
improvifo funt extin&i. Adeo fell: latitans et recondita veneni vis eft. Severin. p. 440.

|| JEt. C!et.

** Severin.

— ut pedis more in citiflimam mortem pueros et adultos deducat. Merc. Confult. p. 135.

medies

Account of the putrid Sore-throat, igy

medies were very early applied, as they were principally ufeful by way of
revulfion, they were not only of no advantage to the patient, but highly in-
jurious *. Obfervations of this kind, we are told induced feveral phyficians
to omit bleeding entirely ] and it was, probably, the reafon why thofe who were
friends to venefedtion ordered it more fparingly in this, than in moft other
acute difeafes Severinus, who was by no means a timid operator, orders
from four to eight ounces to be taken away; which, considering the com-
mon. practice in thofe countries, is a very fmall quantity §.

Some not only gave the precedence to purging, but imagined it alone was
Sufficient ; alledging as a reafon for it, that fome children have recovered
where this evacuation only had been employed ; whilff: bleeding had been
injurious, by leflening the ftrength [{. Purging was however commonly al-
lowed’the Second place by thofe who were advocates for bleeding, but under
the like reftridlions **. They generally made ufe of manna, rhubarb, fenna,
tamarinds, fyrup of rofes, and the like, for this purpofe. But it was always in-
culcated, that, in directing theSe evacuations, the patient’s Strength was espe-
cially to be regarded ; Since whatever diminished this, in the end was un-
doubtedly prejudicial ft»-

* difputare coepimus de fanguine extrahendo : “ fiquidem non defuerur.t medici, qui

“ id renuerunt:” caeterum unanimi confulentium confenfu, primo die fanguinem miftmus, cruribus
ftariftcatis, et mox ottava nottis hora brachiis, aut ft ultra duos annos fuerit natus, ex vena braehii ;
“ in hoc malo plurimum vereri oportet, vires plurimum dejicere.” Mercat.

Breviffime fecandam efte venam in. hoc confttentur omnes. P. Mich, de Heredia de. Morb, acut,

p. SOI.

f. Circa quod prteftdium (venaefeftionem) in pueris exequendum, confulo ne difFeratur, quia
ejus occafio folum eft', antequam fiuxio in partibus contenta ad putredinem commigret. Nam tunc
temporis, ft fanguinem fuderis, fummoptre ltedes, quae caufa fuit quod multi medicorum, vifo hoc
damno, renuerint fanguinem mittere. Mercat. Confult. p. 138.

% In hoc facro igne non mittendus eft fanguis in ea quantitate ac in angina exquifita. — Placuit
qaibufdam in hoc morbo fecare venas fub lingua ; alii admoverunt hirudines collo ; mihi nulla
iftarum evacuationum unquam probari’potuit. Nam cum tumor fuperveniens ex fanguine non
oritur, fruftra adhibentur ea- auxilia quae ad- fanguinem • ex parte affe&a evacuandum excogitata
fuerunt. Sgambat. de Peft. Faucium AfFedt.

Efte vero efficiendas parcas mifliones in quantitate, dum revellere intendimus, docuit anti-
quitas. — Quod praeceptum magis obfervandum .in morbo prxfenti, in quo nimis timemus virium
jaCluram. Copiofa enim fanguinis miiFro, ,pra:terquam quod minus proprie re veil i t, dejecit vires.
P. M. de Heredia, ubi fupra.

§ Severin. ubi fupra.

J[( — hoc folo p,rxfidio aliquando vifum fuit, .pueris ad integram fanitatem recuperandam fufficere,
ftcut aliis fanguine detradlo, vires plurimum fuifte deje-dtas. Merc. Conf. p. 13S.

** Quod evacuandum morbus expofeit, evacuetur brevilftme. Idem, p. 102.

ff — in morbis malignis breviter deftruentibus vires, at pofeentibus ftmul robur animalis vir-
totis ad fui fanation.em, multum evacuarc non Ucet. Heredia, p. ioz.

Severinus

198 Account of the putrid Sore* throat.

Severinus orders an antimonial vomit to be given at the firft attack, and
a cooling gently aftringent gargle to be ufed night and day. He then orders
a clyfter, takes away fome blood from the jugular, and gives from fifteen to
twenty-one grains of bezoar mineral twice a day, or oftener, as occafion re-
quires, with thin diluting liquors, in order to raife and promote a moderate
fweat. He gives five or fix grains of the fame medicine to children at the
breaft, and commends it highly. He fcarifies the difcoloured parts in the
fauces , in order to let out the corrofive virus ; a pradtice which, though it was
recommended by the Spaniards *, was difliked by fome of the moft eminent
Italians f.

Cupping, with fcarification, was univerfally approved, and commonly prac-
tifed. Leeches were alfo applied, by way of revulfion, to different parts.

Confiderable benefit was expe&ed from ligatures made on the extremities,
and from chafing the limbs with the hand, or a cloth ; alfo from cupping
without fcarification; apprehending that a revulfion from the parts affebted
was by this means procured; and that fome portion of the morbific matter
was carried off by the pores of the fkin.

Some of the Spanifh phyficians recommended veficatories of cantharides,
and other acrid or cauftic fubftances, to be laid on each fide of the neck ; but
they had not the fame opinion of their ufefulnefs, when applied to the back
or fhoulders. Heredia exprefsly tells us, that he had feldom found any be-
nefit from them Neither do the Italian phyficians feem to have been fond
of them ; the progrefs of the difeafe was, in their opinion, too fwift to admit
of any relief from either cauftics or veficatories §, both of which had been
made ufe of in Spain ||.

To moderate the continual and malignant fever which accompanied this
difeafe from the firft, and which was thought by fome to be only fymptomati-
cal, and had therefore the laft place in their confideration **, they had recourfe
to fuch internal medicines as were deemed cordial and alexipharmac. Ar-
menian bole, bezoar both animal and mineral, and, according to the philofo-
phy of thofe times, the precious ftones were reckoned of this clafs. Of

vegetable products, the juices of citrons, lemons, oranges, pomegranates, and

♦

# Si vero malum non mitefcat, fed gravius affligat partem, quod conllabit ex lucido aut nigro
colore, vel ex nimia mollitudine — cum intolerabili fcetore, fcarificabitur profunde, prout partis
natura tulerit. Heredia, p. 105.

f Cort. Mifcel. p. 697.

X Multi etiam veficatoria confulunt fpatulis applicata.— Quod auxiliutn parum prode/Te'femper
vidi. Heredia, p. 108.

§ Sgambat.

j| Heredia, ubi fupra.

•* febiis etiam continua ftatim in initio apparet, fymptomatica quidem. Heredia, p. 97.

. forrel ;

Account of the putrid Sore-throat, 199

forrel j vinegar, the juice and decoctions of borage, buglofs, Carduus Benedict us ^
endive, fcabious, fcorzonera, fcordium, with many others of the like nature,
were recommended. But a decoCtion of the contrayerva root was in the
higheft efteem in this difeafe, both as an alexipharmac in general, and for its
peculiar efficacy, when applied as a gargle ; to which Mercatus, from his own
repeated obfervations, gives a very ample teflimony * * * §.

But as they found from experience, that no regular crifis or concoCtion of the
humours was to be waited for; that no evacuations, except by way of re-
vulfion, after the accefs,, were of ufe f, they began to confider the difeafe as
local, as a particular J morbid affeCtion of the fauces , and applied themfelves
chiefly to- topics, without laying much ftrefs on internals.

In this part of their directions they have therefore been more explicit ; and
fame of them,, in order to point out their applications with more propriety,
have divided the courfe of this difeafe into four different periods §.

The firft they called the ftate of inflammation. In this, mild repellents were
thought neceffaryj fuch as vinegar in barley-water, juice of the pomegranate,
fyrup of rofes, mulberries,, purflain, or a decoCtion of barley, red rofes, liquo-
rice, and plantain -y to two pounds of which were added acet. rofar. jfjfs. Jyr.
Diatnor. fj. M. || If it was required yet more repellent, a fmall quantity of
all urn was added..

The fecond ftage is that wherein the white Houghs begin to appear, which,
is a ftep towards a gangrenous colliquation. In this they ordered mild abfler-
gents and aaitiputrefcents ; fuch as a deco-'f ion of lupins, beans, vetches, with
honey of rofes **-

The third is, when the ulcers appear foul and fordid, and begin to look
black, a real mortification being come on, fometim.es penetrating to a confi-
derable depth, with great putrefaClion. More powerful afcringents and
exficcants were requifite in. this cafe ; fuch as powder of m.yrrh, and a little
allum mixed with honey, or honey of rofes; bole diffolved in treacle-water; a
folution of unguent. JEgyptiacum in barley-water was alfo much in ufe ff,

• Hoc unum obfervantiflimum habeo, nimirum omnes oris et gutturis collutiones efficere fupra
deco&um ejus celeberrimi rnedicamenti, quod medici Hifpani Contrayerva nuncupanr, maxime
& mucofa et vifcida pituita abundaverit. Mcrcat. Confult. p. 138.

+ — Experimento monftratur,. quamcunque evacuatio nem per alvum, aut fudorem inutilem
efie et nocivam, quia cum non profit, nece/Tario debilitat. Hered. p. loo.

| Cortef. Mifcel. p. 703.

§ Sgambat. de Affe&u Faucium. peftilente.

U Heredia, p. 105,.

** Idem, ibid.

If Celebris utilifiimaque ell unguenti iEgyptiaci lotura : fumuntur quidem 3ij. et infunduntur
in 3;ij. aqua; hordei, plantaginis, vel feri ladis : pod infufionem percolatvrr per linteum, et cola-
tura. tangitus ulcus. Idem, ibid.

Allum,

200

Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

Allum, fulphur, copperas, verdigreafe, oil of vitriol, oil of fulphur, fpirit of
fait alone, or mixed, or diluted in different liquors, were much employed.
In this cafe, fometimes the acid fpirits were dexteroufly applied to the parts
affefted, by means of an armed probe .; but they were oftener diluted with fyrup
or honey of rofes, and in children poured into the mouth.

Though many had recourfe to thefe powerful remedies, and even to arfenic
itfelf, yet the moft experienced were juftly afraid, that the ufe of fuch cauftic
and acrimonious applications was often attended with pernicious confequences,
both to children and adults ; and they are therefore, with good reafon, con-
demned 'by Mercatus *.

Neverthelefs fome went fo far as to advife the adtual cautery, if the potential
ones did not fucceed, and gave directions for the time and manner of their ap-
plication f ; but as this operation will be liable to all the objections made to
the former, to ha.ve mentioned it will, I imagine, be thought fufficient.

Though the author lalt quoted advifes us to fcarify the black or livid
crufts or (loughs, yet he gives us a caution not to tear them off, or forcibly
to feparate them, as the confequences would be an increafe of pain and in-
flammation; whence the ulcers would fpread, and at the fame time eat
deeper J..

In the fourth ftage the putrefaction is fuppofed to be extinguifhed, the
mortified parts caft off, and an ulcer only remains. In this cafe, the fume of
white amber thrown on live coals, and received into the mouth, as a Juffitusy
was advifed ; alfo the vinum myrrhites , a decoCtion of guaiacum, rofes, ba-
lauftines, pomegranate-peels, by way of gargle ; medicines that were fuppofed
to dry with fome degree of aftringency.

Such was the appearance of the Angina maligna , or ulcerated fore-throat,
at its firft being taken notice of in Europe ; and fuch were the methods of
treating it then in ufe. In this recital I have been the more prolix, inafmuch
as the difeafe defcribed in the following pages, is the fame with the Angina
■maligna of thefe writers, with whofe experience and obfervations it may doubt-
lefs be of ufe to us to be acquainted.

* Ego quidem arbitror, plures pueros interfecifle ufum horum medicamentorum, qii£ cauftica
funt, quam affe£\ionem ipfam. Merc. Confult. p. 139.

— compertum habuimus in hoc viro, et aliis laborantibus, hasc cauftica infiammationi et
ulceri fummope e efle nocua : fuppurantia corruptions Id. p. 40.
f Heredia, p. 106.

Idem, p. 109.

PART

Account of the putrid Sore-throat*

201

PART II.

Of the SORE-THROAT attended with ULCERS ;

As it has appeared in This City, and Parts adjacent.

ACCORDING to the information I have received from feveral eminent
perfons of the Faculty, it was in the year 1739, that a difeafe was
fir ft taken notice of, which was thought to be the JVLorbus Jirangulatorius ,
already defcribed, and which differed in no eflential circumftance, as far as
I can learn, from .the diftemper which is the fubjeft of this treatife.

The fudden death of two children in a family of diftindtion, and of fome
others near the fame part of the town, whofe complaints had chiefly been of
a Sore-throat, feem to have occafioned this fulpicion : but as very few cafes of
the like nature occurred after thefe, or, if they happened, paffed unobferved,
little mention was made of it during feveral years.

It began however to fhew itfelf again in 1742, but not in fo general a way
as to render it the fubjedt of much public difcourfe; for though fuch of
the Faculty as were in the moll extenfive pradlice met with it now and then,
m the City eipeciaily, it remained unknown to the greatell part of prac-
titioners, till within thefe two or three years, in which time its appearance
has been more frequent, both in town and the villages adjacent.

I am informed, that in the winter of 1746, fo many children died, at Brom-
ley, near Bow, in IVIiddlefex, of a difeafe that feemed to yield to no remedies
or applications, that feveral of the inhabitants were greatly alarmed by it;
fome lofing the greater part of their children, after a few days indifpofition.
Some others of the neighbouring places were affedted at the fame time with
the like difeafe ; which, from all the accounts I have met with from thofe
who attended the fick, was that here treated of. I am informed likewife, that
it raged at Greenwich about the fame time *. - It Hill continues in this

t . . City,

The Reader may be pleafcd to take notice, that the fafts contained in the following narrative,
where the contrary is not exprefsly mentioned, have all come under the Author's obfervation,

D d who

202

Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

City, and fometimes Ihews itfelf in the villages about it, though at prefent
'with fo mild an afpedt as feldom to prove fatal ; unlefs the fubjedt is very un-
favourable, or the difeafe hath been negledled, or improperly treated at the
beginning; which circumftances, though of fome importance in all cafes, yet
are of the utmoft in this ; as a wrong ftep at the firlt may put it out of the
power of art to afford relief.

Though this difeafe has now been amongft us feveral years, and has conse-
quently Survived the different feafons, and all the variety of weather to which
we are expofed, yet it feems to Ihew itfelf moft frequently in autumn, and
the beginning of winter; at lead: I have met with many more cafes from
September to December inclulive, than in all the other months together.

It may likewife be remarked, that the Summers of 1747 and 1748 were
dry, with fome days in each uncommonly hot, for this climate ; the mercury
in Fahrenheit’s thermometer riling in the lhade, and within doors, one day
to 78, and during feveral to 75 and 6. The autumns of the fame years were
as unufually temperate and warm ; the wind continuing longer in the South-
erly points than has often been known at this feafon.

In this country, as well as in thofe where the Angina maligna was firft taken
notice of, children and young people are more expofed to it than adults ; a
greater number of girls have it than boys ; more women than men ; and the
infirm of either fex are more liable to have the difeafe, and to fuffer from it,
than the healthy and vigorous ; I have Seen but few adults of this conftitution
affe&ed by it, and not one who died of it.

When it breaks out in a family, all the children are commonly affe&ed with
it, if the healthy are not kept apart from the Sick ; and fuch adults as are fre-
quently with them, and receive their breath near at hand, feldom efcape
fome degree of the fame difeafe.

It generally comes on with fuch a giddinefs of the head as commonly pre-
cedes fainting, and a chilnefs or Shivering like that of an ague-fit ; this is
foon followed by great heat ; and thefe interchangeably Succeed each other
during fome hours, till at length the heat becomes conftant and intenfe. The
patient then complains of an acute pain in the head, of heat and forenefs,
rather than pain, in the throat, ftiffnefs of the neck, commonly of great fick-

who has endeavoured to relate what he has feen, and in fuch a manner as he thought would bed:
contribute to public advantage. It may alfo be necelTary to obferve, that the difeafe is defcribed
as it appeared in 1747 and 1748, that if the fymptoms lhould hereafter vary in any circum-
ftance, the diverfity may be attributed to the nature of the diftemper, and not imputed to deiign
or inattention^

Account of the putrid Sore-throat. 203

nefs, with vomiting, or purging, or both *. The face foon after looks red
and fwelled, the eyes inflamed and watery, as in the meafles ; with reftleflnefs,
anxiety, and faintnefs.

This difeafe frequently feizes the patient in the fore part of the day : as
night approaches, the heat and reftleflfnefs increafe, and continue till towards
morning; when, after a fhort difturbed (lumber (the only repofe they often
have during feveral nights) a fweat breaks out; which mitigates the heat and
reftleflnefs, and gives the difeafe fometimes the appearance of an intermittent.

If the mouth and throat be examined foon after the firft attack, the uvula
and tonfils appear fwelled ; and thefe parts, together with the velum pendulum
palatiy the cheeks on each fide near the entrance into the fauces , and as much
of them, and the pharynx behind, as can be feen, appear of a florid red co-
lour. This colour is commonly moft obfervable on the pofterior edge of the
palate, in the angles above the tonfils , and upon the tcnfils themfelves. In-
ftead of this rednefs, a broad fpot or patch, of an irregular figure, and of
a pale white colour, is fometimes to be feen, furrounded with a florid red;
which whitenefs commonly appears like that of the gums immediately after
having been prefled with the finger, or as if matter ready to be difcharged
was contained underneath.

Generally on the fecond day of the difeafe, the face, neck, breaft, and
hands, to the fingers ends, are become of a deep eryfipelatous colour, with
a fenfible tumefaftion ; the fingers are frequently tinged in fo remarkable a
manner, that, from feeing them only, it has not been difficult to guefs
at the difeafe.

A great number of fmall pimples, of a colour diftinguifhably more intenfe
than that which furrounds them, appear on the arms, and other parts. They
are larger, and more prominent in thole fubje&s, and in thofe parts of the
fame fubjefb, where the rednefs is lead: intenfe ; which is generally on the
arms, the breaft, and lower extremities f.

As the Ikin acquires this colour, the ficknefs commonly goes off, the vo-

* The vomiting and purging were but feldom obferved to accompany this difeafe, at its firft ap-
pearance amongft us, as I have been informed by fome phyficians of eminence, who faw it early;
but it is generally agreed, that thefe fymptoms almoft conftantly attended, in the manner here
defcribed, during the years 1747 and 1748, the time in which thefe obfervations were colledted :
and I have fince found, that the above-mentioned fymptoms have not fo regularly appeared as at
that time. i

f The rednefs and eruption have not accompanied this difeafe fo regularly, during the
latter part of this winter J, as they did in the preceding feafons i in fome cafes they did not
appear at all ; in others, not till the third cr fourth day ; and, as I have heard, in fome not
fill the fifth, and even later,

t *7$4-

D d ft

miting

204 Account of the putrid Sore^throat.

miting and purging ceafe of themfelves, and rarely continue after the firft
day.

The appearance in the fauces continues to be the fame, except that the white
places become more alh-coloured ; and it is now difcoverable, that what at
firft might have been taken for the fuperficial covering of a fuppurated tu-
mour, is really a Hough, concealing an ulcer of the fame dimenfions.

All the parts of the fauces above-mentioned are liable to thefe ulcerations ;
but they generally are firft difcernible in the angles above the tonfils , or on
the tonfils themfelves ; though they are often to be leen in the arch formed
by the uvula and one of the tonfils ; and alfo on the pharynx behind, on
the infide of the cheeks, and the bafe of the tongue, which they cover in
the manner of a thick fur. Inftead of thefe Houghs, where the diforder is
mild, a fuperficial ulcer, of an irregular figure, appears in one or more of
thefe parts, fcarce to be diftinguifhed from the found, but by the inequality
of furface it occafions.

J

The parotid glands * on each fide commonly fwell, grow hard, and are
painful to the touch : if the difeafe is violent, the neck and throat are fur-
rounded with a large cedematous tumour, fometimes extending itfelf to the
breaft; which, by ftraitening t\\t fauces, increafes the danger.

Towards night, the heat and reftleffnefs increafe, and a delirium frequently
comes on. This fymptom, which appears in fome even on the firft night,
feems to differ confiderably from the like affection in other difeafes. The
fick commonly anfwer the queftions put to them properly, but with an
unufual quicknefs ; they talk to themfelves incoherently when left alone, and,
frequently betray the firft tendency to this diforder, by affefting too great
a compofure : this, for the moft part, happens to thofe who fleep but little ;
for fome are comatous and ftupid, and take little notice of any thing that
paffes.

In this manner they continue during two, three, or more days : they
commonly grow hot and reftlefs towards the evening ; which fymptoms, and
the delirium , increafe as night comes on : a fweat more or lefs profufe breaks
out towards morning ; and from this time they are eafier during fome hours,
a faintnefs only continuing, of which they frequently complain more than of the
reft of their fufferings.

The difeafe feems to have no ftated period which can properly be called
its or height. Some grow eafier from the firft day of the attack ; but,

* Heredia takes notice of the fame fymptoms, and afligns a very probable reafon for it. — In
Angina maligna non tument externa, quia in illas ex externis tranflata materia fuerit, fed quia ita
adimplentur interna, ut materiam fluentem non capiant, et fic ad externa dilabitur. Heredia,
S>* 9*

ia

Account of the putrid Sore-throat . 205

m general, the fymptoms of recovery appear on the third, fourth, or fifth
day, and proceed in the following manner :

Firft, The rednefs of the fkin difappears ; the heat grows lefs ; the pulfe,
which was hitherto very quick, becomes flower ; the external fwellings of
the neck fubfide * the floughs in the fauces caft off,- the ulcerations fill up ;
the patient fleeps without confufion, is compofed when awake, and his ap-
petite begins to return.

The pulfe, during the whole courfe of this difeafe, is generally very quick ;
frequently 120 ftrokes, or more, in a minute : in fome, it is hard and fmall;
in others foft and full, but without that ftrength and firmnefs which ufually
accompany equal quicknefs and heat, in genuine inflammatory diforders.

If a vein be opened foon after the diftemper is come on, the blood gene-
rally appears of a frefh florid red ; the crajfamentum is rather of a lax gelati-
nous texture, than denfe or compact ; the Jerum yellow, and in a large pro-
portion f.

The urine is at firft crude, and of a pale whey-colour : as the difeafe ad-
vances, it tupns yellower, as if the bile was diluted in it ; and, foon after
the patient fhews any marks of recovery, it commonly grows turbid, and de-
pofits a farinaceous fediment.

They feldom have any (tools, if the fymptoms are favourable, from the time
when the purging, which generally attends the accefiion, ceafes. This
difcnarge is frequently bilious, and without any 'pain : though thefe evacua-
tions differ in different habits.

They complain of thirft commonly lefs in this than in other acute difeafes.
The tongue is generally moift, and not often furred : in fome neverthelefs
it is covered with a thick white coat or fur, and thefe generally complain of
forenefs about the root of the tongue.

The uvula and tonfils are fometimes fo much fwelled, as to leave but a very
narrow entrance into the gullet, and this entrance frequently furrounded with
ulcers or floughs ; yet the patients often fwallow with lefs difficulty and pain
than might be expedted under fuch circumftances J.

They frequently complain, foon after they are taken ill, of an offenfive
putrid fmell affe&ing their throats and noftrils, which oft occafions ficknefs
before any ulcerations appear.

In thofe who have this difeafe in a fevere manner, the infide of the

* At leaft, cfall the parts about the neck, except the parotids themfelves ; which fometimes con-
tinue fwelled and hard a long time after the other fymptoms abate, and at length fuppurate.

+ But it is often fizy when the difeafe has continued two or three days; and in fome infances
which lately occurred, it was fo foon after the firft attack.

t I have feen many cafes, where thefe glands were fo enlarged, as to force back through the'
noftrils moil part of what was attempted to be (wallowed,

noftrilsj

206

Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

nodrils, as high up as can be feen, frequently appears of a deep red, or
almoft livid colour : after a day or two, a thin corrofive Janies , or with it a
white putrid matter of a thicker confidence, hows from them, which is fo
acrid, as to excoriate the part it lies upon any confiderable time. This is mod
obfervable in children, or in young and very tender fubjeds, whofe lips like-
wife are frequently of the colour above-mentioned, and covered on the infide
with vehicles containing a thin ichor , which excoriates the angles of their
mouths, and the cheeks where it touches them.

It is probable, that part of the fame acrid matter paffes with the nourifli-
ment into the domach ; efpecially in children ; and it is perhaps owing to this
caufe in part, that they differ much more from the didemper than adults ;
this corrofive fluid, without doubt, producing the fame effects on the do-
mach and bowels, as it does when applied to the much lefs fenfible fkin of
the face ; i. e. it excoriates the parts it touches ; which, in fa£t, feems to be
the cafe : for, if they get over this dage of the diforder, a purging fometimes
fucceeds, attended with the fymptoms of ulcerations in the bowels ; and af
ter enduring great pain and mifery, perhaps fome weeks, they at length
die emaciated. I have been informed, that fome children have had the
parts about the anus excoriated * j the Janies retaining its virulency through
the whole tradt of the intedines.

The fick fometimes bleed at the nofe towards the beginning of the difeafe ;
•and the menjes very often appear in thofe of the female fex who are of age to
have them, foon after they are feized, notwithdanding the regular period is at
a confiderable didance : if they are taken ill about the ufual feafon, the
difcharge is commonly greater than it ought to be. Some young perfons, who
never had the lead appearance of them, have had this evacuation during
their illnefs.

In drong and full habits, thefe evacuations are feldom attended with much
benefit, or with manifed ill effects, unlefs they are very copious ; for in this
cafe they occafion great faintnefs, and an increafe of the other fymptoms, in
proportion to the excefs. In tender weak fubjedts they are often prejudicial.

It has happened in this .didemper, that haemorrhages from the nofe and
mouth have fuddenly carried off the patient. I have heard of the like acci-
dent from bleeding at the ear: but thefe fatal difcharges mod commonly hap-
pen after the patient has been ill feveral days ; and it feems more probable,
that they proceed from the feparation of a dough from the branch of an

• Some adults, who have had the difeafe in a violent degree, have fuffered very much from the
feme caufe ; emollient mucilaginous liquids taken plentifully, and alfo applied externally, by way
4>f fomentation, to the part affedted, frequently give fpeedy relief^

artery.

Account of the putrid Sore-throat . 207

artery, rather than from a fulnefs of the veffels, or an effort of nature to re-
lieve herfelf by a falutary crifis *.

Bleeding in this difeafe has in general been obferved to be prejudicial :
fome indeed admit of it at the firft attack, without any fenfible inconvenience;
but a repetition of it, even where the difeafe is mild and favourable, feldom
fails to aggravate the fymptoms ; and in fome cafes it appears to have pro-
duced very fatal confequences. The heat, reftleffnefs, delirium, and diffi-
culty of breathing, which this evacuation commonly prevents or mitigates
in other cafes, in this are increafed by it: nor does the fwelling of the tonftls ,
fauces , &c. feem to receive the lead: benefit from it; on the contrary, though
the fulnefs of thefe parts decreafes, yet the floughs thicken, and change
to a livid or black colour, the external tumour grows large, and the {pit-
ting commonly diminifhes j\

Nor has purging been obferved to be more beneficial : gentle cathartics
have brought on very dangerous fymptoms. Upon procuring a few ftools
with manna, efpecially when the difeafe has continued two or three days, the
rednefs of the fkin has difappeared, and the flux to the throat has been fur-
prifingly increafed : if it happens that this difcharge by flool continues, the
fwelling of the neck commonly grows larger ; the fauces become flaccid,
dry, and livid ; and the patient in a few hours after this expires : fo that
purgatives feem to have no better effects in diminifhing the tumour, and
abating the fuppofed inflammation, than bleeding.

Nitrous cooling medicines frequently produce the like effects ; they in-
creafe that faintnefs which accompanies this difeafe, and either difpofe the
patient to copious finking fweats, or to ftools.

Upon the whole it appears, that all evacuations which tend to lefien the
natural ftrength of the conftitution, are in this difeafe injurious ; and that
thofe perfons in common are in the greateft danger, if attacked with it,,
who have been previoufly indifpofed, or have had their ftrength impaired
by grief, or any other accident. Of this it may not perhaps be improper

* This, I find, was alfo Heredia’s opinion, who confiders a difcharge of blood, either from the
mouth or nofe, as a fign of the utmoft danger. — Malignam fignificationem praebet fegnis fanguis
ftillans e naribus ; ex corrofione quippe vaforum, et putrilagine cmanat, innuitque certiffimam
mortem, quia putredo interne cohiberi non poteft: — ideo periculofiffimus cenfetur fanguinis fluxus
ex naribus aut ore. Quidam cum hoc figno nullum vidifle liberatum docent: nos vero uni-
cum folum asgrotum fumma diligentia a tanto periculo vindicavimus. Heredia, p. ioo; Of three
whom I attended, and who had this fymptom, two recovered: the third died of a bleeding at the
nofe, before any affiftance could be procured.

t The heat, indeed, and quicknefs of the pulfe, feem at firft to be affefled by this evacuation,
but they commonly return after a fallacious refpite with greater violence ; the patient is feized'
with a difficulty of breathing, falls into cold fweats, a ftupor, and dies fuddenly.

5

to

208 Account of the putrid Sore-throat,

to relate an inftance or two in this place, as it will alfo tend to explain the
nfual progrefs of the fymptoms in the worft cafes we meet with.

A young gentlewoman, about twenty-fix years o ' age, of a pale lax habit,
but of an active chearful difpofition, had enjoyed a pretty good (hare of
health in common, till a year or two before her lalt illnefs j about which time
fhe unhappily made ufe of fome external and empirical application to remove
a rednefs attended with pimples, which now-and-then broke out in her face.
She was foon relieved from this complaint by the medicine fhe ufed ; but
was quickly after feized with ficknefs, vomiting, lofs of appetite, and either
an obftinate coftivenefs, or a troublefome diarrhoea ; the merfes were pale,
and in fmall quantities ; and her health in general was greatly impaired.

She had fcarce recovered from this weak ftate, wi en the death of a near
relation brought her almoft into the fame circumftances, from which (he was
(lowly recruiting, when (he married. Her ficknefs, vomiting, and lofs of
appetite, foon returned which fhe concealed as much as poffible.

Under thefe difadvantages, fhe was feized with this diftemper, a day or two
after fhe had vifited an acquaintance labouring under the fame diforder : it
came on with a coldnefs and trembling like that of an ague-fit, great faint-
nefs, and an acute pain in her head, with a vomiting more violent than (he
was ufually affected with, and a purging. Towards evening fhe grew very
hot and reftlefs, complained of a forenefs in her throat, and the difeharges
abated. Her face, neck, and hands were intenfely red : fhe frequently fighed,
and from her afpect and gefeures there was reafon to fufpect a delirium ap-
proaching. She flept little that night j and next morning her pulfe, which
before was very quick and fmall, feemed to be fomewhat more full, but not
fenfibly (lower ; and fhe complained of faintnefs and anxiety. The parts
about the fauces were much relaxed, very red, in fome places almoft livid,
with a kind of gloffy drynefs upon them. She continued in this manner,
without any remarkable increafe of fymptoms, till night, when the loofenefs
returned, and in a very fhort time exhaufted her ftrength to a great degree :
the rednefs upon the (kin difappeared, the extremities grew cold, her eyes be-
came dim, hex pulfe fcarce perceptible, fhe breathed with difficulty, and ex-
pired in the morning, on the third day of the difeafe.

Another young woman, who frequently vifited, and fometimes affifted, a
relation who had this difeafe, was attacked with it in the ufual manner. She
was about feventeen, of a pale and fomewhat bloated lax habit, naturally in-
active, averfe to exercife, and was thought to have indulged fome painful fo-
licitude, to the prejudice of her health, and making way for an obftinate
jchlorofis.

Under thefe circumftances (lie was feized with the ufual complaints, but in
a violent manner. The purging continued till the day following ; when it

yielded

Account of the putrid, Sore-throat. 209

yielded for a time to the power of opiates ; but conftantly returned when their
effefts were over. The other fymptoms, fuch as heat, reftlefsnefs, anxiety, and
faintnefs, increafed with the purging ; the pulfe was fmall, quick, and hard ;
a difficulty of breathing came on ; the fmall remains of luftre in the eye
periffied; and ffie died early on the fourth day of the diftemper.

No marks of any floughs in the throat appeared in either of thefe cafes ;
but the rednefs became daily more intenfe, and approached nearer to lividnefs,
whilft the fauces could be infpeded, which, from the great difficulty they
had in breathing, was impracticable, feveral hours before the patients expired.

Warm aromatic cordials, and anodyne aftringents, were adminiftered affi-
duoufly, with fuitable nouriffiment, and veficatories applied fucceffively to
the neck, back, and arms, but without effed.

If the purging therefore continues long after the firft exacerbation of the
difeafe, it may be looked upon as a dangerous fymptom : for though it
be fometimes reftrained for the prefent by opiates or aftringents, yet it com-
monly returns with more vehemence when their efficacy ceafes, and in a
ffiort time exhaufts the fmall degree of ftrength remaining.

In this cafe they generally fpit very little ; the fauces appear dry, gloffiy,
and livid; the external tumour grows large; they void their excrements with-
out perceiving it, and fall into profufe fweats ; refpiration becomes difficult
and laborious ; the pulfe finks ; the extreme parts grow cold, and death in
a few hours clofes the fcene : and in no difeafe that I have feen, is the eye fo
early deprived of its luftre as in this ; for it is fometimes opaque or dim feveral
hours before death ; and, as Titius Cletus hath o'oferved, is a fatal prefage of
its approach *.

A copious flux of pituitous matter to the glands, and other parts about
the fauces, feemed to be the caufe of fudden death, in a girl about twelve
years old. She was feized in the common way, Vith ffiivering, head-ach,

* Heredia’s defcription of the fatal progrefs of this difeafe, and the ncceflary cautions he gives
in refpedt to the prognoftic, deferve particular notice.

FallaciiTimam effe hujus morbi naturam, confitentur omnes. — Ulceribus oris, et partium quae
vilui exiftebant confpicuse, re&e curatis, et fedata inflammatione aiger periclitatur. — Ex eo quod
paulatim ferpit putredo per afperam arteriam ad cor, aut per gulam ad ventriculum, fine aliquo
dolore aut febri fenfibili, cujus fit habenda cura : et cum medicis auxiliis, ablata fuerint ulcera,
et inflammationes fedatae in partibus vifui patentibus, occulta putredo, paulatim mortificans partes
internas, tabe, parviffimis et debiliffimis pulfibus extin&ione caloris, refrigeratione extremorum,
faciei extenuatione, inappetentia perpetua, et molella mutatione decubitus, fomno fallaci, et ap-
parente, quia vigilandi impotentia, fomnum verum aemulatur, mifere tegrotantes interficit, ut vifum
jam fit fubita et inopinata morte periifle aliquos, — e ledto furgentes, et intra domos ambukntes ;
ob quod etfi qua vitiata apparebant in faucibus, aut partibus all is, in melius mutata confpician-
tur, non licet falutem polliceri, quia folet communicari paulatim putredo, et gangrama partibus
internis. Heredia, p. 99.

E e ficknds,

210

Jtcccunt of the putrid Sore-throat.

ficknefs, vomiting, and purging. The difcharges abated in a few hours,
and were fucceeded by great heat, rednefs of the fkin, and a fore-throat;
the uvula, tonfils, and contiguous parts, were red, and fo fwelled in eight or
ten hours, as to touch each other, and feemed to clofe the entrance into the
j -pharynx . She breathed without much difficulty, fwallowed with lefs pain than
could be imagined, and fpit up large quantities of phlegm. About fix in
the evening ffie was feized with a difficulty of breathing, as if firangled ;
thofe about her raifed her up, thinking ffie was in a fit ; ffie recovered her-
felf a little, but expired upon being again laid down in bed, in fomewhat
lefs than twenty-four hours from the firft attack. A large quantity of vifcid
phlegm, with which, after ffie was dead, her mouth appeared to be filled,
together with the tumefied uvula , tonfils, and velum palati, had perhaps jointly
clofed the rima glottidis, and put a flop to refpiration.

By a fall in her infancy ffie was reduced to the neceffity of ufing crutches.
She was big-boned, had a good appetite, and, for want of that exercife which,
perfons at her age commonly enjoy, feemed to be plethoric. Thefe circum-
fiances, perhaps, might contribute to this fpeedy and unhappy event.

Accidents of the like kind feem not to have been uncommon while this
difeafe continued in Italy, according to a remark of Cortefius *.

From the preceding account of the Sore-throat attended with Ulcers f,
it will, I' believe, appear, that this difeafe is widely different from a common
Sore-throat, or fimple inflammation of any of the parts about . the fauas both
as to the fubjeft commonly affeded by it, the manner of its attack, the pro-
grefs of the fymptoms, and its conclufion : for the Sore-throat with Ulcers
generally attacks children ; and of thefe, girls more frequently than boys,
as hath been obferved. If adults are feized with it, they are commonly fuch
as have been very much converfant with the fick, or elfe are weak and in-
firm : . and it feems to affedt thofe adults in the fevereft manner, who have
been previoufly indifpofed, or whofe flrength has been reduced by unfeafonable
or immoderate evacuations.

On the contrary, the common Angina, or an inflammation of the tonfils,
moft frequently attacks the healthy, the vigorous, and robufl; the weak, the
delicate, and infirm, are lefs expofed. to it, at leaft fuffer lefs from it, than
the former.

«

» — Ad priediftarunv partium (TJvulse, Tonfillarum) inflammationem fubfequebatur interdun*
materia quaedam pituitofa a capite tam repente et inopinato defcendens, ut miferi aegrotantes'
fubito fuffocarentur. Cortef. Mifcell. p. 697 «

f The difeafe here treated of is, ftri&ly, “ a Sore-throat j” fince by forenefs we aptly exprefs
the uneafy fenfation accompanying an ulcer (i. e. a fore) and not that which attends an in-
flammation, which, is indeed pain, but not properly forenefs,

ASi

211

Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

As both difeafes are attended with a fever, and as moft fevers come on
with fhivering, or chillnefs, this fymptom may at lead appear equivocal : but
if ficknefs, or vomiting, or purging, or an acute pain of the head, towards
the back parts or top efpecially, or if all thefe come on in the fpace of a very-
few hours, which they generally do where the difeafe is vehement, it may
juftly be efteemed to be of the putrefadtive kind ; but if with thefe fymp
toms an eryfipelatous rednefs difcovers itfelf in the fauces , with ulcerations
or Houghs, the difeafe is evident.

In fome cafes, the fymptoms have been fo obfcure, that it was-difficult to
determine to which difeafe they properly belonged : but in thefe circumftances
they were commonly fo favourable, that, fuppofing the diforder kiot to be of
the ulcerated kind, no other inconvenience feemed likely to enfue from
treating it as fuch, than a fuppuration ; which is often an event rather to be
chofen than avoided.

The rednefs of the Ikin in the face, neck, bread:, and hands, is another
obvious and diftinguiftiing charadteriftic, which in children, and young peo-
ple efpecially, feldom fails to accompany this diforder.

In the common Sore-throat, a local inflammation is the difeafe ; all the
fymptoms are derived from this fource ; and an acute throbbing pain, greatly
increafed upon fwallowing even liquids, is the principal grievance. In the
other, the whole habit buffers, as if by a ftimulus of a peculiar nature ; and al-
though the throat is always more or lefs affedted, yet it is fometimes the
lead: part of the patient’s complaint; and inftances have occurred to me of
confiderable floughs being formed, before any forenefs or pain in the fauces
hath been mentioned.

Again, this difeafe is accompanied with a greater tendency to a delirium,
than either a common Angina , or almoft any other diflemper we are acquainted
with. To have this fymptom appear, in the difeafe we are treating of, on the
fil'd: night, is not uncommon ; and on the fecond, frequent. A girl about
eight years of age, whom I attended, was fcarce known to be indifpofed, till
flie alarmed the family, by appearing to be light-headed. She had made no
complaint of her throat, nor was this part thought to be affedted, till, upon exa-
mination, I found it fo ; being led to fufpedt it by the colour of her hands,
and the delirium. She got well through the difeafe, though its progrefs, at
firft, appeared to be very fwift.

A common Sore-throat, if the patient recovers, either goes off" by refo-
lution, or the parts affedted fuppurate ; or, if glandular, become hard and
fchirrhous.

In that attended with ulcers, none of thefe circumftances happen ; for
it terminates in a fuperficial ulceration of fome of the parts about th t fauces.>
if the difeafe is very mild, with little appearance of any floughs, and with

E e i -large

21a Account of the putrid Sore-throat .

large and deep ones, of a white cineritious, livid, or black colour, if it is more
violent.

It will not, perhaps, be difficult, from fuch a comparative view, to diftin-
guiffi this difeafe from a common Sore-throat, or an inflammatory affedtion
of thofe parts, in moft inftances : but there is another no lefs certain criterion,
though too often a fatal one, which is the conftant increafe of fymptoms upon
bleeding, purging, and the liberal ufe of cooling antiphlogiftic medicines :
a method, which, as it feldom fails to remove a genuine inflammation, if it
is early enough and affiduoufly purfued, fo it is too often injurious in the
prefent cafe; an inftance whereof I think evidently appeared in the follow-
ing fubjedt.

A youth about fourteen years old, of a briflk, lively difpofition, who had en-
joyed a good ffiare of health, faving that, for a few years paft, a cutaneous
difeafe, a-kin to a leprofy, had fometimes appeared on his head and arms, was
feized one morning with a general uneafinefs, and a difpofition to vomit ;
he was put to bed, and a fevere ffiivering enfued ; his ficknefs increafed, he
vomited up every thing, had feveral purging ftools that day, and complained
much of his head-, with fome forenefs in his throat. He was ordered to be
bled, and had an emetic given him : this operated but little ; he grew hot
and reftlefs, a deep rednefs fpread itfelf over his face, hands, and arms, with
a plentiful eruption of fmall pimples, which induced thofe about him to ap-
prehend it was a common fcarlet fever.

The next day, which was the fecond of the difeafe, his throat continuing
fore, and the feveriffi fymptoms increafing, a purge of manna, was given
him, which operated gently ; and at night his head and throat being more un^
eafy, hi's heat ftill continuing, with a tendency to delirium,, a blifter was
applied.

On the third, the fymptoms not abating, he loft about ten ounces of bloods.
He had taken a cooling nitrous powder every four hours; this wras now changed
for one more cordial. At night, he grew delirious, his fever, increafed, and he
had fome loofe ftools, which were rather encouraged than reftrained, as it was
hoped they might, relieve him. Blifters were applied to his head and arms..

On the fourth in the morning I was fent for : I, found him delirious, with
cpnyulfive twitchings ; his hands were in conftant motion, gathering the bed-
clothes ; his pulfe was quick and weak, and his tongue parched. With fome
difficulty I looked into, the fauces-, they fsemed to be pale in fome places,
intenfely red or livid in others,, with a glofly brightnefs : his excrements came
away involuntarily; his eyes were languid and dim; he breathed with diffi-
culty, fell into profufe clammy fweats,. and died in a few hours after.

In fome of the firft cafes I. met, with, the quicknefs of the pulfe, the:
degree of, heat, , the apparent inflammatory rednefs of the eye^. and face, and:

pain .

Account of the putrid Bore-throat. 21 3,

pain in the head, fometimes urged me to order bleeding, efpecially if there
were any marks of a plethora ; but in thefe cafes it did not appear to have
any advantageous effedts : fo that, notwithstanding the vehemency of the
fymptoms above mentioned, it feems proper in general to omit this eva-
cuation.

Cupping with Scarification has been applied to the Shoulders and back of the
head, in order to remove an acute pain of this part, which is often com-
plained of, but, as far as I have been able to obferve, without much benefit.

It is neceSTary that the patient Should keep in bed as much as may be, though
the difeafe Should feem to be flight : it has happened, for want of care in this
refpedt, that a purging has come on, the rednefs of the fkin difappeared,
and a diforder which, with confinement alone, would probably have gone off
in twice twenty-four hours, has been rendered tedious and difficult.

If we are called in at the firll, while the ficknefs or vomiting continues, it
will be of ufe to promote this discharge,, by giving an infufion of green tea,
camomile-flowers, carduus , or a few grains of ipecacuanha. In Some inftances,
where the attack has been fevere, and this method pradtifed,. the diforder
has gone off with more eafe than was. at firSt apprehended.

If thefe fymptoms do not abate with the operation of the emetic, fmall
draughts of mint-tea, with a fixth part of red-port added to it, may be given
frequently ; together with fome grateful and warm aromatic, cordial medicine,
every four or fix hours. The Pulvis Contrayervce Jimp.— comp. Confedl. car-
diac. Raleigh. Spec. arom. Vinum croceum-, Aq. Menth. Jpirit. Aq. Alex .

Jpirit. cum Aceta* ; with others of the like nature, may be ufed for this.
purpofe-

Jn this difeafe, it is at all times neceffary to attend very carefully to the
diarrhoea. For. the molt part it ceafes with the vomiting, in lefs than
twelve hours from the firfb attack if it continues longer than this period, it-
is neceffary to check it, otherwife it occafions great faintnefs, finks the Strength, .
and in the end produces very dangerous confequences. The aromatic cordials,
above mentioned, if they are given plentifully, commonly take off this fymp-
tom, as well as the vomiting ; but if they prove ineffectual, recourfe muft be
had to aftringents and anodynes, in proportion to the exigence of the cafe ;
fuch as the Confedlio Fracajlorii, or EleSt. e Scordio, diffolved in fmall cinnamon-
water, and given pojl fingulas Jedes.

It is common for the rednefs, fo often mentioned, to appear upon the fkin,
as thefe difcharges abate: it has happened that this colour has gone off fome-

* Vegetable acids, fuch as the juice of lemons, oranges, wood-forrel, verjuice, vinegar in fmall.
dofes, and the like,, as they are undoubtedly antiputrefcents, may feem to be indicated ; but their
pronenefs to increafe the difcharge by llool, or profufe fweats, ought to render us very circnmfpeft
in ufing thenii

times,.

2fI4

Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

times, and the patient has been brought into imminent danger, upon giving
a mild cathartic : which circumftances, as they point out a clofe connection
between them, indicate the ufe of a warm regimen, notwithftanding the heat
and other fymptoms might feem to forbid it.

A girl about nine years old, of a (lender make, but healthy and aCtive,
was feized with this diforder. The ficknefs and vomiting went off, and the
rednefs of the (kin appeared foon after : the apothecary who attended her,
judging it an inflammatory cafe, as fhe complained of her throat, bled her, gave
her a cooling purge the next day, and afterwards fome nitrous draughts. A
plentiful efflorefcence which covered the face, neck, and arms, fuddenly dis-
appeared ; a diarrhoea came on ; fhe grew refllefs, faint, and infenfible. In
this condition I firfb faw her on the third day of the difeafe ; fhe frequently
hghed, her pulfe was quick, (mail, and hard, without any remarkable co-
lour upon her fkin ; and the fwelling on each fide the neck large : it was not
poffible to examine the fauces, as- fhe lay in a comatous motionlefs condition,
her flools and urine coming away infenfibly. A warm cordial mixture * was
frequently given her, upon which the diarrhoea foon abated ; and the next day
the efflorefcence again appeared upon her face and arms. From this time
(he continued to recover, though (lowly, and was for fome time attended
with a cough and heCtic heat.

Another fymptom, which requires our attention in the cure of this difeafe,
is an excefflve faintnefs : of this they generally complain foon after they are
taken ill, and continue to do fo, if fenfible, till the diftemper begins to abate :
•the urgency of this fymptom feems to indicate the degree of danger : it is
more or lefs violent, as the difeafe is mild or malignant ■, and an abate-
ment of it may be looked upon as a pretty fure prefage of recovery.

Warm aromatic and gently flimulating medicines, fuch as have been al-
ready mentioned, as the mofl effectual to fupprefs the vomiting, and check
the loofenefs attending this difeafe, have likewife been found ufeful in remov-
ing this fymptom : and though the degree of heat, and quicknefs of the pulfe,
would be enough to difluade aperfon who has not feen the difeafe, from giving
them in fo liberal a manner as neceffity requires yet we are not to be governed
fo much by thefe fymptoms, as by the faintnefs, depreffion of the pulfe, and
increafe of putrefcency in the fauces. One dram of the Confeftio Raleighana has
been given to a youth not quite 15 years of age, every four hours, which was
foon followed by a fenfible amendment, and th^ decreafe of the patient’s
reftleffnefs, faintnefs, and heat.

Some of the Italian phyficians forbad the ufe of wine in the cure of this

•* Aq. Alexit. (Imp. !|vj. Aiexit. fpir. cum acet, gjfs. Conf. cardiac. 3fs. Pulv. Contray.
iimp. 3 (s. Syr. Croc. gfs. f. mixt. de qua capiat «egra coch. ij. tertia quaque hora.

2 difeafe.

Account of the putrid Sore-throat. 215

difeafe, and tne warmth of their climate might perhaps make this caution ne-
ceffary; but' as it is a generous cordial, and at the fame time antifeptic, it
feems to be in no refpedt improper here and, befides, in whey, I have al-
lowed it to be given, freely, mixed with mint, baum, or fage-tea, barley-
water, gruel, panada, fago, and the like and alone, where the faintnefs has
been exceftive ; the age, the former way of life, and the fymptoms, affording
the neceffary rules as to quantity and kind. Chicken-water, or thin broth,
may alfo be allowed, which is frequently very acceptable to the patient.
And I don’t remember to have obferved fo general and early an inclination
after animal food, in any acute difeafe, as in this : for at a time when one would
imagine, both from the condition of the fauces , and the degree of heat, that
liquids would be the moft acceptable, it is not uncommon to find children,
who have this difeafe, extremely defirous of chicken, and chearfully com-
plying with diredtions, in hopes of being gratified in this refpedt.

Blifters are likewife of ufe to relieve the faintnefs. At firft I was in doubt,
left the flies, by their acrimony, flhould increafe the putrefcent difpofition, and
confequently aggravate the diforder they were intended to remove : but no fuch
effedt having appeared from their ufe, I have ordered them to be applied,
and I think with advantage, both to the ufual parts, and to the neck on each
fide from below the ear almoft to the clavicle, as occafion required *.

The ulcers in the throat demand our early and conftant attention, as a
confiderable lofs of fubftance cannot here be fuffered without immediate danger
to life itfelf, or the moft injurious, confequences to the future, adtion of the
parts, if the patient furvives.

Where the difeafe is of the mildeft kind, a fuperficial ulceration only is ob~
fervable; which may eafily efcape the notice of a perfon unacquainted with it.
A thin, pale, white flough feems to accompany the next degree : a thick,
opaque, or alh-coloured one is a further advance : and if the parts have, a livid
or black afpedt, the cafe is ftill worfe.. Thefe floughs are not formed of any
foreign matter fpread upon the parts affedted as a cruft or coat, but are real
mortifications of the fubftance •, fince, whenever they come off, or are feparated
from the parts they cover, they leave an ulcer of a greater or lefs depth, as
the Houghs were fuperficial or penetrating.

When the tendency to putrefadtion is (topped, thefe Houghs in moft cafes
come off fpontaneoufly j or their feparation ,may be promoted by fuitable
remedies and applications: but it feems by no means advifeable to attempt
it by force, or to fcrape them off with the fingers or inftruments, as Severinus
<

•■■It has been obferved by feveral, that the difcharge from bli tiers in this difeafe is in general bo‘h
-aaore copious at firft, and continues longer than is ufual in other c?f;s.

propofes 5

2l6

Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

propofes; fince the experiment has been tried, but with fuch unhappy con-
fequences *, as are iufficient to difcourage one from perfifting in this me-
thod f .

In a cafe where I was concerned, previous to my being called in, a furgeon
had endeavoured to feparate the (loughs by the affiftance of his probe : he
fucceeded in his attempt without much difficulty ; but was furprifed to fee
the fame parts covered the next day with thick, dark, affi-coloured (loughs,
penetrating deep into the fubftance.

It is true, the (loughs have been fometimes fcarified, from an apprehenfion
that matter was lodged underneath them, without any manifeft inconvenience;
but as there are inftances of fatal mortifications having enfued, it feems mod
prudent to decline the practice.

From under thefe (loughs, and from every part of the ulcers which they
cover, a thin corrofive ichor is difcharged, fo acrid as to excoriate the external
parts upon which it is fuffered to remain. This is fometimes obfervable in
adults, when the parts above the fauces are affedted ; the ichor in thefe cafes
Sows through the noftrils, and frequently raifes pimples and fmall blifters
on the (kin of the upper lip ; but it is mod obvious in children, who often
have this part, the corners of the mouth, and the cheek on which they com-
monly lie, bliftered or excoriated.

It is probable, as hath been already hinted (p. 206), that part of the
fame virulent matter, paffing down the cefophagus into the ftomach and intef-
tines, adts upon them as it does upon the (kin, when applied to it externally;
it frets and corrodes the parts it touches, and produces that ficknefs, vomit-
i.ng, purging, and faintnefs, which fometimes accompany this difeafe in dif-
ferent parts of its progrefs.

In children, and very young fubjedts, the fymptoms arifing from this caufe

* Si quis tamen vel digitis, vel aliquo inftrumento levi ipfatn (materiam albam) auferre ten-
taflet, quamvis operatio hsec fieret abfque dolore, ea tamen ablata breviffimo tempore peribant
Eegrotantes ; quod pras casteris in Petro Soprano genero meo obfervatum eft, cui cum hujufmodi
mortificatio apparuiflet in fuprema fuperficie di&arum glandularum faucium, et palati, ita ut
videretur efle maximo refpirationi et deglutitioni impedimento, chirurgus exiftimans pofle facillimo
negotio a fubjeflis partibus earn feparari folis digitis, leviffime quidem earn abftulit; qua: ablata,,
tantum abeft ut juverit deglutitionem aut refpirationem, ut utraque potius aftio lasfa magis fuerit,
unde breviffimo tempore mifer, meo cum maximo dolore, mortem oppetiit ; id quod etiam in
aliis quamplurimis pueris faepius obfervavi, et praefertim in ejufdem Petri filiolo nepoti ex filia, quin-
que annorum, mihi cariffima, qui poftpaucos dies eodem modo, quo pater, vitam cum morte muta-
vit. Cortef. Mifcel. Med. p. 697.

f Quod ii enim adhserentem adhuc cruftam avellere aggrediamur, ulcerationes magis in pro-
fi^ndum procedunt, et inflammationes confe^uuntur, augentur dolores, et in ulcera fcrpentia profi-
ciunt. Heredia, p. 109.

are

Account of the putrid Sore- throat. tiy

are yet more dangerous : the natural fofmefs and' laxity of the parts liable
to be affected, difpofes them to buffer by it much more than adults : at the
fame time they are commonly alike incapable of promoting the difcharge of
this matter themfelves, and of admitting affiitance from others, being ge-
nerally, if the diftemper is not very mild, either comatous and ftupid,
or delirious and untradtable. If gargles are injedted, they either prevent
them from reaching the feat of the diforder, by their tongues, or they fwallow
them, and the putrid taint of the ulcers, together; the mifchief fpreads be-
yond the power of art to reftrain it ; violent purgings enfue, or fatal he-
morrhages from the penetrating gangrene. And to this, perhaps, it may in
part be owing, that children buffer fo much more from this kind of Sore-
throat, than adults *.

That this corrofive matter produces thefe effedts is farther confirmed, by
obferving, that thofe whofe throats are feverely affedled, if they have a plen-
tiful difcharge from the fauces , are beldom attended with ficknefs, vomiting,
or exceflive faintnefs ; tho’ after longer bleeps than ordinary, or a negledl of
encouraging this evacuation, they have complained of ficknefs, and have
had retchings come on : and in fuch cafes, where there has been little or no
difcharge of this kind, the fymptoms are commonly the moll dangerous.

From hence it is obvious, that great advantages may be expedted from the
conftant ufe of gently ftimulating aromatic gargles ; as they promote the
difcharge of the pituitous matter flowing to the fauces , and doubtlefs, with
it, of fome part of the corrofive fluid above mentioned : to which if we
add antifeptics and detergents, in order to check the progrefs of the mortifi-
cation, and cleanfe the fordid ulcers it produces, every indication is provided
for.

Where the difeafe is mild, the fymptoms favourable, the floughs fuperfi-
cial, or fcarce perceptible, it may be fufficient to order a gargle of fage-tea,
with a few rofe-leaves added in the infufion ; three or four fpoonfuls of
vinegar may be mixed with half a pint of the tea, and as much honey put
to it as will leave it agreeably acid.

But where the fymptoms are urgent, the tendency to putrefadlion great,
the floughs large and thick, and the breath offenfive, recourfe mud: be
had to more efficacious remedies : a compofition like the following, varied
only as the patient’s age and the circumftances of the difeafe required, has
in general been attended with very good effedts. The proportion here

* Heredia takes notice of the fame thing, and gives it as a principal reafon why fomany infants
and children fuffered by this difeafe.

Infantum et puerorum multitudo maxima periit, quia nec exfpuere, nec excreare lentas et cruf-
taceas materias poffunt, et minus auxiliis obediunt. p. ioo.

2iS Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

given may be ufed for adults, and the more active parts lelfened for younger
fubjefts.

Decot?. Pet? oral. fxij. cui inter coquendum add. Rad. Contrayerv.
contuf. ffs. Liquori colato admifce Acet. Vin. Alb. fij. ‘Tint?. Myr.
§j. Mel. opt. 3vj. f. Gargarijma.

As the parts about the gullet are frequently fo much affe&ed, as to ren-
der it painful or impracticable for the lick themfelves to make ufe of the
gargle fo freely as they ought, it is commonly ordered, that a few fpoonfuls
of this liquor, made fomewhat warm, Ihould be very often injeCted into the
fauces with a fmall fyringe ; and efpecially before the patient fwallows any
thing, in order to wafh off as much as poffible the putrid fordes adhering
to the ulcers, and prevent it from palling into the Itomach and bowels *.
In young fubjeCts this method is the more necelfary, as they don’t always
know how to manage a gargle to any purpofe, did the forenefs of the parts per-
mit them to do it f.

As fo much depends upon the frequent ufe of gargles, or rather of injec-
tions, a ItriCl attention to this affair can fcarcely be too ftrongly enjoined
on thofe who have the care of the lick committed to them ; lince an alfiduous
repetition of thefe lotions not only promotes a difcharge from the glands of
the throat, which is probably of great ufe but retards the progrefs of
the ulcers, by walhing off the putrefactive corroding ‘virus , and prevents a
large train of very dangerous fymptoms (fee p. 216.); and has therefore been
ftr'enuoully infilled on by feveral writers, by Mercatus efpecially

If the Houghs are large, and call off flowly, they may be touched with
Mel. Egyptiacum , by means of an armed probe ; or if the condition of the
fauces is fuch, that this cannot conveniently be done, a fpoonful of the fol-
lowing mixture may be injeCted, and retained in the throat as long as the
patient can endure it the parts may then be walhed two or three times
with the gargle alone.

* The fame caution was given by Heredia, and almoft in the fame terms.-— Cujufque rei deglu-
titionem [praecedat excrementorum oris excreatio, deterfio, ne lotione venenofa excrementa cum
rebus deglutiendis ferantur ad vifcera. p. 109.

f — cum pueri nequeant gargarifmatis uti, injiciantur cum fyringa. Idem, ibid.

% Heredia, after having obferved, that no evacuations by ftools or fweat were of ufe in this dif-
eafe, admits that fome advantages may be expeded from this difcharge. Eft autem aliqua fpes in
frequenti exfpuitione, quando craffa et glutinofa excreatur. p. 100.

§ Cavendum eft diligenter, ne fic affedi deglutiant propriam falivam, quinimo ora. puerorum
diiigentiiiime funt abluenda. Mercat. p. 137.

IO

R Gar gar if m ,

Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

zig

$ Gargarifm. prajeript . gij. Mel. ALgypt. 3j. m.

By the conftant and regular ufe of thefe applications, if the patient is kept
warm, and the method of treating him in other refpects is obferved, agree-
able to what has been mentioned above, it feldom happens but that the fe-
brile fymptoms difappear, the floughs come off, and the ulcers are difpofed
to heal in a few days ; unlefs it be where mifmanagement at firft, ma-
lignity of the infedtion, or an unfavourable conftitution, have one or all con-
tributed to increafe the difeafe, and to render its confequences more lading
and mifehievous.

What effedts improper treatment produces in this cafe, has already been
obferved. With regard to the matter of contagion, or the nature of that
caufe which fo fuddenly brings on fuch a train of fymptoms as hath been
deferibed, little can be faid with any degree of certainty: thus much, how-
ever, feems to be true in fadt, that in fome cafes this difeafe appears to be
of fo mild a nature, and fo benign, as to require but little affiftance from
art : perfons even recover from it under the difadvantages of unfkilful and
injurious management ; whilft, in others, the progrefs of the fymptoms is
fo rapid, and the tendency to corruption fo ftrong, that nothing feems able
to oppofe it. Juft as it happens in the fmall-pox ; the benign and diftindt
fort bears ill treatment without injury ; in the malignant flux kind, the ut-
moft art and experience are too often inlufficient to condudt the diftemper
to a happy iffue. Whether this diverfity in the Sort-throat we are fpeaking
of, is owing to a difference of conftitutions, or of feafons ; to the different
quality or quantity of the contagion, or the manner of receiving it ; or whe-
ther there are in reality diftindt fpecies of it; may perhaps hereafter be more
certainly determined.

With refpedt to conftitution, it may be further obferved, that, in foft, lax,
leucophlegmatic habits, and languid, inadtive difpofitions, every thing elfe
being equal, the difeafe feems to proceed more flowly, to go off more irre-
gularly, and to leave behind it more lafting effedts. In fome perfons of the
temperament deferibed, though the fever has grown lefs, and all the fymp-
toms abated in four or five days, yet the floughs in the throat have con-
tinued almoft a week after ; whilft in the oppofite conftitution, though the
difeafe has been much more acute, yet the fymptoms have no fooner abated,
than the floughs have caft off, and the ulcers healed of their own accord.

A copious haemorrhage from the nofe, mouth, or ears, the laft efpecially,
coming on after the difeafe has continued three or four days, or longer, is a
dangerous phenomenon : for, at this time of the diftemper, it moll probably
proceeds from the branch of an artery deftroyed by the mortification, and

F f 2 laid

220

Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

laid open by the reparation of the flough, as hath been already obferved. If
the veffel is therefore large, the bleeding may prove fatal to the patient in
a very fhort time ; or if he efcapes for the prefent, the lofs of a confiderable
quantity of blood at this time of the difeafe will occafion various ill confe-
quences.

It is therefore abfolutely neceffary to endeavour to flop this difcharge
with all the expedition poffible. If the patient is coftive, it will be of ufe
to procure relief in this refpect, by clyfters or fuppofitories, as foon as can
be done : to apply vinegar, by means of tents, or otherwife, as near to the
orifice of the veffel as we can : to convey the fleam of it into the fauces
and noftrils plentifully, and to keep the patient in a fitting poflure, or his head
raifed as high as may be, and his upper parts moderately cool : if thefe me-
thods do not immediately take effect, recourfe muft be had to more effi-
cacious ones, amongfl which we may rank the bark and opium.

It is not uncommon for hectic heats, night-fweats, want of appetite, and
dejection of fpirits, to attend thofe a confiderable time, who have had the
difeafe in a fevere manner. Freffi air, affes milk, and other ufual means of
recovering the wafted ftrength, in a fhort time reftore to fuch invalids their
priftine vigour.

Having thus related the moft material circumftances that have occurred
to me in refpect to the fymptoms, progrefs, and event of this diftemper, the
juvantia , Ixdentia, and the accidents chiefly to be regarded in its cure, in
fuch a manner as I hope will enable thofe who have not feen or known it, to
diftinguiffi it from a common Sore-throat , and to treat it with fome degree of
propriety and fuccefs when it occurs, I ffiall conclude with obferving,

j. That the Sore-throat attended with Ulcers , feems to be acconir
panied with a ftrong difpofition to putrefaction, which affects
the habit in general,, but the fauces, and the parts contiguous, in
particular. And it feems not unreafonable to fuppofe,
i. That the caufe of this tendency is a putrid virus, or miajma Jut
generis, introduced into the habit by contagion ■, principally by
means of the breath of the perfon affected.

3. That this virus, or contagious matter, produces effects more or
lefs pernicious, according to the quantity and nature of the infec-
tion, and as the fubject is difpofed to receive or fiuffer by it.

4. That putrefactive and malignant difeafes, in common, admit
of the moft fenfible and fecure relief, from difcharges of the pec-
cant matter, either upon the fkin in general, or on particular parts.
of the body.

5. That the rednefs, and cutaneous efflorefcence, in the prefent cafe,

maw

221

Account of the putrid Sore-throat.

may be confidered as an eruption of the like nature, and there-
fore to be promoted by fuch methods as have proved fuccefsful in
fimilar difeafes.

6. That a cordial, alexipharmac, warm regimen, has been found by
experience to be of the moft ufe in fuch cafes ; and that bleeding,
purging, antiphlogiftics, liberally employed, either retard or wholly
prevent thefe difcharges.

Therefore, as to expel the morbific matter (3) feems to be the defign
of Nature, to promote this defign by the meafures that are approved by ex-
perience in analogous diforders, is the duty of the Phyficiam

A

DESCRIPTION

.

V

-■

Z':-. - r.

v;

- ; j

.

. ' ' ,

. r

'

• r- . '

•

'

-

/

■

t

riate I.

Vf*

poffe. U3,

Jnfl.ixfa Sat/p-

^

Arbutus And/ uc/me ' .

/

<

- ■ > 1- *

4

*

I Jate XI .

fr.

Aud/acZrsie .

Arbutus

I

[ 223 I

v

A

_

D

ESC

R I P

T I

O N

O F T H E

A N

D R

A C

H

N E *,

WITH ITS BOTANICAL CHARACTERS :
By G. D. Ehret, F. R. S. -f*

Read before the Royal Society, February 2,6, 1767.

FROM a fhort and crooked ftem go off irregularly fevera branches bend-
ing in various directions ; but the younger jfhoots moftly pointing up-
wards. The height of the fhrub is now about four feet.

The ftem and branches are of different colours at different feafons. In the
fpring, they appear of a greenifh cinnamon colour: this is gradually heightened
to almoft a red during winter ; towards the end of which, the epidermis peels
off, and the new bark exhibits the like appearance as it had the fpring
before.

On the extremities of thefe branches, the ftioots of the preceding year,
which are of a deep red colour, are many leaves of different fizes, placed
irregularly ; the largeft leaves were in length, when the figure was drawn,
about four inches, and two inches and an half in breadth, of an oval figure :
they are moftly entire, though the edges of fome are lightly ferrated : their
furface is fmooth and lively, but not gloffy or fhining. They are fupported
on the branches by footftalks about an inch long, of a red colour, and
fmooth.

* I have introduced this defcrption of the Andrachne, though written by Ehret, as I have"
reafon to think it was done under the influence of Dr. Fothergill. This beautiful exotic is now
in a flourifliing ftate at Upton, in the open ground : it is about twelve feet high. Editor.

-J- Philofophical Tranfa&ions, vol. Ivii. anno 1767^. 114.

The

224

A Description of the Andrachne, &c.

The young leaves, at their firft appearance, are of a faintilh green, with
a call of yellow, yet beautifully fhaded with red : their footftalks and middle
rib are then hoary, but they lofe this appearance as they grow older.

This very rare fhrub produced its flowers, for the firft time in England, in
the garden of Dr. John Fothergill, at Upton, near Stratford, in ElTex, May
1766. The principal fpikes of flowers in this fpecies of arbutus are ered:,
producing many fide ones in a horizontal direction, their extremities inclin-
ing downwards. Each of thefe Ample ramifications contain many white glo-
bular flowers, hanging on long hoary glutinous pedunculi, which are fituated
alternately. Thefe fpikes of flowers, forming a kind of loole tuft, with the
bright bunches of leaves, have an elegant appearance.

Characters of the Flo w e r<»

TAB. VI.

Fig. a. reprefents a fide view of the flowers ; they are of a globular fhape,
and open into five obtufe reflex lacinias, in the manner of the common
arbutus.

Fig. b. a back view of the flower, upon which appears the calyx fpread
open, and clofely adhering to the flower ■, it confifts of five oval pointed
leaves or divifions : around this calyx appear on the corolla ten vifible
nedraria.

When thefe flowers drop off, the calyx clofes up, and embraces the tender
germ. See Fig. c.

Fig. d . reprefents a flower feparated from the calyx ; it is inferted at the
bafe of the germen. The ten nedraria, which are fomewhat fwollen, or raifed
from the corolla, and have tranfparent appearances, are alfo difcoverable,
whilft the magnified figure e lays the parts more diftindrly in view. This is a
remarkable character in this flower.

Fig. /. exhibits the flower laid open : it is fmooth without, and hoary
within ; it contains ten ftamina, which are inferted at the bafe of the flower ;
their filaments and apices embrace half the ftyle.

Fig. g. two ftamina magnified, the bafe whereof is a tender flelhy fubftance,
hoary, and of a club-like fhape ; this diminifhes gradually into a filament,
upon which is fituated a fingular anthera : this anthera burfts at two apertures
(as the figure reprefents), and difperfes its farinaceous dull towards the
ftyle : from the top of this apex, comes forth, at the oppofite fide, two
crooked forked horns, bending downwards in length of the anthera.

Fig. h. the germen or rudiment magnified. This is hoary ; its bafe con-
fifts of a red flelhy fubftance, with ten obtufe angles. The ftyle fupports a
fmall globular ftigma, and does not exceed the length of the flower.

Fig.

A Defcription of the Andrachne , &c. 225

Fig. i. reprefents a horizontal view of the germen, as obferved through a
lens : it has five regular loculaments or cells, though feemingly but one feed ■,
but by a clofer infpeftion, there appeared feveral embryo feeds in each cell.

Fig. k. a dried fruit or berry of the Andrachne in its natural fize, with an
horizontal fe£tion. This fruit, which is tuberculous, I drew from a fpecimen
confiding of the whole branch, leaves, flower-fpikes, with many ripe berries,
which was brought from Aleppo, by Dr. Alexander Ruffed ; all which I
examined and defcribed at that time for my own fatisfa&ion, and find them
to agree exactly with the recent fhrub above defcribed. It likewife feems
worthy of obfervation, that the plants raifed by the gardeners by grafting or
inarching the Andrachne upon the common arbutus, which is the method
chiefly ufed in propagating this elegant fir rub, differ confiderably from the
plants raifed from feed, particularly in this, that the young branches, and
the footftalks of the leaves, are very hairy, and the leaves themfelves are all,
without exception, deeply ferrated like the arbutus. Dr. Ruffed alfo informs
me, that the outer bark of the old item and branches abroad, are for fome
months of the year of as beautiful a crimfon, as the young fnoots are here
defcribed to be, and doubts not but it will be fo in this country, as the fhrub
grows older *.

* It may not be improper to mention, that the flower fpike above defcribed, with the glan-
dular prominences, which were the rudiments of future dowers, made their appearance foon after
Midfummer 1765 : they advanced very flowly during the remains of fummer; flood the winter un*
der a flight cover, and made no great progrefs, till w thin a month of their flowering.

That plant, which produced thefe flowers, was one of feveral, which J Gordon, of Mile End,
was fortunate enough to raiie from feed, fent by Dr. Ruflell from Aleppo, in 1754; and that
this fliould be the only plant which has hitherto produced flowers, is probably owing principally
to its having been divers times tranfplanted. J. Fotheflgiu.v-

G g

A N

J' i;.

~,r

tU3

•>< ' ;

’t >

•/ :iv

elf

• T

no

vI,

’ K. ■ it •

. -j i

1 ■ i /; • t r

*

»'

i naif

; *5

j

f:

•i

1

oh jR

vd

U‘J

r t* *

•>«ii )*

-•» V.

. lu

4

f. V .

.

. 1 J i -

.

- .a'

t

& '

a 1

/ . ..

■. >•

:c c i

j

iO

i

I

-

ij

auH

j

• C! -V

k'<l

V/

’ 1

r

! ‘ t

' 0

lit' VO

t"i ! 1 : f

, , .. .

> . **

4> ;

:,i! fh;

,:r4

■ -

i ■

•

1 '

,) 3 V Ki 2

;l!

. ( vy

1 ,J<3 V.

> .

*-■

» - - -

r "tc. i

ran" 't «

■ »

* \ H

t

• / 14

.. .

J

i yT

ii

• 2'S* 1.

'

■ srh

t

"3 !

9f: ao

i .

..n j<

t4bn

C,

h ■ fcS

q

fli

bJk>

\

fh

i :>

i

f. -fa ? rr

; . : , .

r

01 in

J ;ty

k."j

i :V ‘

t

: ;;

7 M

'••ko

Vt - ' ‘

3i<: , :r-

j:v3

V 3

' to. t

. i ;

• - v-

. • •

: 'y

? 0.

<- ■»'£

a: :

•

1

,f . ui

Y 3/

J h, 4

:om

<1 .

* ■ i

^ ,

. ii

Jiid

1C i

1 t

.*»

. ■ )«

'

-b3.

/ i . ' .•••> ?

■ Y *

' • • ! • . ; • • • I

• ■’ j • ' - ’L ' ry.

' • v; £i . ; .

i

3 - ’ ;j

I

'• ‘

■ 7:. ..

[ 227 ]

1 1 "

A N

A C C O U N T

OF THE

MAGNETICAL MACHINE

Contrived by the late Dr. Gowin Knight , F. R. S. and
prefented to The Royal Society, by John F other gilly

M. D. F. R. S. *

Read before the Royal Society, June 27, 177 6.

To the Prefident and Fellows of the Royal Society.

Gentlemen,

BY being left executor to your late worthy member, Gowin Knight, M. B,
a very extraordinary Magnetic Machine of his contrivance, and which
had coft him much labour and expence, came into my poflefiion. This, I
thought, might not be unworthy of a place in your repofitory ; and I there-
fore defire your acceptance of itx as a monument of Dr. Knight’s very lingu-
lar abilities, and of my regard to the purpofes of your inftitution.

I muft, however, inform you, that this Machine, which, by the annexed
figure, and its explanation, may be obferved to confift of two parts, is by no
means fo ftrongly magnetical a& it was at the Doctor’s deceafe. Not long
after this event, it was neceffary to remove this apparatus from his apart-
ments in the Britifh Muleum. One of thefe parts was fixed up in your
Mufeum, the other was left at the lodgings of one of your very ufeful, inge-
nious members, J. H, de- Magellan, for the purpofe of fome experiments,
and alfo for impregnating ftrongly the needles of fea-compaftes. Here it
was accidentally deftroyed by fire, and the parts it confifted of rendered almoft
wholly ufelefs. A new one has, however, been made, and impregnated with
the magnetical power, by the ingenious gentleman above-mentioned, accord-

* Ehilofophical Tranfa&ions,. vol. Ixvi. anno 1776, p. 591.

G g 2 ing*

228 Account of the Magnetic at Machine contrived by t)r. Gowin Knight .

ing the method of Dr. Knight. It has acquired a confiderable degree of
magnetic force } by being placed' in the polar line with- -the other part -of
this machine that was unhurt, and where in time it will, perhaps, acquire
a confiderable degree of magnetic energy.

I with it had been in my power to have given a minute and pertinent detail
of my deceased friend’s difcoveries in this branch of1 knowledge. He ac-
quainted me, it is true, at different times in converfation, of the progrefs he
had made in thefe difcoveries ; but, as I then thought he intended to leave
behind him an exacft account of his experiments and refearches, and their
reftilt', I dnljf liffehed to his relations as- matters of iiiftrufetive ainufemeot,
not thinking it would ever be necefiary for any other perfon than himfelf
to give the public an account of his labours. Indeed, there are many use-
ful memorials of his on this fubj.eft, in your collections, to which I muft
refer the inquifitiv'fe reader. I fhall oiily rfifchtion fome circumftanceS relative
to this machine, which I do not know have been related either by himfelf or
any other perfon.

The firft thing, I believe, that engaged the DoCtbr’s attention more par-
ticularly to magnetifm, was the accident that befel a fhip’s compafs from
lightning; and of which, I think, Fife gave a' very circumftantial account
m the Society. This affair led him to confider the ftrudture of the com-
afs more minutely. He procured compafs-cafds ready-armed, as it is
called, from different makers both at home and abroad. He found molt of
the needles ftrangely erring from due polarity ; fome being many points to
the Weft, others as many to the Eaft, of the right pofition. Amongft them
all there was only one, which to him feemed conftrufted on a rational plan,
and was of French make, procured from Marfeilles ; but even this was
not without very evident faults.

To fix upon the proper form of a needle through which the magnetic
effluvia could pafs with the leaft interruption, to give the needle fuch a
degree of hardnefs as to retain the magnetic influx the longeft, and with the
greateft force, were material objefts ; and, I imagine, a view to have fuch a
degree of magnetic power at his command, as to force the magnetic virtue
through the moft confolidated bars, was his firft inducement to try, whe-
ther he could not collefl fuch a magazine of magnetifm, as would be fuffi-
cient for every purpofe of this kind, and at the fame time exhibit fome new
phenomena in phyfics yet undifcovered. With this view he planned and
executed the machine, defcribed at the end of this relation.

His firft attempt, however, was much fmailer; a few bars were laid in the
clue courfe of the magnetic flux, and impregnated by conftant attrition. To
thefe, other bars were added fucceffively, after they had been impregnated,
both by the force Ire could give them by attrition, and what he could de-
rive

O

Account of the Magnetic al Machine contrived by Dr. Govern Knight, ny

■rive from the preceding (lock collected in the bars. To thefe he added dill
frefh bars, till he had formed the whole mafs as it is now prefented to you, and
raiding- on wheels and pivots, in fuch manner as to be eafily manageable for the
purpofe of impregnating the needles he was employed to fee prepared, for the
fervice of government, and others, who had generality enough to think, that
the compafs, on which depended die lives of the ihip’s crew, could not be
made too perfedt, and that it d eft rved a reafonable compenfation. It is to the
Ekxdor’s ingenuity and indefatigable attention to this ufeful inftrument, that
it has acquired amongft us a degree of perfedtion unknown to our prede-
celTors.

When the machine was compleated, he ftill v/as adding continually to its
power. He impregnated every fingle bar of which it is compofed, by repeated
attritions, and applied it to the remaining bars in their magnetic pofition. Af-
ter this operation, he always found its efficacy, for a feafon, confiderably di-
miniffied ; for the effluvia of each bar, though increafed in virtue, feemed not
immediately to have acquired a communication with each other. Hov/ever, it
grew always more powerful after each of thefe operations ; and it is more than
probable, if a perfon could be found, v/ho, with equal patience and fkill,
would, at proper diftances, repeat the fame procefs, that the prefent machine
would acquire a degree of force fuperior to what the original ever poffeffed ;
for much depends upon time, and a due pofition. If to thefe was added a
frefh impregnation of each fingle bar, by the means hitherto made ufe of, you
would probably polfefs a larger fund of magnetic power, than exifts in any ar-
tificial magnet now in being.

But if this cannot be obtained, if an able perfon cannot be prevailed upon
to renew its vigour in this manner, it might poffibly afford the curious fome
fatisfadtion to know, whether, in its prefent Hate, it lofes any force, or acquires
freffl virtue ; to know, with fome degree of precifion, how much weight it will
now fufpend ; and to obferve annually its variation. I need not fuggeff, that a
trial of this nature demands no fmall attention, liven the motion of a car-
riage in the ftreet, though at fuch a diflance as the Society’s apartments, will
make a confiderable variation.

I do not know, that the Dodtor left behind him any defcription of a com-v
pofition he had made to form artificial loadftones. I have feen in his pof-
feffion, and many other of his friends have likewife feen, fuch a compofition;
which retained the magnetic virtue in a manner much more fixed, than either
any real loadftone, or any magnetic bar, however well tempered. In the na-
tural ones he could change the poles in an inftant, fo likewife in the hardefl
bars ; but in the compofition the poles were immoveable. He had feveral
fmall pieces of this compofition, which had ftrong magnetic powers. The
largeft was about half an inch in breadth, very little longer than broad, and

near

230 Account of the Magnetical Machine contrived by Dr. Gowin Knight,

near a quarter of an inch thick. It was not armed, but the ends were power-
fully magnetic ; nor could the poles be altered, though it was placed between
two of his largeft bars, and they were very ftrongly impregnated. The mafs
was not very heavy, and had much the appearance of a piece of black lead,,
though not quite fo fhining. I believe he never divulged the compofitionj
but, I think, he once told me, the bafis of it was filings of iron, reduced by
long-continued attrition with water to a perfectly impalpable ftate, and then in-
corporated with fome pliant matter, to give it due confiftence*. Perhaps fome

* The following account of Dr. Knight’s method of making artificial Loadltones, was comniu.
fiicated by Benjamin Wilfon, F.'R. S. in a letter to Sir Jofeph Banks, Baronet, P. R. S. Read
before the Royal Society, December 17, 1778. Editor.

Sir,

The method of making artificial Loaddones, as it was dilcovered and pradtifed by the late
Dr. Gowin Knight, being unknown to the Public, and I myfelf having been frequently prefent
when the Dodtor was employed in the mod: material deps of that curious procefs, I thought a
communication thereof would be agreeable to you and the philofophic world.

The method was this : — Having provided himfelf with a large quantity of clean filings of iron,
he p-ut them into a large tub that was more than one-third filled with clean water : he then, with
great labour, worked the tub to and fro for many hours together, that the fridtion between the
grains of iron by this treatment might break off fuch fmaller parts as would remain fufpended in>
the water for a time. The obtaining of thofe very fmall particles in diffident quantity, feemed to>
him to be one of the principal dejiderata in the experiment.

The water being by this treatment rendered very muddy, he poured the fame into a. clean,
earthen veflel, leaving the filings behind ; and when the water had dood long enough to become
clear, he poured it out carefully, without didurbing fuch of the iron fediment as dill remained,,
which now appeared reduced almod to impalpable powder. This powder was afterwards removed:
into another veffei, in order to dry it ; but as h had not obtained a proper quantity thereof by
this one dep, he was obliged to repeat the procefs many times.

Hav ing at lad procured enough of this very fine powder, the next thing to be done was to make:
a pade of it, and that with fome vehicle which would contain a confiderable quantity of the phlo-
gidic principle; for this purpofe he had recourfe to linfeea-oil in preference to all other fluids.

With thefe two ingredients only he made a did" pade, and took particular care to knead it well,
before he moulded it into convenient drapes. Sometimes, whiLA the pade continued in its foft date,
he would put the impreflion of a feal upon the feveral pieces ; one of which is in the Britilh Mufeum.

This pade was then put upon wood, and fometimes on tiles, in order to bake or dry it before a
moderate fire, at a foot didance, or thereabouts.

The Doctor found, that a moderate fire was mod proper, becaufe a greater degree of heat made
the compodtion frequently crack in many places.

The time required for the baking or drying of this pade was generally, fire or fix hours, before
it attained a fu.ficient degree of hardnefs. When that was done, and the feveral baked pieces
were become cold, he gave them their magnetic virtue in any diredtion he pleaded, by placing
them between the extreme ends- of his large magazine of artificial magnets for a few feconds 01-
more, as he faw occafion.

By this method the virtue they acquired was fuch, that when any one of thofe pieces was held,
between two of his bed ten guinea bars, with its poles purpofely inverted, it immediately of ir-
felf turned about to recover its natural direction, which the force of thofe very powerful bars was.
®.ot faificient to counteract. I- am, & c<

of'

Account of the Magnetical Machine contrived by Dr. Gowin Knight. 23 1

of his acquaintance may have been more fully informed of this circumftance ;
and it may be rendering great aid to future enquirers, to know every thing
that can be colledted relative to id curious a fubjedt.

Left the machine itfelf ihould be deftroyed by the fame accident as that
which deftroyed a part of it, I thought an exadt reprefentadon of it, and its fe-
veral parts, might be the beft means of preferving it to future times, if in-
ferted in the Tranfadtions of the Royal Society.

Explanation of the Plate.

Plate III. ftiews the magazines according to the Dodtor’s laft difpofition of
them. The two being perfedtly alike, therefore fig. 2. contains only the half
of one of them. Each magazine confifts of 240 bars, difpofed in four lengths,
marked 1. 2. 3. 4. ; every length containing fixty bars, placed in fix courfes or
layers, in contadt one on another ; and ten in each courfe, placed fide by fide,
in contadt alfo. The bars being very nearly of a fize, the ends of thofe in one
length are in contadt with the correfponding ends of thofe in the adjacent
lengths. The magnetical North-ends of thefe bars, in each magazine, are all
diredted one way towards n ; and the South-ends the contrary way toward s ;
thick plates of iron cover thefe ends n and s ; the jundtion of the ends of the
bars fall under the brafs braces aa.

As it has been found difficult, after the final hardening of thefe bars, to pre-
ferve among them a perfedt equality in fize ; therefore, the contadt of their
fides are perfedted by thin iron plates bb, flipped in between the braces aa and
the jundtion of the ends of the bars : and thefe plates bb, being prefied by the
fcrews paffing through the fides of the braces aa, keep the ends of the bars in
as clofe contadt as their figures will permit ; and, that the bars may be kept
end to end in contadt, the iron plate at the North-end in fig. 1. and at. the
South-end in fig. 2. is perforated with fixty holes, one againft the end of each
bar, as ftiewn at fig. 3. with a fcrew fitted to each hole, as fliewn at fig. 4. :
every fcrew having a fquare head as at fig. 5. may, by help of the key, fig. 6.
be turned, and, by preffing againft the end of the bar in the fourth length,
force it againft its abutting bar in the third length, and fo on till the bars, end
to end, are brought into contadt and kept fo. The braces are in two pieces ;
the fides and bottom in one ; and the other piece forms the top aa, which is
held clofe to the bars by the fcrews paffing through it into the upright fides of
the braces j and, to keep the braces at n and s fteadily in their places, the two
long braces cc are affixed.

As each of thefe magazines weighed about 500 lbs. it became neceflary to
have them fo placed as to be conveniently ufed. The Dodtor, therefore, by

fcrews

232 Account of the Magnetical Machine contrived by Dr. Govern Knight .

fcrews fixed the braces, containing the bars, to a ftrong mahogany plank dd,
about 1 inch and i. thick; the fcrews palling through the plank entered the
bottom parts of the braces aa. Again!! the middle of the whole length, two
ftrong brafs plates are well fixed to the fides of the plank; to thefe brafs
plates are fixed two cylindrical gudgeons f, which projecting from the fides,
like the trunnions of a cannon, lie in the fockets of the ftandard g, whereby
the magazine eafily turns, as on an axis ; and is fo well poized as to ftand in
any inclination of the line ns ; and in this the equilibrium is aflifted by the
ftrong mahogany femi-circular pieces ll, fixed in a vertical pofition to the
middle of the under part of the plank dd, on which the magnetic apparatus
refts. The ftandards g are fixed to the fquare frame hh, and the whole fup-
ported on the four trucks 11, whereby the two magazines are eafily brought
end to end, or fet at a convenient diftance, fo as to admit a bar k, to be placed
between the ends, to be made magnetical.

. ' • / r f ? f '

: • . )< : ico 1

A few.

[ 233 ]

/J Few years ago * Jome Phyficians in London agreed to meet together for their mu-
^ tual improvement in the practice of their profeffion. The reigning dfeafes of
the feafon , with the methods of cure that were found mofi effectual-, and new difco-
veries in phyfc , either here or abroad, more efpecially fuch as they themfelves had'
either made or examined , were intended to be the principal topics of converfation.

Fhe perfons who formed this Jociety , were either fuch as had the care of hofpitals ,
or were otherwife in Jome degree of repute in their profeffion and confequently had
frequent opportunities of making obfervations themfelves , and of verifying , in the
courfe of their practice, the difcoveries of others. IVhen difficult cafes occurred to
any of them , the ref were confulted , and that method of cure , which appeared mofi
likely to be attended with fuccefs, was tried , and the event communicated.

When thefe meetings had continued a confiderable time , form of the members became
defirous of making the public partakers of the advantages that might be derived
from fuch an afociation : accordingly they , with fome other Phyficians, formed
themfelves into a fociety, for collecting and pub lifting Medical Obfervations and
Enquiries. — Preface to the Medical Obferv. &c. Vol. I.

Dr. Fothergill , if not the firfl projector of this important publication, has cer-
tainly been a very confiderable contributor to it, as the many ufeful papers of his >
extracted from it, will abundantly tefiify. Editor..

* The Society s firfi volume was publijhed in 1758,.

H h

J

O F

[ 235 ]

OF THE

USE of the CORTEX PERUVIANUS

S I do not remember to have met with many inftances recorded of the

effects of the Bark in Scrofulous Diforders, I take the liberty to offer the
following obfervations on this fubjeft to the Society, and fubmit them entirely
to their correction and difpofal.

About the year 1744, a poor woman brought her child, a boy between
twelve and fourteen months old, and requefted my affiftance for a diforder in
its eyes, that feemed to threaten total blindnefs. The eyelids were fo fwelled,
and fo exquifitely tender, that it was with difficulty I obtained the flighted:
view of one eye, the coats whereof feemed only to be affeCted : the lips were
likewife much fwelled; the glands about the neck enlarged; and the whole
afpeCl denoted a fcrofulous tendency.

I ordered a fpoonful of a decoClion of the Bark to be given three times a
day, adding to each dofe from fix to ten drops of the half, polychreji. or fo many
as might be fufficient to procure a laxative ftool every day, the child being na-
turally of a coftive habit.

The child was ordered to live upon light broth, and fuch tender animal food
as the poor woman could procure ; and to be kept from much fruit and
vegetables.

By this method, in about a fortnight, he was able to bear the light; and,
in a month, I had the fatisfaClion to fee him perfectly recovered.

The fuccefs of this experiment induced me to repeat it as occafion offered.
Not long after, a boy was brought to me, about feven years old, of a thin fpare
habit, pale fickly look, with the eyelids fo much fwelled, and the eyes fo ten-
der, as to be incapable of bearing the lead glimmering of light ; and his face
was here and there crufled with moifl fcabs, which had almoft covered his.
chin.

IN SCROFULOUS DISORDERS*.

From the Medical Obfervations and Enquiries, vol. i. p. 303. Read November 29, 1756.

H h. 2. I ordered

236 Ufe of the Cortex Peruvianus in Scrofulous Diforders.

I ordered a decodtion of the Bark to be given, to the quantity of a fpoonful
and a half, three times a day ; and a fmall pill, with one grain of calomel in a
little conferve of rofes, every other night.

This procefs was continued about ten days, when he was brought to me
again : the eyes were lefs tender, and his face was fo me what cleared of the
fcabs : but as the feafon was then growing colder, the decodlion was continued
alone about a month, when the child had recovered better health than he had
enjoyed during the preceding year : he could bear any light without pain, the
fcabs had difappeared, and the glands were become fmall and fofter.

The fpring following, his eyes again growing tender and painful, and other
fymptoms appearing of his former indifpofition, the fame remedies were re-
peated, and produced the fame effecfts as before ; and that he might be fecured

from the like returns for the future, I advifed that he fhould take the decodtion

*

and pills for ten days or a fortnight, once in three months, for about a year.
This advice was punctually complied with, and he remained free from any
fymptom of the diforder about four years, from the laft repetition of the medi-
cines, when he was feized with the confluent fmall-pox, at that time very rife
and fatal, and died of the fecond fever.

In the year 1750, a poor woman brought her child, fomewhat more than a
year old, affected with a very painful fcrofulous ophthalmy, to Dr. Clephane
and me, then at Scarborough. A method like the former was directed, and
we had the fatisfaction to find, ere we left the place, that the child had reaped
from it all the benefit we could wifh.

A young gentleman, about feventeen, of a thin habit, in an employment that
admitted but of little exercife, accuftomed to a plentiful table, and deriving
from his parents a fcrofulous taint, defired my afliftance for a large indurated
parotid.

I diredted a two-cunce draught of the decodtion of the Bark, with about forty
drops of the tin£l. guaiac. volatilis to be taken, twice a day, and to be continued
during two months.

By the ufe of this remedy he grew ftrong and more florid : the tumour did
not increafe, but felt fomewhat fofter than at firft. Having thus* flopped its
progrefs, I advifed him to defifl about two months, and then to repeat the fame
remedy : but no confiderable benefit accrued from this fecond courfe ; the tu-
mour, though lefs than at firft, was ftill obfervable.

Things remained in this fituation about a year, when his chin and upper lip
began to be covered with a thick yellow fcab, moift and itching. This was
both troublefome and difagreeable. I had recourfe again to the Bark in va-
rious forms, but without the advantage I hoped for : it feemed to flop the pro-
grefs of the diftemper, but did not cure it. A courfe of calomel and Jul^hur
aurat. antimon. in fmall dofes, viz. a grain of each every night, gradually

cleared

Ufe of the Cortex Per unianus in Scrofulous Dif orders. 237

cleared his face of this difagreeable gueft ; but it foon broke out again. Bath-
ing in the fea, and the ufe of Scarborough water upon the fpot, at length extir-
pated this cutaneous diforder. The parotid however (till continued lwelled ;
but as he now began to acquire a more manly habit, it ceafed to be confpi-
cuous.

In this cafe I had juft reafon to apprehend that the Bark put a flop to the tu-
mour’s increafe, and rather foftened it ; but this was all : and I have met with
many other cafes, in which the Bark has had the like effedts ; checked the
fpeedy progrefs of the difeafe, reftored a better ftate of health in various re-
fpedis, and laid a proper foundation to proceed upon, in attempting a cure by
other methods. I have likewife made ufe of the Bark in fcrofulous ulcers, but
hitherto not with the fuccefs one might expedt.

I have at prefent under my care a boy about fourteen, a girl about ten years
of age, and a third about feven of a very delicate habit. The two firft are
poor, and a charge to their parents, from a forenefs in their eyes, that renders
them incapable of bearing the light, or doing any thing towards their fupport.
The laft is obliged to live in conftant darknefs, though the child of perfons in
better condition. They have been in the courfe defcribed above feveral
weeks, and are daily recovering.

Sometimes I give the calomel pills above mentioned with the decodlion, efpe-
cially if any fymptoms of the worms appear, or if the cafe is attended with
coftivenefs, and a difcharge of acrimonious moifture on any part of the fkin.
But the Bark is the remedy I think chiefly to be depended on ; and the dofe
fhould be as much as the patient can be prevailed upon to take ■, providing
with equal care againft coftivenefs and its oppofite.

As I imagine the refult of repeated obfervations will be more agreeable to
your plan than a detail of particular cafes, I fhall conclude this narrative with
remarking, that I have given the Bark, in cafes fimilar to thofe above defcribed,
to children of different ages, to adults of both fexes, and in various conditions
of life ; and have found, that it may not only be given with great fafety, but to
manifeft advantage, in many fcrofulous complaints : inveterate ophthalmies ge-
nerally yield to it ; incipient glandular tumours are very frequently refolved,
and their farther progrefs flopped ; fwelled lips, cutaneous blotches arifing from
the like caufe, are healed, and the tendency to a ftrumous habit corredled, by a
proper ufe of the Cortex Peruvianas.

There are few, I believe, who are converfant in the pradtice of phyfic, who
do not find occafion, at one time or other, to be diffatisfied with the feveral
methods and medicines hitherto recommended in the cure of the diforders I
have been mentioning. A fwelled lip, a blood-fhot eye, will frequently baffle
a courfe of efficacious remedies under prudent diredlions. When the difeafe is
farther advanced, it grows more obftinate ; the greater the number of parts

that

238 Ufe of the Cortex Peruvianus in Scrofulous Diforders.

that are affedted, the more the difficulties are increafed. We have indeed a
copious choice of alteratives handed down to us, all which, perhaps, have
been, in particular inftances, beneficial ; but neverthelefs they too often difap-
point us. Moll of the remedies propofed for this diitemper, are fuch as feem
recommended more with a view to alter the juices, than immediately to affedt
the folids : but we hitherto know much lefs of the nature of fluids circulating
in an animal body, or how to alter them, than we do how to apply fuch medi-
cines as affedt the folids, and, in confequence thereof, produce certain altera-
tions in the fluids.

It is not fafe to infer, that the various kinds of falts have the fame effedts
-upon animal juices, whether taken from the animal, or circulating in their
proper canals. Experience does not always warrant fuch conclufions. The di-
geftive powers of the ftomach, by the fame means that they convert different
forts of aliments, fome of them fufficiently acrid, into a mild and milky fluid,
feem able to deprive the moll pungent falts of great part of their adtivity. And
this circumftance alone, in my opinion, renders a dependence upon one part of
the Materia Medica , on which many pleafing expedtations have been formed,
much to be fufpedted ; I mean the different kinds of falts recommended in ftru-
mous diforders. It is very certain that the effedts of the acid and the alkaline
falts greatly depend on the prefent difpofition of the juices in the ftomach and firlt
paffages. The neutral ones are not altogether exempt from the fame influ-
ence ; and fhould they pafs unaltered into the blood, we cannot afcertain their
effedts upon it : and could we even do this, can it reafonably be fuppofed that
a few drams of any kind of fait, however adtive, and properly adapted, mixed
with fo many pounds of blood, and other animal juices, could produce the
effedt we wifh for, or be able to extirpate a difeafe, as the ancients expreffed
themfelves, to tins Jubftantia , and fixed in the molt inacceffible parts of the ani-
mal ceconomy ? The chance therefore of curing this diflemper, by means of
remedies defigned to adt on the fluids alone, is but little. It may Indeed be
urged, that falts, as ftimulants, affedt the folids as well as fluids ; and that they
may do fo is granted : but in this cafe their operation is much confined ; for it
may be doubted, whether their Jiimulus extends beyond the firfi: paffages.

The afpedt, habit, and age of ftrumous perfons; the nature of their tumours
in refpedt to their formation, progrefs, and iffue, feem to indicate a general
laxity of the folids, as well as great vifcidity of the fluids, efpecially thole con-
tained in fome particular feries of veffels ■, which caufes, when combined, pro-
ceed with a flow but conftant efficacy to produce the worfl: of mifchiefs, unlefs
prevented by. the interpolation of fome favourable change in the non-naturals,
or by medical affiitance.

It may indeed be difputed, whether the folids being firfi: relaxed, the fluids
do not become vifcid, and unfit for their office, in confequence of this relaxa-
10 tionj.

TJfe of the Cortex Peruvianus in Scrofulous Diforders. 239

tion j or whether the juices are not firft vitiated, and from them a laxity of the
folids is inevitably derived. Cafes may happen in which one or the other of
thefe fuppolitions may, with great probability, be admitted ; but in either cafe,
fmce it feems beyond difpute, that the power of affedting the folids is more
under our command than that of altering the fluids, it is reafonable to diredt
our applications in the cure of this diftemper more immediately to the folids,
as, without their affiftance, the fluids muft (till remain in a morbid condition.

All internal remedies given by the mouth, and defigned to adt beyond the
ftomach, muft be expofed to the efficacy of the powers by which digeftion is
performed : it is therefore incumbent upon the prefcriber to confider how far
the virtues of the medicines he gives, are liable to be affedted in their tranfit
to the parts where he is defirous they fhould adt. Moft of the faline remedies,
as hath already been obferved, are liable to great alterations in the ftomach.
Alcaline and acid falts may become neutral and faponaceous ; neutral ones may
be diluted, and difpofed to run off immediately by the emundtories, and all of
them contribute as little towards eradicating this diftemper, as they do towards
effedting the change we call digeftion ; a change whereby fubftances very re-
mote from it are converted into an animal nature.

And it feems to me, that in the cure of all chronic complaints, however
diftant their feat may be from the ftomach, thofe will have the greateft fuccefs,
who attentively conflder the prefent ftate of this organ ; who remove every ob-
ftrudtion to its performing the office of digeftion with eafe, conftancy, and ex-
pedition. For if digeftion is well performed, the chyle is proper ■, the blood
produced from this chyle is natural ; the fecretions, nutriment, and excretions,
will be regular ; health, ftrength, and adlivity, enfue ; and difeafes vaniffi. If
digeftion languiffi, the contrary happens, in fpite of the beft fpecifics, unlefs
one part of their virtues be to reftore the injured faculties of digeftion to their
priftine and natural ftate.

And from the moft attentive confideration of the cure of many chronic com-
plaints, and the moft unprejudiced difquifition what fhare the medicines ap-
plied have had in effedting fuch cures ; by much the greateft part of thefe dif-
tempers feem to have been removed, rather in confequence of the medicines
given having had a certain effedt on the ftomach, and thereby enabling nature
to do her own bufinefs, than by any fpecific operations on the particular feat of
the diftemper.

If the immediate caufe of intermittents does not refide always in the ftomach
and firft paffages, it often does undoubtedly. An emetic fometimes cures it,
bitters of all kinds often ; aftringents likewife : and, in a word, whatever has a
power of affifting digeftion, has, at one time or other, been recommended in
the cure of agues. The Bark enjoys a degree of bitternefs and aftringency,
that few other drugs are poffeffed of in the fame proportion. Some are more

bitter.

240 Ufe of the Cortex Peruvianus in Scrofulous Diforders.

bitter, but with lefs aftringency ; others are more aftringent, but lefs bitter.
There are many cafes that yield to aftringents, upon which bitters have no ef-
fect. There are others, that chamomile-flowers, wormwood, gentian, and the
like, will often cure, in which aftringents are of no ufe. But all thefe give
way to the Bark, if the obltacles to its efficacy are once removed.

Strumous difeafes are known to affecft the glandular parts of the body parti-
cularly : they have been judged to proceed from obftru&ions of thefe parts ;
and it has likewife been the opinion of fome, that, in all glandular obftruc-
tions, the Bark was an improper and injurious remedy.

It is well known how great prepoffeffions were raifed againfl: the Bark, foon
after its difcovery; fo that thofe who were its greateft advocates, and, from ex-
perience, had the weightiefb reafons to be fo, could not altogether diveft them-
felves of many apprehenfions concerning it.

Sydenham imagines it capable of producing rheumatifms. It has been
found fince his time, to be an effectual remedy in this difeafe, under certain
circumftances. Thofe who are fubjedft to intermittents, are frequently liable to
rheumatifms. Sydenham did not obferve, that a tranfition from one to the
other, was eafy and natural. The Hate of the blood, in both cafes, is nearly
the fame ; the colour of the urine, regular exacerbations of pain, going off in
profule fweats, and many other particulars, are fimilar in both. Had more of
the Bark been given, no fuch rheumatifm had enfued : had the Bark been
given before the rheumatifm was fully formed, the Bark would have prevented
it : had it been given when the pains remitted, fo as to form a manifeft apy-
rexy, the rheumatifm would mofc probably have been cured.

The vulgar, at that time, took the advantage of fuch circumftances to-
llrengthen their prejudices againfl: this remedy. Nothing was more common
at that time, and nothing more firmly believed by many now, than that the
Bark produces iC pains in the bones,” that is, rheumatic pains j which however
w7ere not owing to its ufe, but exifted, only becaufe fufficient quantities of it
had not been given.

Sydenham was not the only eminent perfon of the faculty, who entertained
fuch unjuft prejudices againfl: this remedy : the great Boerhaave, who did much
in the theory of phyfic, in refpefit to feparating truth from falfehood, certainty
from hypothefis ; yet, in practice, fubmitted to the fafhion of his country in
too many inftances. An unconquerable dread of the Bark was one of thefe : he-
faw many chronic complaints, wherein the Bark had been given, and attributed
them, too readily, and from opinion,, rather than experience, to the ufe of this
drug ; though probably thofe complaints arofe from its not having been given-
in fufficient quantities. This induced him to forbid the Bark to many Britifh
ftudents at Leyden affefted with agues, till thofe very evils had befallen them,
which he apprehended from the Bark ; and fame of them, to. my knowledge,

fell

XJfe of the Cortex Peruvianas in Scrofulous Diforders. 241

fell a facrifice to this unhappy prejudice, which feems in part to have proceeded
from the following circumftance :

The Bark commonly fold in Holland, is not fo good as that which we keep
in the drops in England ; for whatever is unfaleable here, will find a market in
Holland; part of which no doubt is confirmed there; and from hence might
arife many inconveniencies fufficient to difcourage the profeffor. If a certain
quantity of good Bark is neceffary to take off an intermittent, and a much
fmaller quantity is given, and the kind greatly defedtive in point of efficacy, it
is very certain, that little benefit can be derived from it. The violence of the
paroxyfms may perhaps thereby be moderated, and the afpedt of the diftemper
changed, though the difeafe itfelf may {till remain, and be followed by a train
of obftinate complaints, not proceeding from the ufe of the iB ark, but merely
from its not being good, and not being given in fufficient quantities.

The firft attempts I made in the cure of fome fcrofulous complaints, by the
Bark, afforded me fufficient encouragement to proceed : and I have now the
fatisfadtion to know many young people, of both fexes, free from any appear-
ance of this difeafe, who, in their infancy, had been infefted with very painful
ophthalmies, fwelled lips, and the like complaints, in fpite of many efficacious
remedies which had been applied.

It will not however fucceed in all cafes; but there are few in which a trial
can be attended with much detriment. I have never known it avail much,
where the bones are aftedted, nor where the fcrofulous tumour is fo fituated,
as to be attended with much pain, as in the joints, or under the membranous
covers of the mufcles ; for when it attacks thefe parts, the periofieum feldom
efcapes without fome injury, in which cafe the bone will of courfe be likewife
injured.

Here the Bark is of no effedt : inftead of leffening, it rather adds to the fever
that accompanies thefe circumftances ; and, if it does not increafe the force of
the mifchief, it feems at leaft to haffen its progrefs.

I commonly make ufe of a decodlion like the following, as a form in which
a fufficient quantity may be given, with the leaft difguft :

Pulv. Cort. Per. § i. coque in aq. pur<e lb. ii. ad lb. i. Jub jinem addendo
rad. glycyrrh. incif. §fs. Colatura adde aq. nuc. M. f ii. M. capiat coch.
ii. iii. vel iv. cum tinff. guaiac. vol. gut. x. xx. ad lx. ufque, bis tcrve

The powder foon becomes extremely difagreeable to very young patients ;
and the extradl, I think, is not fo much to be depended upon, as may have
been imagined. In making the extradt, it is expofed to fo much heat, as muft
have fome effedt upon its virtues, and perhaps not to their advantage : and in
.adminiftering it, if great care is not taken to mix it intimately with a proper

I i vehicle.

242 Vfe of the Cortex Peruvianus in Scrofulous Diforders .

vehicle, or fome very foluble fubftance, in weak bowels it often purges, and
not only difappoints the prefcriber, but injures the patient. A fmall quantity
of the Cortex Winteranus added, gives the medicine a grateful warmth, and
renders a quantity of compound water lefs neceflary. And a little liquorice, a
few raifins, gum Arabic, or the like, added to the decodlion before it is taken
from the fire, by making the liquor vifcid, enables it to fufpend more of the-
fine particles of the Bark, and thereby improves the efficacy of the medicine*
and, at the fame time, renders it lefs difagreeable.

f

*

A. LETTER:

I 243 J

A

LETTER to the MEDICAL SOCIETY,

CONCERNING

An ASTRINGENT GUM

BROUGHT FROM AFRICA *.

IN hopes that lome of your correspondents may have it in their power to
procure us a drug, which, from a few trials already made of it, promifes
great advantage to the public ; I take the liberty to fend the following defcrip-
tion and account of it.

It is a hard brittle gum, of a deep red or almoft black colour, and opaque j
except the veiy minute fragments of it, which appear like bits of garnet, red
and tranfparent.

It has no fmell ; but, applied to the tongue, it foon difcovers a ftrong, but
grateful aftringency ; and great part of it diffolves readily in the mouth, with
fomewhat of a mucilaginous fweetnefs, joined with its ftypticity. When it is
coarfely powdered, and thrown into water, about five or fix parts in feven, as
near as I can guefs, foon diflolve, and communicate a deep red colour, and a
ftrong aftringent tafte to the water : moll of what remains undiffolved appears
to be refinous. This gum differs from the red lumps of the common gum Se-
negal, in being much more brittle ; and from the Janguis draconis of the fliops,
in diffolving in water; and from both, in having fo remarkable a ftypticity
when tailed.

Its external appearance, indeed, is fo much like that of the genuine or un-
manufactured dragon s blood, that a good judge may eafily be deceived thereby;
but its aftringent tafte and fallibility in water manifeft an effential difference.

I have had fpecimens fent me of an opaque reddifli gum, but feemingly
the produce of a very different tree, as it does not diffolve fo readily in water
as the former, and its tafte is bitter and auftere.

* From tfce Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. i. page 35S.

I i a The

244 Account of an aftrihgent Gum* brought from Africa.

The firft time I had any intimation of the gum I have been defcribing, was
in a confutation with the late Dr. Oldfield, on account of an obftinate chroni-
cal diarrhcea, in which feveral efficacious medicines had been ufed in vain. On
this occafion the Doftor one day mentioned the good effecfts he had met with
in fome fuch cafes from a gum which- he called the true gum Senegal , and de-
fcribed it to be of a deep red colour, a fweetifh aftringent tafte, and brittle.

As I' was at that time intentupon collecting and examining whatever had re-
lation to the Materia Medica, I enquired for fuch a gum amongfl: the moll:
confiderable dealers and importers, but met with nothing that anfwered the
Doctor’s defcription.

A few years after this, in my return from Scarborough, I called upon an
eminent druggift.at York, who, amongfl: other curious parcels_of drugs, ffiewed
me the gum above defcribed,,for fome of the fineft dragon’s blood, or fanguis
draconis off. he had ever feen.

Upon tailing it, I foon di'fcovered it was very different from any kind of
dragon’s blood yet known, and indeed that it ought not to be ranged under
that name,- as it was, for the moll part, aqueous, manifeftly aftringent, and
mucilaginous ; from which circumllances, and its external appearance, I judged
it was the gum that Dn Oldfield had described to me under the title of the
true gum Senegal ; though I think there is good reafon to objecft to this appella-
tion, as the little we have yet received comes principally from the river Gam-
bia, and the common gum Senegal has been in pofleffion of that name, fo far
as appears to me, from its firft difcovery*.

The gentleman who ftiewed me this drug, informed me, he had purchafed it
on board a Guinea fhip at Hull; the whole parcel amounted but to a few
pounds; all which he. bought, and fold to the moft curious of his cuftomers, as
a rare fort of the true dragon’s blood.

This information induced me to look into the books of fome of the later
African travellers, in one of which, viz. Moors ‘Travels into the Inland Parts of
Africa, we have the following accounts of it. In a letter of inftrudlions from
the Governor of James’s Fort, in the mouth of the river Gambia, to our au-
thor at Brucoe, a faftory up this river, dated May 27, 1733, is the following
paragraph, p. 113, edit. 2d.

“ There is a red liquor that bleeds plentifully from the bark of a tree
“ called -j* pau,de fatigue, upon the incifion, and in little time hardens to the
“ confiftence of gum, which is of great value : and therefore you are defired
« to ufe your utmoft to procure large quantities of it.”

* If a name was to be given to the drug in queftion, it may not be improper to call it, Gummi
JLubrum aftringent Gambienfe,

t The word pan feems to be a corruption of the Portuguefe palo, fignifying wood.

In

Account of an afringent Gum , brought from Africa . 245

In reply to this, our author writes, the next month, to the Governor as
follows :

« I have Tent a piece of gum, which I believe was taken from the pau de
<< Jangue\ I defire you will pleafe to examine it, and let me know if it is the
« right fortj becaufe, if it is, I will do my utrnoft to procure large quantities
“ of it.” And gives this further account of it at p. 148 : <f I had always the
« utrnoft regard to all their (the Directors) orders, and therefore applied my-
“ felf to enquire after any new kind of goods that could be had, particularly
(( gum. The fame having been repeated to me by Mr. Hull (Governor of
“ James Fort) I fent him a fample from Brucoe, as I mentioned before, which
“ proved gum dragon. I fcrove to get more of that kind, but, it being a new
“ thing, the natives could not be prevailed upon to follow it, fo as to bring in
“ any quantities } for they would bring me in all kinds of gum, ten or twelve
“ pounds at a time, which I picked, and did not find, perhaps, above two
<c pounds of gum dragon in that quantity : the reft was like gum Senegal, but
(< not fo good*

“ Gum dragon comes out of a tree ,r (adds our author) cf called pau de
“ Jangue , which has a very rough bark } upon wounding of it, it fweats out in
4C drops like blood} which joining together, and being dried by the fun, con-
<f geal into lumps. I have had fome as large as pullets eggs.”

Perhaps it may be mentioned by other writers } but this account I think fuf-
ficient to direCt a'ny perfon, into whofe hands your collection may come, and
who may have occafion to traffic in that part of the world, to make proper en-
quiries after it.

You will obferve, from the inftruCtions given to our author, that at leaft
fome expectations had been formed of its ufefulnefs } and indeed, from the
trials that have been made, from its fenfible qualities, and Dr. Oldfield’s expe-
rience, I cannot but think it an article worth enquiring after, as it may in time
become a valuable addition to the Materia Medica, as well as of fome little be-
nefit in commerce, and perhaps in colouring likewife.

The diftempers in which this drug feems to promife fome advantage, are, in
particular, habitual diarrhoeas , fluor albus , immoderate menftrual difcharges;
and, in general, all fuch difeafes as proceed from laxity and acrimony.

EXPERIMENTS

[ 247 ]

EXPERIMENTS

ON MIXING-

■ J , : | . • . i , t f . ;• t • , • f • V ' • v ' ' > • “ * • \ r ■ • • 9

OILS, RESINOUS AND PINGUIOUS SUBSTANCES

WITH WATER,

By Means of a VEGETABLE MyCILAGE:

In a Letter from Mr. ‘James Bogle French , Apothecary in London , to Dr. John EothergilL
With REMARKS bv the fame *.

Wood-Street, January 18, 1757.

S I R„

I MADE the experiments you defired, and I own with a fuccefs that ex-
ceeded my expe&ations. I may venture to affure you, they have been per-
formed with fo much accuracy, that, I believe, you- may fafely rely on any in-
ferences to be made from them..

I am, with great efteem,.

Sir,

Your moft obliged humble fervant,

James Bogle French.

Experiments on mixing Oil and Water hy means of a Mucilage.

THE mucilage I firft made trial of was the following :

I difiolved four ounces of clean gum Arabic in eight ounces of
New-River water, which formed a mucilage of the confidence of a thitk
fyrup.

Experiment!.

To two drachms of this mucilage, I put half an ounce of olive-oil, and one
ounce of water. By agitation, the mixture affumed the appearance of an emul-
fion, and continued fo', after handing about three or four minutes, when the
oil and water began to feparate.

f From the Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. i. p. 412.

S Experiment

248

'Experiments on mixing Oils , &c.

Experiment II.

I put the fame quantity of oil and water to half an ounce of the mucilage.
This mixture likewife, by agitation, foon became like an emulfion, and re-
mained 10 as long as the former.

- *• -1* — -

Experiment III.

I tried the fame experiments with a like quantity of oil of almonds. A per-
fect uniform emulfion was produced; but, on Handing three ot four minutes,
a reparation enfued.

Experiment IV.

Two drachms of oil of almonds, half an ounce of the mucilage, and two
ounces of water, were put together ; thefe, by fhaking, foon had the appear-
ance of an uniform emulfion; though, on Handing, they feparated as in the
former experiments.

Experiment V*

I put half a drachm of the powder of- gum Arabic to the fame ingredi-
ents as in Experiment I. and found, that, by means of a fomewhat longer agi-
tation, the like union was obtained ; and this was alfo more laHing. Of the
fe.veral oils made ufe of in the experiment, I think the oil of almonds unites
the moH fpeedily, and remains united in the form of an emulfion, much longer
than any of the others.

Experiment VI.

To one drachm of fymple fyrup, and one drachm of the mucilage, I put half
an ounce of olive-oil, two drachms of proof fpirit, and one ounce of water.
Thefe, by a fhort agitation, produced a very uniform emulfion, and retained
this appearance feveral minutes.

Experiment VII.

The fame ingredients without the fyrup, in the fame proportions, Ihook to-
gether an equal time, did not afford fo equable a mixture, and a feparation
fooner enfued.

Experiment VIII.

To one drachm of oil of almonds, I put two drachms of honey, and one
ounce of water. Thefe, by agitation, were feemingly united ; but foon parted
upon Handing.

Experiment IX.

Inffead of the mucilage, I made trial of fome of the more vifcid fyrups,
but none of them fucceeded fo well as the mucilage : the fyrup of marfh-
mallows anfwered the beH ; though this but indifferently, .and not without
labour.

Experiment

249

Experiments on mixing Oi/s, &c>

Experiment X.

One fcruple of the powder of gum Arabic, with one drachm of balfam.
Peru, capivi , and balfam. guaiac. two drachms of proof fpirit, and one ounce of
water, unite eafily by agitation. The balfam guaiac. by this means affords a
mixture of a fine blue colour, laftingly uniform ; with the balfam. Peru, it did
not long continue mixed, tho’ on fhaking, it re-aflumed a good appearance.

Experiment XL

To one drachm of balfam. capivi , was put one drachm of the mucilage of
gum Arabic, and one ounce of water. Thefe, by agitation, prefently formed
a neat fmooth draught, tho’ the parts feparated a little upon (landing.

Experiments on mixing Oils , & c. by Attrition.

Experiment XII.

To one drachm of the mucilage of gum Arabic, I put two drachms of
olive-oil, and one ounce of water. Thefe, by moderate attrition in a mortar,
formed a neat emulfion, and continued perfe&ly mixed many days.

Experiment XIII.

Oil of almonds and linfeed, in the fame proportions, treated as in the former
experiment, made as perfecft an emulfion, and kept united in the fame manner.

Experiment XIY.

I varied the proportions of mucilage and oil, but found the mucilage would
not keep more than double its quantity of oil, united with water, any confide-
rable time.

Experiment XV.

A drachm of mucilage, and a drachm of balfam. capivi, being firft well rub-
bed together, and an ounce of water added, formed an homogeneous milky li-
quor, which remained intimately mixed many days.

Experiment XVI.

The fame quantity of yolk of egg, mixed the balfam and water as fpeedily,
and the mixture remained united as long as the former; but the tafte of this
was more unpleafant.

Ex p e r i m e n t XVII.

A fcruple of the mucilage mixed half a drachm of half. Peru, with an ounce
of water, as perfeftly and expeditioufly as a like quantity of the vitel. ovi, and
covered the tafte of the balfam much better, though it parted fooner from the
mucilage than the vitel. ovi , when thus mixed in equal quantities.

K k

Experiment

250 Experiments on mixing Oils, &c.

Experiment XVIII.

Balfam of Gilead, the thinner Strafburgh turpentine, the fine liquid refin of
late years brought from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, commonly called
balfamum Annapolitanum , treated in the fame manner, united with water as rea-
dily, by the means of the mucilage, as when the vitel. ovi is ufed, and the
tafte at the fame time was better.

Experiment XIX.

To half a drachm of mucilage of gum Arabic, I put one drachm of balfam.
guaiac. one drachm of proof fpirit, and one ounce and a half of water, which,
by attrition, made a very fmooth draught, and did not feparate : that by agita-
tion (Exp. X.) was of a deeper blue colour ; perhaps this was owing to the
parts not being fo perfectly divided ; but both fucceeded well.

Experiment XX,

I took one fcruple of gum guaiac , in powder, one fcruple of mucilage, and
one ounce and a half of water, which I rubbed carefully in a marble mortar ;
I did the fame with the vitel. ovi and, on Handing fome days, it appeared that
the gum was befl fufpended by the mucilage.

Experiment XXI.

Gum benzoin diffolved almofl entirely by this management, and continued
perfeftly mixed with the water a confiderable time.

Experiment XXII.

One fcruple of balfam. 'Tolu, one fcruple of the mucilage, with the fame pro-
portion of the other ingredients as in the former experiment, fucceeded rather
better, and made a neat draught full of the flavour of the balfam.

Experiment XXIII.

Myrrh half a drachm, mucilage of gum Arabic one drachm, fir’ll rubbed to-
gether, and then mixed with one ounce and half of Water, formed a fmooth uni-
form mixture, which continued equally united feveral days, when a fm all part
fubflded, but, upon fhaking the mixture, foon refumed its former appearance.

Experiment XXIV.

The fame quantity of myrrh readily diffolved, by attrition, in the fame
quantity of water, without the mucilage, but the different parts foon fepa-
rated.

Experiment XXV.

Half a drachm of the common flyrax, treated as the myrrh, (Exp. XXIV.)
fo far diffolved, as to communicate a flrong but fine flavour to the water.

Experiment

Experiments on mixing Oils, &c.

251

Experiment XXVI.

I took five grains of camphire, with a fcruple of mucilage of gum Arabic^
and an ounce and half of water, and it formed a very agreeable draught, which,
on Handing fome nights, feparated but very little.

Experiment XXVII.

I melted bees-wax in fpirits of wine upon the fire> and filtered off the Spirit :
half a drachm of the wax fo treated, rubbed with a drachm of mucilage, mixed
with an ounce and a half of water, fo as to appear like an uniform emulfion ;
but this requires fome labour : the wax foon fwims at top, but eafily mixes
again by agitation.

Experiment XXVIII.

A fcruple of Jperma ceti , rubbed with an equal quantity of mucilage, makes
an elegant draught: but more labour is here required than in the common fo-
lution with yolk of egg ; the mixture continues, however, much longer homo-
geneous, the Jperma ceti appearing only like a cloud on the top of the phial
fome days after ; but, on agitation, becomes perfe&ly fmooth, and its tafie as
little rancid as when the mixture was frefh made.

Experiment XXIX.

Four grains of mufk, one fcruple of the mucilage of gum Arabic , one ounce
and half of water, of fpirituous water and fimple fyrup, of each a drachm, with
very little labour, form an agreeable draught ; which appeared uniform, and
continued fo for fome time, when the mufk fubfided a little, but, by a flight
agitation, foon refumed its firft uniform appearance.

Experiment XXX.

I took one fcruple of baljam. Julph. with a fcruple of mucilage, and one
ounce and half of water; and this alfo mixed agreeably, and feparated but little
on Handing fome time : the tafle was likewife lefs offenfive than might have
been expected.

Experiment XXXI.

With ten drops of oil of cloves, one ounce of water, and a fcruple of muci-
lage of gum Arabic , a perfeft union may eafily be produced, and the mixture
continues uniform many days.

Experiment XXXII.

I tried the fame experiment with five drops of oil of cloves, annifeeds, and
nutmegs, by means of the mucilage of gum Arabic , and an ounce and half of
water, which readily united.

K k 2

Experiment

252

Experiments on mixing Oils , &c.

Experiment XXXIII.

A mucilage was prepared of clean gum tragacanth, difiolved in the fame wa-
ter, and of a fimilar confidence with that made from gum Arabic : with this
mucilage I repeated the preceding experiments by agitation, but could not
unite oil and water by this medium fo fpeedily or ladingly as by the mucilage
of gum Arabic , though I made ufe of double the quantity of mucilage to that
of oil in fome of the experiments.

Experiment XXXIV.

The mucilage of gum tragacanth was alfo tried with the balfams, by attrition,
but a larger quantity was required, and the union was neither fo perfect nor fo
lading; though by Ample agitation, double the quantity of mucilage mixed
the balfam and water fo well as to have the appearance of an uniform emul-
fion ; but the parts foon feparated.

Experiment XXXV.

Many of thefe experiments, by attrition, I repeated with mucilage of
quince-feeds, made of the like confiftence with the others I had ufedj and
found the mixture fucceeded very well, and in mod of them better than with
the mucilage of gum tragac.

Experiment XXXVI.

I likewife made trial of darch, reduced to a jelly by boiling it with water,
and found that this alfo united many of the liquid refins ; though on danding
they feparated : feveral fyrups were likewife made ufe of for the like experi-
ments, but fcarcely any of thefe fucceeded : fyrup of marfh-mallows anfwers
the bed ; but even this is inferior to a much fmaller quantity of the mucilage
of gum Arabic of the fame confidence.

Experiment XXXVII.

I tried to cover the acid of vitriol by thefe mucilages, and found that of gum ,
Arabic anfwered bed ; the quince-feeds better than the tragacanth ; and that
better than the fyrup althea : thefe I did by agitation.

EE MARKS

[ *53 1

REMARKS

ON THE PRECEDING EXPERIMENTS,

By J. FOTHERG ILL, M. D.

IT may not be improper to acquaint the Society with what view the pre-
ceding experiments have been made, and what purpofes they are intended
to ferve : I fhall do this with as much concifenefs as I can, and fhall point
out fome of the advantages which I think may refult from them.

In 1748, I received a MS. from a correfpondent at Dublin, intituled,
A new method for the improvement of the manufactures of drugs , in a treatife on
the elixir proprietatis , which was printed here the fame year under this title : at
that time I afcribed it to Dr. Rutty, from whom I received it, though it was
fent to me as the work of an anonymous acquaintance : but I have fince been
informed, the public is indebted for it to H. Barton, an ingenious apothecary
in Dublin.

Though thefe circumftances may feem foreign to the fubjedt, yet as I think
the treatife above mentioned contains much ufeful inftrudtion, and as I am
obliged to it for the hint which gave rife to the preceding experiments, and for
the advantages received from them, I think it is but juftice to give the public
this information.

Our author tells us (in page 20) that he diffolved gum Arabic in water to
the confiftence of a thick mucilage, with this made an union of turpentine with
water, in the form of a neat, fmooth emulfion : he likewife acquaints us, that
the fame mucilage, with fome oil of almonds and common water, were mixed
together in the form of an emulfion.

At this time I was engaged in fome. enquiries into the origin of amber;
and, as I had many reafons to believe that it was a vegetable refin, reduced by
time and a vitriolic acid into the condition we now fee it, I imagined it not
impradti cable to produce a fubftance refembling amber in many of its pro-
perties.

To mix a ftrong vitriolic acid intimately with any of the vegetable refins,
was a difficulty I could not furmount, till I met with the treatife above men-
tioned ; for the oil of vitriol burns that part of the refin which it touches, the
moment they come in contadl; and if the oil is lowered with water, it will not
mix by any other means I am acquainted with, fo intimately, and without.

burning

2 54 Remarks on the preceding Experiments .

burning the refin, as by the affiftance of a mucilage ; and I had the pleafure of
obferving, from the firft effay I made, that the mixture inilantly gave the fra-
grance of amber fufficiently ftrong and diftincft.

Other affairs took me off from profecuting this enquiry any farther at that
time ; but I have ftill made ufe of the fame contrivance to exhibit feveral me-
dicines in a liquid form, which, with refpedt to extemporaneous prefcription,
are fome of the moft untradable in the Materia Medica.

Expreffed and effential oils, balfams, refins, gummi-refins, refinous tindures,
pinguious animal fubftances, by the means of a vegetable mucilage, are ren-
dered to a certain degree mifcible with water, and capable of being adminif-
tered, in this form, as fpeedily and effeduaUy, as by means of the vitellum ovi ,
the common medium now in ufe.

The mucilage has befides this further advantage ; it is feldom foreign to the
prefcriber’s intention ; when he gives thefe fubftances, it is not known to dif-
agree with the ftomach in any cafe ; which cannot be faid of the vitel. ovi-, it is
not liable to become rancid and exceffively prejudicial ; and, what will be of
weight with fome compounders, it is much lefs expenfive.

When I was fatisfied, from my own experiments, that this method was in
moft cafes preferable to any other commonly pradifed; and thought it might
be of ufe to others; I prevailed upon J. Bogle French, an ingenious apothe-
cary, with whom I was cafually converfing upon the fubjed, to be at the pains
of making fome experiments, on purpofe to determine, whether the propor-
tions I had commonly ufed, were the moft proper; whether any other mucilage
would fucceed better than that which I had commonly ufed, viz. the mucilage
made from gum Arabic ; and whether fimple agitation would not, in many
inftances, render the mixture fufficiently uniform to be exhibited without
difguft.

With this view divers experiments were tried, by putting the feveral ingre-
dients mentioned into a phial, and fhaking them together. This is all that is
meant, when the union is faid to be performed by agitation. And it appears
from feveral of the experiments, that this procefs is all that is neceffary to mix
feveral liquids together, which have hitherto required much more labour by
any other method, viz. expreffed and difliiled oils, the more liquid refins, and
refinous tinflures.— -There are however feveral fubftances, viz. the thick bal-
fams, refins, and many others, that cannot oe treated in this manner. Thefe
were firft rubbed with mucilage in a glafs or marble mortar, the other liquids
then added, and, by rubbing them together, were well mixed. This is all that
is intended when mention is made of mixture by attrition.

It will appear from the preceding experiments, that the mucilage of g. Arabic
is, of all others yet tried, the moft proper, and fucceeds the moft eafily and
Jaftingly of any. That by means of this mucilage, and in fome cafes even by

the

Remarks on the preceding 'Experiments.

255

the powder of g. Arabic alone, not only oils and refins, but even pinguious
fubftances may be reduced to the form of an emulfion with water. That
though even a vifcjd fyrup alone effects this union with difficulty, yet an addi-
tion of fyrup to the mucilage, renders the union more perfedt. (Exp. VI. VII.)
That the addition of a diftilled fpirituous liquor does not prevent this union.

And that a proportion, like the following, will feldom difappoint the pre-
fcriber’s expectation of forming a neat compofition.

Aq. /imp. gifs. Spirit, jii. Balfam. 3i. Mucilag. g. Arab. 3 fs. Syr.
ftmp. ji.

Or,

$ Aq.fimp. gi. 01. amygd. ^fs. Syr. & aq.fpir. aa. Si. Puiv. g. Arab. 9i.
Vel mucil. g. Arab . Sis. M. agitando.

That, in fome cafes, the mucilage not only adts this part the belt of any,
but conceals difagreeable taftes, and covers extreme pungency.

That it preferves the fubftance it is thus united with, and cannot be in ha-
zard of contracting the putrid rancidity that the yolk of eggs, the medium
hitherto molt generally ufed, is liable to.

That camphire and mu Ik. may thus be exhibited in a liquid form, with cer-
tainty in regard to the dofe ; whereas nothing is more uncertain than the pre-
fent method of adminiftering them in a liquid form which, where the dole
can be afcertained,. is often the belt.

For camphire given in fubftance, either in pills or bolus, unlefs it is very
carefully mixed, will often occafion great anxieties, from the pungency of a
large particle of camphire vellicating the ftomach. And the prefent jutepuni
e camphGrd is feldom prepared alike in any two Ihops.

The fame uncertainty attends the mulk when given in a liquid form; for ir
the compounder values himfelf on the appearance of neatnefs, perhaps great
part of the mulk is thrown away. The mucilage, however, unites it with water
fo readily and intimately as to make the whole frnootn and uniform.

Bees-wax, from the difficulty of giving it in a liquid form, has hitherto been
very little ufed internally ; though in painful diarrhoeas and dyfenteries, it feems
to prornife confiderable benefit. From Exp. XXVII. it appears, however, that
this fubftance likewife may be rendered mifcible with water, by firft making
the Butyrum Cerae Bateanum , and then dividing it farther by the powder or
mucilage of gum Arabic. Half an ounce of the wax fo difiolved, with a pint
of barley-water, a proper quantity of fpirituous water, and a little fyrup, forms
an emulfion that in the cafes fpecified may be given to advantage.

Sperma ceti beat fine in a marble mortar, with an equal quantity of the Ara-
bic mucilage, forms a fmooth pafte, which may be kept for ufe in this condi-
tion many days. It grows fomewhat dry and hard by keeping, but contradls
i. no

256 Remarks on the ■preceding Experiments.

no apparent acrimony or rancidity. This pafte eafily mixes with water by at-
trition, and fpeedily forms an homogeneous milky liquor. This method of
manufacturing the fperma ceti for extemporaneous prefcription, feems the more
worthy of notice, as the prefcriber is fupplied with a medicine lefs difguftful*
and with more expedition, by this than by the ufual means, and at the fame
time with more eafe to the compounder.

The moft common method of uniting oils and waters at prefent, is, by
means of fame volatile alcaline fait or fpirit ; but there are many difeafes in
which thefe are improper : oil is often prefcribed in nephritic cafes; to give it
alone adds to the naujea which the diforder itfelf produces ; here volatile fpirits
are foreign to the intention. The mucilage coincides with the general defign,
and produces an emulfion both grateful and falutary.

Another circumftance that renders this method of exhibiting oils preferable
in many cafes to that with volatile alkalies, is, that acids may be eafily and
agreeably given at the fame time.

When I firft began to ufe the mucilage for the purpofe of mixing oil and
water, in order to fucceed the more effectually, I fometimes directed a fmaller
quantity of mucilage, and likewife of the volatile, than would, of themfelves
alone, be fufficient to unite the oil and water together. But this, inftead of
promoting, prevented it entirely: the mucilage curdled; its latent acid de-
ftroyed the alcali ; and no lafting union could be obtained, even by long attri-
tion. Hard calcareous waters likewife render the mixture difficult, fometimes
impracticable.

But acids have no fuch effeCt; the union fucceeds as well when dulcified
fpirits of nitre, elixir of vitriol, oil of vitriol, or any other acid I have yet tried,
are added, as withput them. Nay, their acidity is fo far concealed, that a
quantity may be given under this difguife, in a fmaller compafs than by any
other way I am acquainted with.

A LETTER

I 2 .57 3

A

LETTER

RELATIVE TO THE

CURE of the CHIN - COUGH*

To the Medical Society in London.

Gentlemen,

THE tuffis convulfiva , or Chin-cough, is for the moft part fo troublefome a
difeafe, and fometimes fo fatal, that every hint conducive to abate its
violence, and prevent the dangers arifing from it, will, I doubt not, be accept-
able to you and the public.

I have for fome years made ufe of the following antimonial medicine, in the
cure of this difeafe, and often with fo much benefit to the patient and fatisfac-
tion to myfelf, as to induce me to mention it cafually to many of my phyfical
acquaintance.

From feveral of thefe, I have received fuch favourable accounts of its fuc-
cefs, as to ftrengthen my own opinion of its efficacy ; and to efteem it, though
not a certain cure in all cafes, yet perhaps as ufeful a medicine in this diftem-
per, as any we are yet acquainted with.

The compofition is the following :

Pi Pulv. e chel. carter. 3 ft.

‘Tartar. Emetic, gr. ij.

Accurate mijeeantur .

The teftaceous powder, in this cafe, is not particularly defigned for any other
ufe, than that of making the emetic tartar divisible into very fmall dofes with
precifion, and without difficulty. This proportion was fixed upon, as the

* From the Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol, iii.

L I

whole

258 On the Cure of the Chin-cough .

whole is divifible without a fraction ; each grain of the powder containing one-
fixteenth part of emetic tartar. Where a very fmall portion of this is wanted,
the bulk may eafxly be increafed by the addition of fome other, or the fame
teftaceous powder : where more of the emetic tartar is wanted, tho quantity of
the dofe is then fufficient.

One grain,, one grain and an half, or two grains of this compofition, may be
added to five or fix of any teftaceous powder, and given in a fmall fpoonful of
milk and water, in the forenoon between breakfaft and dinner, to a child of a
year old : if this quantity does not prove fufficient to excite vomiting, it fhould
be increafed the next day to fuch a dofe as will produce that effeCt ■, and, in
this manner, let it be daily repeated about the fame hour.

This time of day, viz. between breakfaft and dinner, has been fixed upon
preferably to any other, on thefe confiderations, viz.

If the puke is given early, the ftomach being empty, a ftraining, too great
to be borne without detriment, might be occafioned.

Was it given in the evening, the child would, perhaps, be robbed of too
great a quantity of nutriment. Children’s breakfafts are, for the moft part,
foon digefted j at leaft, fo much nutriment is taken up in a fhort time, as that
much inconveniency cannot enfue from the lofs of aliment.

At night, when the fever is vehement, half the former dofe of antimonial
powder is given, with a few grains of nitre > and the pulv. contrayerv. c. This
generally procures an agreeable diaphorefis , and takes off fome part of that
moifture which might probably have otherwife increafed the irritation and op-
preffion of the lungs.

It is but feldom that phyficians are confulted at the beginning of this dif-
eafe, as, for the moft part, its accefs is flow, and gives but little alarm, till it
becomes fo evident, as to render it difficult to do any thing more than mitigate
the fymptoms.

But, in moft cafes, and in every ftage of the dileafe, I have chiefly trufted to
this procefsj feldom having occafton either to bleed, or to ufe any other kind
of evacuation, unlefs to procure a ftcol or two daily, if the medicine above
mentioned fails in this refpeCt.

In this cafe a proper dofe of magnejta , given at bed-time, with the antimo-
nial, feldom fails of anfwering our expectations. Sometimes no very manifeft
advantage appears to be gained by this procefs in feveral days ; but, if no
material inconveniency arifes, it will be right to proceed.

The firft fymptom of amendment ufually is, that the fits of coughing be-
come lefs frequent, the fever abates, and the breathing is not fo difficult ; the
fits however do not feem to leffen much in point of violence, for fome days ;
at length, however, the cough decreafes, and every other fymptom abates.

The child is then directed to take the puke only two days together, and

omit

On the Cure of the Chin- cough . 259

omit it the third. Every other day will Toon fuffice, and, then, once or twice
a-week till the cough is wholly gone.

During this procefs, they are diredted to drink affes milk, to eat fparingly of
the lighteft meats, broth likewife, and milk in any fhape. Quantity is ftridtly
to be regarded ; for the more and oftener the ftomach is filled, to the lead: de-
gree of oppreflion, the longer the difeafe continues, and with greater vio-
lence.

The ableft of the faculty, and thofe of the molt extenfive experience, have
found, that to empty the ftomach of its contents frequently has been the means
of affording moft relief. Oxymel of j quills and ipecacuanha have flood fore-
mofl in the lift of remedies for the Whooping-cough, a confiderable time ;
and this apparently from the good effedts obfervable from their operation.

This induced me to make trial of the remedy in queftion, as having thefe
particular advantages.

The medicine is almoft taftelefs, is in quantity very fmall, and may be
given in the moft unfufpedted vehicle; no inconfiderable benefits, where we
have to do with fuch patients as are moft expofed to this terrible diftemper.

It is, undoubtedly, more antiphlogiftic than either of the medicines above
mentioned, is lefs irritating in general, yet operates with equal certainty, and,
perhaps, more energy.

It is a powerful diaphoretic ; the good effedts of which, in this eafe, have
been already mentioned.

One thing, however, may be neceffary to obferve, in refpedt to the prepa-
ration I have defcribed. It has been hinted to me, that it will not long pre-
ferve its efficacy; and this decay is fuppofed to arife from the tartar being
robbed of its acid by the abforbent powder. This, if true, fhould induce
perfons to mix but a fmall quantity at once, to keep it perfedtly dry, taking
care efpecially, that the emetic tartar be prepared by a fkilful hand.

I have purpofely omitted any refledtions on the nature of this difeafe, or
particular defcriptions of its progrefs, any farther than as they were connedted
with the hiftory of this medicine, as I know your defign is rather to collect
matters of fadt than to build fyftems.

I would not, however, be underftood to fuppofe, that this medicine will alone
complete the cure of the Whooping-cough, at all times, and under all circum-
ftances : I know it will not ; and that this, as well as every other medicine, is
ufeful or otherwife, juft as it is indicated. Cantharides , the hark, mujk , cajior ,
and many other medicines, have doubtlefs been of great ufe in particular
cafes, and may be in peculiar epidemic conftitutions.

LI 2

OBSERVATIONS

■ ... • ■, aaa.t- ■ 1‘. v ' -

..... ■ h tj l - ...a ••'M'-in #m2?

y \ V ' • "J ; : - v - ..

■ • • . - ■ ^ ■

■ i\ • ) < . ri aurn b'?i? .a.. . : ' ■" :

•

ib ; 3

■i \ 5fU :a ' 1

1 1

► ✓ iJ ‘

.{ %*>»! <r

' yiirr

:-'a; la3

: ’ '

r a. It > :

'

..I

r; ; . :*&3d

<i vbnaap?-

: . 1 a

>" a -ia H

.a, vi y c

. ail . -'in >i

.

a' U f"

’■ * i .

1 1 , i t ’ <■ - :

. j ‘>lcL ■ s « rK

• -- ; " "

t i

'■H ■ ■ ■ ■

v :: r'n'> 'in ’’it r

'

.

b Mi? . f l':

•i /Wt. .>o

.a-’/ : ! :

(. <9 -j moit f a .s<

i. • Ju

- / - jAi-j * in ,

:.obi3'r{> at

y’aa" ;i

‘.':3 ~M ' !

a', mi 03 ; ;•* lr- »r

. Mi . X

. 7 .. : ’ ■> ‘

'i . n .c : 'i ;

; ■ ,Ik- ■*; V' . yji • r a ' i i.-.vht 3 hv.'-auh: ■

• w • -:v/ . a B .tvJ ti.t.U" s' r,-*'~£u on’ i vahta it apt •• r n* t >v <

1 ifo r.' .r:'ter' • * ' " -

.... ■ ' Ar. \ : . « ■ .'-I ■<’ ; • a

■ a. , ;a • aa> I*K. -a ' > a ,1 ; ' ; • X ■ » • J--*'55,

. •:.> . ,,v ;

■ v; *' > a: - a. : : > a; 1

.

( ; .'a 'a •

7 a:: l • ‘ - •'

> .7;, . ' ,

■ u. if ' ..jt-a-- v

U -

‘ a . f a ' ■ ■ W' ■

< w . '

■<?. 1 i. '• :: -a - : -t';

‘

' a

• ! V /

-■ '. ■. . i . - .i

■ . • ; i a; ■ ■

■ ■ ' I ’ 1

0 \ ’ a. i I • -r -"’a' ’ ■ ' ‘ !? ■- :

•■I <a f : i:.a V

' * - .. • ; V , i. ?

i ( ■ O' *< i I JV

( ^ I*'

- 1 \

. '

' v . i "■ a

* a >3

n '■ ia

3f< \ a :

a

[ a&i ]

OBSERVAT IONS

O N

T H

E

USE

OF H

E

M L O C K*

SOON after Dr. Storck’s account of the cicuta was publilhed, I had feveral
opportunities of trying it in the diforders for which it was fo ftrongly re-
commended ; but, with many others of the Faculty, I had too great caufe to
lament,, that a fpecific remedy for cancerous complaints was ftill undifco-
vered.

Neverthelefs it appeared to be a medicine of great efficacy ; and though it
by no means anfwered my wiffies in the cure of cancers and cancerous tu-
mours, yet it feemed ftill worthy of farther trials, has proved beneficial in va-
rious obftinate complaints, and though I cannot produce one inftance of a
cancer cured by the cicuta , yet I can recolleft feveral in which the pains have
been mitigated for a time, the progrefs checked, and the difcharge changed for
the better in refpeft to colour, fmell, and confiftence.

The following cafe may perhaps deferve a place here, as one proof of thefe
effedts t

A gentleman, from one of our South American colonies, middle-aged,
healthy, temperate, and adtive, had a wart-like fubftance grew up on one fide
of his nofe, not far from the inner canthus ■; and as I remember from an acci-
dental injury. It gave him no pain, neverthelefs he frequently endeavoured
to pluck it off; by which it grew fore and uneafy. A pradlitioner there, pro-
mifing him a certain and fpeedy cure,, applied ejcharotics , and increafed the mil-
chief..

Being thus dlfappointed of a cure, and the difeafe every day increafing, he
came to England in the fummer of 1763. The ulcer had, by this time, de-
ftroyed the teguments almoft round the orbit, and eat deep into the upper fide

* From the Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol; iii.

of

26 2

Qbfervations on the life of Hemlock .

of the focket. The globe of the eye remained, but wholly ufelefs in refpedt to
vifion, and almoft without motion, the mufcles being deftroyed. The pains
were acute both in the globe itfelf, and parts furrounding, which were exqui-
fitely tender, and the ichorous difcharge was extremely foetid. He had long
been under the necefifty of taking large dofes of laudanum to procure fome re-
miflion from pain during the nights.

Under thefe circumftances the hemlock was recommended to him. He took
at fir ft twenty grains a day, eight at noon, and twelve at night. This in a few
days leflened his pain, and. the quantity of laudanum was reduced in propor-
tion. At length it was wholly laid afide, the hemlock mitigating the pain in-
tirely, without producing coftivenefs, thirft, or head-ach. The dofe of hem-
lock was gradually increafed to feventy grains a day : if he proceeded farther, it
either made him fickilh, or created a fingular kind of head-ach and giddinefs.
Sometimes he grew weary of taking it, and omitted it for feveral days, and re-
turned to it again as his pain or other circumftances required. He is ftill
living, and ftill continues to make ufe of the hemlock ; and though the ulcer yet
fpreads, and moft probably will do whilft he lives, yet its piogreft has been
remarkably flow, compared with its advances before the ufe of this medi-
cine ; its afpedt is more kindly, the difcharge of a better confiftence, and
the flench, while he takes the medicine, is fo much diminilhed, that thofe who
have occafion to be near him can eaflly diftinguifh when lie is taking the
hemlock.

Various attempts were made with the cicuta externally, in infufions, decoc-
tions, and folutions of the extradt in different liquids and different propor-
tions; but they all gave more or left pain, and left an uneafy ftiffnefs round
the edges of the fore.

In a cancerous affedtion of the tongue, the extradt of hemlock procured great
relief ; it abated the ftench and eafed the pain : but the relief was only tempo-
rary, and at length it failed in affording any eafe, or retarding the progrefs of
the fatal diforder.

It is not very uncommon to perceive, in thefe dreadful evils, fome abate-
ment of the fymptoms foon after taking the cicuta , but the effedts are too fel-
dom lafting.

I have given it repeatedly in tumours apparently of a cancerous tendency;
it has feldom fucceeded to my willies, in large ones efpecially ; in fmall inci-
pient hardneffes in the breaft, and other parts, I think it has been of ufe.

But the trials I have made of the medicine have not been confined to this
clafs of diforders. In fcrophulous diftempers, I think it has been much more
beneficial than in the preceding : the firft cafe in which it was given, turned
out fo favourably, as to induce me to think of it with fome partiality ; and to
ufe it freely, though I own not always with equal fuccefs. When the cicuta

was

Ohfervations on the XJfe of Hemlock. 263

was introduced into public notice by Dr. Storck, the following cafe was under
my care, viz.

A young gentlewoman of a thin habit, pale complexion, about twenty-eight
years of age, had been affiifted at times, from her infancy, with fcrophulous
complaints, fevere ophthalmiesy glandular fwellings, and other concomitants of
this difeafe.

To remove thefe, no endeavours had been wanting ; the ableft of the Fa-
culty had fucceffively been confulted, and many famed empirical medicines had
Iikewife been made ufe of. She had taken, under my direftions, a decoftitm
of farfaparilla, the bark, mild mercurials, fea-water, and other efficacious me-
dicines, but without benefit.

When a trial of the cicuta was thought of, ffie laboured under the acuteft
cphthalmy ffie had ever endured y her pulfe fmall and feeble, her reft and ap-
petite diminiffied, the menfes in fmall quantities and pale, and every fecretion
irregular. The glands on each fide the neck down to the clavicles, were
fwelled and hard, on one fide particularly. And fuch was her extreme fenfi-
bility of light, that ffie fat conftantly on her bed within thick ftuff curtains,
and the light was excluded with the utmoft care j the opening of her cham-
ber-door gave her much pain.

Such was her fituation when we began the hemlock ; it was in the infancy of
its ufe, and the dofes at firft were fmall. Some weeks had efcaped before we
got up to twenty grains a day. But the extract we ufed was good, and, fmall
as the dofes were, fo much benefit was foon perceived as encouraged a fteady
perfeverance and an augmentation of the dofe. The ophthalmy. quite went off,
the fwelling of the largeft glands was confiderably reduced, that of the fmaller
difperfed, a better ftate of health returned than ffie had known for any length,
of time together, and has continued fo ever fince. She perfifted in the ufe of
the extraft conftantly for more than a year, and without perceiving then or
fince any ill effefts from it, in any relpeft.

I have fince given it in many other fcrophulous cafes, and frequently with
advantage, to adults efpecially ; and indeed it is to them that I have for the
moft part prefcribed it, as children feldom can take any quantity of pills, and
in any other form it is difguftful, if long continued. If the extraft in any re-
fpeft difagrees, it is more difficult to learn this from children than adults ; and,
when given to children even in very fmall dofes, I think it has produced flight
fpafmodic affeftions. For thefe reafons, I feldom ufe it in very young fub-
jefts, or in others of extremely irritable habits.

At the fame time that the cicuta was adminiftered in the cafe above
mentioned, I made trial of it in the following :

A perfon of a thin and rather delicate habit, naturally healthy, about the
thirtieth year of her age, began to have numerous red pimples break out about

1 he.i

264 Qbfermations on the life of Hemlock,

her mouth, nofe, and cheeks, with frequent and violent head-achs. The menjes
became too copious, a jluor albiis conftantly followed ; fhe grew coftive, loft
her appetite and ftrength ; obvious indications of acrmonious juices, and re-
laxed folids ; the confequences of much anxiety, labour, and folicitude.

Her face grew daily worfe, the pimples increaling in number, magnitude,
and hardnefs ; forming fmall tumours that fometimes fuppurated, but always
flowly and with great pain ; now and then fome of the largeft affumed a livid
hue, and continued long in that condition.

The utmoft care was taken in refpedt to diet, both as to quantity and kind;
fhe was extremely temperate in refpeft to liquors of any fort ; and, if any errors
were committed, they arofe-from too much exercife in her family, and too con-
ftant folicitude.

To defcribe ail the attempts that were made in order to mitigate thefe com-
plaints, with their various fuccefs, would be ufelefs, as they were ineffectual : it
may fuffice to obferve, that the followed the methods prefcribed for her with
unremitting diligence, but without the defired effedt.

She was attacked with a tedious depreffed fever while thefe endeavours were
ufmg, which left the hairy fcalp of her head almoft covered with fmall Jieato-
matous tumours, from the bignefs of half a pea to the fize of half a large wal-
nut ; the appearances in her face continuing the fame, both in refpeft to num-
ber as well as pain, which, in frolty weather, was almoft infupportable.

Though nothing cancerous could be fufpedfed from her parents or her natu-
ral conftitution, yet the hard livid tubercles on her face, yielding to no method
hitherto attempted, created fears of their tending to mifchief : and this put me
on trying the hemlock. She took it at firft in fmall dofes, increafing the quan-
tity as fhe found fhe could bear it ; and fhe kept to it fteadily, during the au-
tumn, winter, and following fpring.

The good effeCts foon became vifible in every refpebl. Her face grew
clearer and better than it had been for fome years ; the immoderate difcharges
were reduced to a reafonable quantity ; the fteatomatous tumours on her head
were much leffened, and fhe enjoys better health, by the ufe of this medicine
ftngiy, than fine has done for feveral years. When fhe finds any return of her
former complaints, fhe conftantly has recourfe to the extract, which always
gives her relief.

Permit me to mention a few more cafes, in which I have ufed this medi-
cine with advantage.

A middle-aged man, healthy, adtive, and temperate, was attacked with a
pain in one cheek-bone, about the antrum Highmorianum , and for which he
could afftgn no caufe. It grew to be fevere, and continual, but was fometimes
heightened to a degree almoft beyond bearing. Though a native of England,
his reiidence was then in one of our North American colonies. He applied

to

Obfervations on the Ufe of Hemlock. 265

to many very able practitioners there, but without obtaining more than a tem-
porary mitigation, by opiates. Mercurials, antimonials, alteratives, the bark,
warm, cold, and fea-bathing; drains of every kind were made ufe of, but to
no purpofe. Several teeth were drawn, and an opening made into the antrum ,
but fruitlefly. The pain fometimes was abated, but it never wholly went off ;
its returns were frequent, feveral times in an hour ; and fo excruciating, as to
produce fpafmodic contractions of every mufcle about the face and neck, and
even affeCting the whole body.

Under thefe circumftances he arrived from America, and brought with him
an exaCt detail of the progrefs of his difeafe, and the means made ufe of for
his relief.

Until I could have leifure to confider the cafe attentively, and what farther
might be reafonably propofed, I ordered him to take the extraCl of hemlock , be^
ginning with twenty grains a day, and directed him how to proceed in increaf-
ing it.

He called about a week after (the time I had fixed), when I obferved his
countenance to be fomewhat lefs difturbed, and he owned himfelf rather bet-
ter. He was advifed to continue in the fame method, which he did very con-
ftantly during the autumn and winter. In the fpring, as he found himfelf
much better, he took the medicine lefs regularly, and returned to America
almoft free from pain, and entirely fo from any of thofe fpafmodic contorfions,
which accompanied him almoft inceftantly at his arrival. He took no other
medicine during the whole time.

The following cafe, perhaps, may likewife be worth reciting

A healthy fober young man applied to me in the fpring 1766, on account
of a pain in his arm. The part afrefted was from about the middle of the
biceps , down the infide of the arm to the wrift. He knew of no particular ac-
cident that had brought it on, except taking cold it was deemed rheumatic,
and he had endured it a confiderable time before I faw him. It was neither
fwelled, difcoloured, or fore to the touch \ and alike uneafy, both day and
night.

It was treated as a rheumatifm ; mercurial alteratives, decodtions of the
woods, the bark in various fhapes, antimonials likewife and anodynes, were
made ufe of ; but without gaining any confiderable benefit. He then took the
extradt of hemlock in a full dofe about a fortnight, when he found the pain be-
gan to abate. He continued it during the fummer regularly, got perfedtly
well, and fo remains.

A few inftances of this kind naturally induce one to apply a remedy like
this, in very difiimilar cafes.

A married woman, between thirty and forty, a long time infirm, fubjedt to
coughs, hedtic heats, and a train of complaints, arifing from fmall vomica's be-

M m jng

266

Obfervations on the XJfe of Hemlock .

ing frequently formed in the lungs and difcharged, applied to me foon after a
large one had broke. She had then a copious purulent hamoptoe, incefiant
cough, quick fmall pulfe, night fweats, with lofs of appetite, and lofs of
ftrength. Soft demulcent cooling pedtorals were given, with anodynes fre-
quently in fmall quantities, but to no purpofe. A light decodtion of bark
with elixir of vitriol and anodynes fucceeded no better. The extradt of hem-
lock was then ordered to be taken three times a day, and to be wafhed down
with a few fpoonfuls of tindture of rofes.. The patient was ordered into the
country, and I faw her no more, nor heard any thing of her, till I was in-
formed, feveral months afterwards, that,, from the time £he commenced this,
courfe fhe began to recover, kept in town, and grew well.

I was induced to make trial of it in this cafe, from confidering the moll
ufual effedts of hemlock. It is anodyne, corredts acrimony, and promotes the
formation of good matter.

I have fince made ufe of it in various pulmonic diforders, though but fel-
dom with the like fuccefs. Where there are fymptoms of tubercles forming*
a ftrumous habit, and a tendency to ■phthifis from thefe caufes, I believe it will
often be ferviceable. But to defcribe the various trials I have made, and the
various fuccefs, would lead me beyond the bounds of an eflay fuitable to your
delign.

There are fome things, however, which I muft beg leave to mention more
particularly, as they feem to me of confcquence in the ufe of the cicuta.

It is well known with what avidity the public embraced the expeditions
given by Dr. Storck. Every body made the extradt, and every body pre-
fcribed it. We foon found it would not perform all the wonders afcribed to
it, and, falling into the oppofite extreme, many declared it would do nothing,
and difmified it with difgrace.

Much of the extradt hitherto ufed, has not, I believe, been made with due
attention to the feafon when the plant is in its greateft perfection. So foon as,
the plant appeared ftrong and fucculent, it was commonly gathered for ufe.
But I know from repeated experiments, that the extradt, prepared from hem-
lock before the plant arrives at maturity, is much inferior to that which is made
when the hemlock has acquired its full vigour, and is rather on the verge of de-
cline : juft when the flowers fade, the rudiments of the feeds become obferv-
able, and the habit of the plant inclines to yellow, feems the proper time to
colledt the hemlock. It has then had the full benefit of the fummer heat ; and:
the plants that grow in expofed places, will generally be found more virofe
than thofe that grow in the Ihade.

In refpedt to the manner of preparing this extradt, it may be neceflary to
obferve, that the lefs heat it undergoes the better. Therefore, if a confide-
rable quantity of the dry powder of the plant, gathered at a proper feafon, is

added.

Qbfervations on the Vfe of 'Hemlock. 267

added, the lefs boiling will be neceffary, and the medicine will be the more
efficacious.

But let the extraCt be prepared in what manner foever it may, provided it
is made from the genuine plant, at a proper feafon, and is not deftroyed by
boiling, the chief difference obfervable in uling it, is, that a larger quantity of
one kind is required to produce a certain effeCV, than of another.

I have found that twenty grains of one fort of extraCt have been equal in
point of efficacy to thirty, nay near forty of another, yet both of them made
from the genuine plant, and moft probably prepared with equal fidelity.

To prevent the inconveniencies arifing from this uncertainty, it feems al-
ways expedient to begin with fmall dofes, and proceed, ftep by ftep, till the
extraCt produces certain effects, which feldom fail to arife from a full dofe.

Thefe effeCts are different in different conftitutions. But, for the moft part,
a giddinefs affeCting the head, and motions of the eyes, as if fomething puflied
them outwards, are firft felt ; a flight ficknefs, and trembling agitation of the
body ; a laxative ftool or two. One or all thefe fymptoms are the marks of a
full dofe, let the quantity in weight be what it will. Here we muft flop till
none of thefe effefts are felt, and, in three or four days, advance a few grains
more. For the general experience of all who have ufed this medicine to any
good purpofe, with whom I have any acquaintance, agrees, that the cicuta fel-
dom procures any benefit, though given for a long time, unlefs in as large a
dofe as the patient can bear, without fuffering any of the inconveniencies
above mentioned.

Patients commonly bear a greater quantity of the extraCt at night, than at
noon ; and at noon, than in the morning. The method I commonly follow is
to order 3ij. to be divided into thirty pills, not gilt. Adults begin with two
in the morning, two at noon, and three or four at night, with directions to in-
creafe each dofe, by the addition of a pill to each, as they can bear it.

The extradt of hemlock , given in this manner, is apparently anodyne it
promotes reft, and eafes pain. It feldom creates thirft, or that kind of morn-
ing head-ach, which fucceeds an opiate of any kind.

It feldom occafions coftivenefs, but, in moft, it procures a laxative ftool the
day following.

In fome habits very fmall dofes offend the ftomach, excite fpafmodic twitch-
ings, heat, and thirft. In fuch cafes I immediately forbid its ufe.

From the certain quality it poffeffes of altering the property of a thin, cor-
rofive, cancerous ichor, and changing it to a milder fluid, I have been in-
duced to try it in fanious ulcers, and gleety, painful difcharges from the va-
gina, and often with fuccefs. Alfo in fixed excruciating pains, probably arifing
from acrimony, not diffimilar to that of cancers.

Mm2

The

268

Obferv&tions on the life of Hemlock,

The Materia Medica is already loaded with a number of very inefficacious
limples, and it would give me extreme concern to affift in adding another to
the catalogue : but, from the obfervations I have had an opportunity of mak-
ing, and from the concurrent opinion of feveral of my medical acquaintance,
I perfuade myfelf, that the cicuta will be an ufeful acquifition, and will affift
us in the cure of many difeafes, in which the medicines now in ufe are inade-
quate auxiliaries.

REMARKS

[ *69 ]

REMARKS

ON THE

HYDROCEPHALUS INTERNUS*

I Have for a long time propofed to myfelf, to lay before you fome ac-
count of a difeafe which occurs more frequently, I believe, than is gene-
rally apprehended, and is very often confounded with another, to which, in
many refpeds, it appears not diffimilar 3 yet arifes from a very different caufe.
At the fame time, I mult own to you, it is not in my power to fuggeft any pro-
bable means of curing the difeafe of which I treat : it has baffled all my at-
tempts, both when confided in alone, and in confultation with the ableft of the
Faculty. All that I pretend to do is, to exhibit fuch an idea of this difeafe as
may ferve to make it known when it occurs in pradice, and to form fuch a
prognoftic of its progrefs and event, as may juftify praditioners to themfelves,
and to the families in which fuch fatal occurrences may prefent themfelves.

I have juft perufed Dr. Robert Whytt’s hiftory of this diftemper, in his
works, lately publifhed, in a trad: at the end. The Dodor has done more in
elucidating this fubjed, than any of the writers I have feen. It will appear
from what I have to fay on this fubjed, that we perfedly agree in the feat of
the difeafe, in moft of its fymptoms, and in its fatality. Neverthelefs, in fome
points, our obfervations have led us to make different conclulions.

The difeafes to which this I am treating of bears the neareft refemblance,
are fuch as are fuppofed to proceed from worms ; and what increafes. the re-
femblance is, that they are, for the moft part, difeafes of the fame age. I have
feldom met with the Hydrocephalus in fubjeds younger than three years 3 moft
frequently it has happened, in my pradice, from five to ten 3 two or three
from ten to thirteen, and two cafes between fev.enteen and nineteen years- of
age. The laft four were girls 3 the former moftly boys 3 and none of them
peculiarly unhealthy before they were attacked with this difeafe.. Moft. of

* From the Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. iv. page 40, Read Augufl 8, 1768*

them

2jo "Remarks on the Hydrocephalus Internus .

them had gone through the fmall-pox, fome the meafles likewife ; but without
any reafon to fufpeCt that thefe had left any foundation for this terrible com-
plaint.

It happened, that feveral of thofe who firft of all came under my care in
this difeafe, were either the favourites of the family, or the foie hopes of their
parents. I do not mention this as having any thing to do with the difeafe it-
felf, but as the caufe of my not being able to learn what the diftemper really
was, fo foon as I could have wifhed. It was difficult to alk, and ftill more dif-
ficult to obtain leave, under fuch tender circumftances, to examine the fubjeCt.
At length, however, I fucceeded, and, in feveral diffeCtions, found the fame
caufe fubfifting; viz. a collection of clear pellucid lymph, amounting in quan-
tity, by appearance, to two, three, or four ounces, contained in the ventricle of
the brain, under the corpus, callofum, from whence it was impoffible to difcharge
it by any medicine or operation hitherto difcovered.

The firft cafe I met with I fufpeCted was owing to worms, and thought my-
felf fully juftified in exhibiting the molt efficacious anthelminthics I was ac-
quainted with, applying fuch other remedies as particular exigencies required.
When another cafe like this occurred, I early took the alarm, and requefted
affiftance j but we were as unfortunate as I had been before. Once, fometimes
twice in a year, for feveral fucceeding years, I had occafion to fee thefe un-
happy objedts. Of late years, they have not occurred to me quite fo fre-
quently, though I am now lamenting a difafter of this fort, which has deprived
a large and honourable family of the only male amongft them.

Two or three inftances I have met with, that had very ftrong appearances
of being entered into the laft ftage of this diforder, but were happily reco-
vered they were aCtual worm-cafes, and were cured by anthelminthics. I had
been led, from thefe appearances that were fo fimilar to thofe which attend the
Hydrocephalus , to judge it was the fame, and to form an unfavourable prog-
noftic.

Dr. Whytt fuppofes, that the commencement of this difeafe is obfcure ; that
it is generally fome months in forming j that, after fome obvious urgent fymp-
toms make affiftance neceffary, it continues fome weeks before it ends fatally.
This, in general, differs from what I have hitherto obferved. I have feen chil-
dren, who, from all appearance, were well, healthy, and aCtive, feized with this
diftemper, and carried off in about fourteen days. I have feldom been able to
trace the commencement of it above three weeks. We know very well how
often thofe who are unacquainted with thefe things afcribe the beginning of
diforders to wrong caufes, and date them from aeras with which they have no
connection. Thus every malady to which a child may be incident through the
courfe of many years, fhall be attributed to the fmall-pox, a worm-fever, or
fome other difeafe, that has thoroughly roufed the parents fears, though that

3 very

Remarks on the Hydrocephalus Internus. 271

very difeafe may have been happily terminated. One cannot be fufficiently
upon one’s guard in afcribing effedts to caufes that exifted at a remote period.

In moft of thofe whom I have feen in this diftemper, a pain in fome part or
other below the head was the firft thing they complained of ; moft commonly
about the nape of the neck and fhoulders, often in the legs, fometimes in the
arms, but more rarely.

This pain was not always alike acute, nor always fixed to one place ; fome-
times it feemed not to affedt any of the limbs. In thefe cafes, the head and
ftomach feemed to be more difordered ; and indeed were always difordered
more or lefs from the beginning, as far as I could learn. When the pain was
in the limbs, the ficknefs or head-ach was lefs ; when the head became the
feat of complaint, the pain in the limbs was feldom or ever mentioned : fome
had very violent fickneffes and violent head-achs alternately.

From being perfectly well and fportive, fome were feized with thefe pains in
the limbs, or with ficknefs, or head-ach flightly, in a few hours, commonly af-
ter dinner. Some have been obferved to droop a few days before they com-
plained of any part being much indifpofed. In this manner they continued
three, four, or five days, more or lefs, as the children were healthy and vigo-
rous, when the diftemper begins to fhew itfelf in an alarming manner.

They then commonly complain of a moft acute pain in the head, deep
feated, and extending acrofs the forehead from temple to temple. They are
generally very fick between whiles, crying out in the moft aftedting manner.
Oh, my head l Oh, I am fick l alternately, and with ftiort intervals; dofing a
little in thefe intervals, breathing irregularly, and fighing much while awake.
Sometimes they only feem to breathe in fighs for fome minutes together.

The pulfe, from being regular as in health, as the difeafe creeps on becomes
irregular ; flower, for the moft part, at firft than it ought to be ; it grows ftill
flower as the pain increafes, gradually likewife irregular, the ftrokes being
made both with unequal force and in unequal times. The limbs, for the moft
part, are temperate, in refpedt to heat, after the firft accefs, which is often at-
tended with feverifh heats, efpecially towards evening and the fore-part of the
night, and till within a day or two of their diffolution ; the pulfe then becomes
extremely quick, the breathing deep, irregular, and laborious, the heat excef-
five, and more general. The head is always hot from the firft attack, and the
preecordia like wife.

Almoft every fymptom that is known to attend an irritating caufe exifting in
the brain, appears in its turn; firft, pain in the limbs, ficknefs, and head-ach.

Short difturbed fleeps, ftartings, irregular pulfe, watchfulnefs, and the pu-
pils of the eyes much, dilated.

They are unwilling to be difturbed for any purpofe, are averfe to light, take
things greedily, and cannot bear any pofture but that of lying horizontally.

They

2J2 Remarks on the Hydrocephalus Internus,

They attend lefs to obje&s ; when afleep, great part of the whites of the eyes
are feen, and they are undifturbed by any thing but moving them. Their
urine comes away infenfibly, and their ftools likewife. They often fcream out
moft piercingly, but complain of nothing. One or both hands are moft com-
monly about their heads. At length the eye-lids become paralytic, the iris
immoveable : an attempt to raife the eye-lids with the finger, two or three days
before they die, gives them no apparent uneafinefs. The heat of the head and
trunk becomes exceffive ; a great heat and fweat fpreads over the whole body,
refpiration is altogether fufpirious, the pulfe trembling, and quick beyond the
poffibility of counting, and the patient goes off gradually as the ftrength fails ;
fometimes a fpafm finifhes the cataftrophe.

In this recital, many fymptoms appear, that are familiar to worm-cafes, teeth,
and other irritating caufes. Perhaps, it will be difficult to point out any that
fhall particularly charadterife this difeafe. The pains in the limbs, and incef-
fant head-ach, and ficknefs, feem to me the moft certain intimations of the
danger. Thefe happen in other difeafes of children, but neither fo uniformly
nor fo laftingly.

. Another circumftance likewife is familiar, if not peculiar to this difeafe : I
recoiled! not one inftance, in which the patient was not coftive, and in which
likewife it was not without fingular difficulty that ftools were procured.

The ftools are moft commonly of a very dark greeniffi colour, with an oili-
nefs or a glaffy bile, rather than the flime which accompanies worms. They
are, for the moft part, Angularly offenfive. The urine fhews nothing to be de-
pended on : it is various both in colour and contents in different fubjedts ;
depending chiefly on the quantity of liquids they get down, and the time be-
tween the difcharges of urine. From their unwillingnefs to be moved, they
often hold their water a long time ; twelve or fifteen hours, fometimes longer :
they feldom complain of their belly : indeed when they complain of ficknefs,
they mention their belly ; but, if one defires them to point to it, they always
lay their hand on the ftomach. In diforders from worms, this is not fo gene-
rally the cafe. In thefe complaints, and thofe attending dentition, fpafms are
more frequent than in the diftemper I am defcribing. Children fubjedt to fits,
are fometimes feized with them a few days before they die ; fometimes they
continue for twenty-four hours inceffantlv, and till they expire j but this is not
conftant.

The moft certain charadter marks itfelf indeed but too evidently, when one
fees all thofe fymptoms gradually advancing which attend a violent depreffion
of the fcull ; when a comatous oppreffion feizes the brain, and diminiffies, by
degrees, all the faculties, till they are at length totally extinguiffied, either by
fome violent fpafmodic efforts, or the vires vita being exhaufted.

With Dr. Whytt, I have called this difeafe the Hydrocephalus internus , or

dropfy

Remarks on the Hydrocephalus Interims, 273

dropfy or the ventricles of the brain, till fome more appofite name can be
given to it. From what remote caufes it may proceed, I am not fo well fatif-
fled as to decide on this point. Whether the breach of a lymphatic may not
more commonly be the proximate caufc, is fubmitted to confideration. It is a
diforder that happens, fo far as I have had an opportunity of obferving, more
commonly to healthy, adtive, lively children, than to fuch in whom, from pre-
vious indifpofition, there is room to fufpedt an unequal or weakened abforp-
tion.

And indeed, if we confider the numberlefs little feats of adtivity that chil-
dren of both fexes are difpofed to, we cannot wonder that a veffel of flight
texture fhould give way on fome occafion or other. I am the more inclined to
be of this opinion, from the progrefs of this difeafe in many of the cafes that
I have feen of it ; from reflecting on the juvantia and Ledentia ; and, from this
circumftance being generally true, that in ftrong vigorous conftitutions, the J
difeafe is fatal in a fhorter time than in the tender and difeafed, though per-
haps not lefs adtive difpofitions. Sometimes I have been told, that the difeafe
was thought to have taken its rife from jumping from a conflderable height
upon a hard floor, a fall, or fome pretty fmart exercile : but however favour-
able fuch accounts may be to the opinion already mentioned, yet I offer them
with diffidence, and only with a view to promote further inquiry.

Were I to recite the different attempts to cure this difeafe, made both alone,
and conjundtly with fome of the ableft in the profeffion, it would carry me be-
yond the bounds you have a right to preferibe. It may be fufficient to men-
tion, that, whenever I am called to a patient in the earlier ftages of this dif-
temper, I proceed in the fame manner as if the difeafe was fuppofed to arife
from worms, or fome caufe of irritation capable of being removed.

Three or four grains of calomel , or more, according to the age and habit of
the patient, with rhubarb and the pulv. e Jcam. compof. are given to empty the
bowels, if this has not been done before fufficiently. If the ftomach appears
to be loaded, a quarter or half a grain of the emet. tartar, may be joined with
it, and the ftomach waffied with any fuitable liquor.

After this, it feems prudent to abate the vomiting by the faline, abforbent
medicines, adding a few drops of the tintt. Tbeb. as occafion requires, giving
broth, thin decoctions of hartfliorn-ffiavings, and other fuitable fupport, as
may be neceffary.

Anthelminthics in broth are thrown up in clyfters, and fmall dofes of ano-
dynes occafionally exhibited. A decodtion of Jem. Janton. with thirty or forty
drops of ol. terebinth, in three or four ounces of broth ; or aloes boiled in milk.
All heating medicines feem to increafe the malady fo does much warmth in
the room.

If the difeafe adtually proceeds from worms, the fymptoms are molt com-

N n monly

274 'Remarks on the Hydrocephalus Internur.

monly at a ftand after this procefs, and, by a repetition at proper diftances, it
foon gives way; but, if the fymptoms not only continue, but increafe after a
prudent repetition of thefe medicines, or fuch as different practitioners may
have found to be fuccefsfulin worm-cafes, there is too much reafon to fear that
the diflemper is of a more fatal kind, and that the moft ftrenuous and well-
directed endeavours will probably afford no relief.

One ought not, however, to ceafe attempting to mitigate the moft preffing
fymptoms, by all the means in our power. The application of blifters, fina-
pifms, embrocations externally ; the lefs heating antifpafmodics, internally;
and, at all times, taking care to keep the bowels, as much as may be, free
from impurities, will, perhaps, afford fufficient means to anfwer every reafon-
able indication.

I need fcarcely mention, that every opportunity of infpedting the body"
fhould be fought for by the Faculty. Dangerous and incurable as it feems to
be, its feat only known, and its fatal iffue, we ought not to defpair of tracing
its beginning a little higher, afcertaining the caufes, and fixing its character
with more precifion. By treating the complaint, however, in the manner
above mentioned, we lofe no advantage : we are almoft fure to fucceed if the
cafe be only worms ; but if otherwife, we at leaft are treating it in the moft ra-
tional method, increafing all the fecretions, and thereby preventing any addi-
tion to the quantity of extravafated fluid, to the utmoft of our power.

From the preceding defcription of this cafe, it will not be difficult to ac-
count for the fymptoms ; nor will it appear furprifing, that the patients go off
in the fame manner as thofe who die of a depreflion of the fcull ; for it makes
very little difference whether the external parts of the brain are crouded on
the more central parts, or a fluid is perpetually preffed into the cavities, near
the center, ftrongly forcing their fides and the brain itfelf againft the fcull. So
far as one can learn from the unhappy fubjedts themfelves, the kind of pain
they feel, is not quick and darting, or like that of a boil or inflammation ; but,
though acute, is tenfive, and as if forcing the head afunder.

When this paper was read to the Medical Society, Dr. Huck faid, he be-
lieved that this difeafe was not confined to children, or fuch as were under
puberty only; for he imagined that he had feen it two or three times in adults,
and gave me the following cafe, where diffedtion put it out of doubt.

Hannah Hargrave, aged thirty, was admitted into the Middlefex hofpitalr
on the 25th of Odtober 1768. She was. extremely languid, and fo oppreffed,
that flie could not give a very diftindt account of her illnefs. She faid, that
ffie had been fick a week ; that her chief complaint was a moft excruciating
pain in her head, with a vomiting of every thing fhe took, mixed with green
fluff : fhe laid ffie was coftive, giddy, thirfty, had great palpitations, and could
get no fleep : her heat was not greater than in health : her pulfe beat feventy-

eight

Remarks on the Hydrocephalus In tern us. 27 £

eight ftrokes in a minute ; fhe had her menfes at that time. No means that
were ufed gave her any relief : the head-ach, vomiting, though lefs frequent,
and watchfulnefs, continued. On the 4th of November floe was light-headed,
fighed and moaned frequently: the pupils of her eyes were greatly dilated, and
I thought fhe could not fee. On the 5th, I fird: obferved a ftrabijmus ; die ga-
thered up the bedclothes ; her teeth were furred ; but her tongue was not very
dryj her pulfe was almoft like to that of a perfon in health.

On the 6th, fhe feemed every way worfe, continued muttering, moaning, al-
ways without deep, and paded her urine involuntarily. Her pulfe beat eighty-
eight ftrokes in a minute.

She died on the 7th, and her body was opened by Mr. Tickel, houfe-fur-
geon, the next day, in prefence of fome of the pupils and myfelf. Nothing
very remarkable was found, except about four ounces of water in the ventricles
of the brain, and a larger quantity than ufual in the theca vertebrarum.

I have likewife feen two cafes lately of the like kind to appearance. Both
were women : tfhe firft about feventeen, unmarried ; the fecond about twenty-
five, married ; and both apparently healthy, till they were feized with fymp-
torns much refembling thofe defcribed by Dr. Huck. Though there was no
opportunity of confirming this opinion by didedtion ; yet, from the fimilarity
of the fymptoms, there was juft ground to conclude, that this diftemper is not
folely confined to the age of childhood.

O F

N n 2

. .

v :• ■ ■ .

■ • ■ ■ •: , • ‘ » J r

t- 1 ■ - i< - ' . V . . : i . >L

_ ' ' - • *!♦ ' ■ ' ^ ' ■ 1 f : ' < '■ : '■ ' ' ' ' T ' ; *■

V

■ ,':i . :

i ' ; tf,i -)i ii i • . ? . •

■

f ,

I i A

-

t 27 7 J

OF THE

CURE OF THE

SCIATICA*.

IT is always the objeCl of my wifhes, and endeavour, in the duties of my pro-
feffion, to reduce the cure of difeafes to all poffible fimplicity : and nothing
affords me fo much fatisfa&ion, as when, by repeated cautious trials, a method
occurs to me, of curing any diftemper with fome degree of certainty, eafe, and
expedition.

I am in hopes,, that the method now offered to your confideration, will be
found, by experience, to anfwer the end propofed, and affifb practitioners in re-
moving an obflinate painful difeafe with lefs difficulty, than by the methods
hitherto employed for the purpofe.

The Morbus Ifchiadicus , or, as it is called in this country, the Sciatica , is a
difeafe too well known by phyficians to need any defcription; too painful not
to require the fpeedieil relief ; and fo obflinate as to refill many powerful reme-
dies.

In the courfe of my bufinefs, many cafes of this nature have occurred to me,
and, during a confiderable part of my time, whenever they occurred, gave me
much uneafinefs. I found the remedies recommended for the cure of this dif-
temper often inefficient, always flow in producing a cure, and very often a?
painful almofl as the difeafe i tie if.

It is at lead amufing to ourfelves, if not inftrudlive to others, to mention by
what means we become acquainted with ufeful hints. I was defined, many
years ago, to vifit a man fomewhat above forty years of age, who had, long
been confined to his bed, from the effefts of a lumbago imperfedlly cured.. The
violence of the pain was abated, but he was incapable of moving, or being
moved, from the place he was laid, without fuffering grievous torture. The
part affeCled was the lower part of the lumbar region, from fide to fide, acrofs
the loins. His fleffi was much reduced, his appetite decayed, and a feverifh

* Medical Obfervadons and Inquiries, vol. iv. p. 69. Read Auguft 22, 176S.

I

heat

27 S Of the Cure of the Sciatica.

heat conftantly attended him, the confequence of pain and inanition. He had
been many weeks under the care of a very able phyfician, who had attended
with much diligence, and prefer! bed, with judgment, very efficacious medi-
cines. The patient was reduced to the neceffity of taking opiates to procure
a temporary relief. He had taken them a confiderable time, and in dofes ra-
ther more than moderate, though not very large, before I faw him.

Not finding any reafon to fufpedt either an internal abfcefs, or a tendency
to it; but that the feat of the pain was in the tendinous parts about the loins,
and deep, I directed a fmall dofe of calomel to be given -every night.

The following was the prefeription :

Calom. levig. gr. x.

cTereb. e Chio. q. J. f. pil . x. non deaurand^ . Capiat j. omni noble.

A laxative mixture was provided, to be taken in the morning, to procure
ftools, if he fnould be coftive. The opiate was gradually omitted.

Finding a grain of calomel per diem to have no effedt, I ordered him to take
two one night, one the next, and fo to proceed.

His pains rather grew lefs by the time thefe pills were taken ; but not the
leaft appearance of any effect from the calomel as a mercurial. I increafed the
dofe, till he got up to fix grains of calomel every day, three at night and three
in the morning; without ever perceiving any tendency to a ptyalifm, purging,
remarkable midturition, or diaphorefis. The pains, however, gradually lef-
fened ; he got up every.day, recovered his appetite, got Itrength, and, in five
or fix weeks time, was able to go abroad. He halted confiderably, and made
ufe of a walking-flick ; but enjoyed tolerable health, and has not fince been
affiidted with any complaint of this nature.

Six grains of calomel per diem , for near a fortnight together, may feem a very
large dofe to be taken without producing the common effedl of mercurials.
It furprifed me at the time ; and I Ihould by no means have proceeded to fuch
a length, if experiment, condudted with fome degree of caution, had not led
me fo far in this particular inlfance.

A gentleman of great eminence in chymiflry had allured me, that he had
found very good effedts from calomel given in the manner above mentioned,
with the Chio turpentine , in worm-cafes, and all the difeafes of children.
Thinking that fmall dofes of calomel would be as likely to remove a difeafe lb
deeply fituated fooner than any other remedy, I had recourfe to this medicine,
and gave it in the manner above deferibed.

On refledting, however, on its effedts, I found caufe to fufpedt, that exhibit-
ing calomel in the manner I had done, was ufing it in the molt uncertain me-
thod. Molt kinds of turpentine , I believe, are indigeltible in the human Ito-
mach ; the more folid their confidence, the more difficult they are to be dif-

folved

Of the Cure of the Sciatica. 279

folved in the human body. Great part of the calomel might, therefore, be fo
cffe£tually wrapped up in the Chio turpentine, the hardeft and mod indiffoluble
of the whole clafs that are ufed in medicine, that I apprehend a very fmall
proportion of the calomel ever came into adtion. From this confideration, I
have feldom fince given mercurials made into pills with this fubftance, unlefs
where I wanted to give the fmalleft quantity poffible ; but have generally or-
dered it to be formed into pills, with fome fubftance that was eafily diflolvable,
as fome conferve or confection. From the fuccefs attending this cafe, I deter-
mined to make trial of a fimilar procefs in the Sciatica , and the event has ge-
nerally anfwered my willies. I recolleCt divers cafes of both fexes, and differ-
ent ages, in which a procefs like the following has been of fingular fervice, af-
ter various other medicines and operations, recommended for the cure of this
complaint, had been ufed to very little purpofe.

Calom. levig. gran, x.

Con/. RoJ. q. f. f. pil. x. non deaur.

Capiat j. omni no die Juperbibendo haujl. Jeq.

£ rq. Alexit. /imp. fifs.

Alexit. Jpir. 3ifs.

Vin. Antimon. gut. xxx..

Tinbl. ‘Tbeb. gut. xxv.

Syr. /imp. jj. m.

If the pain does not abate by the time this quantity is taken, I increafe the
dofe of calomel to two grains one night, one the next, and thus proceed alter-
nately. When the pain abates, the anodyne and antimonial are gradually 1'ef-
fened ; perhaps omitted every other night, or wholly dropped. I have feldom
met with a, genuine Sciatica but has yielded to this procefs in the fpace of a
few weeks, and has as feldom returned.

My inducement to make trial of this method at firft was, that this kind of
pains are deep feated in the molt flefhy parts of the human body, and to
which it is extremely difficult to convey the efficacy of any medicine entire,
either given internally, or applied without.

That mercurials, of all the medicines we are acquainted with, moft certainly
pervade the inmoft recedes of the mufcular and tendinous parts, and remove
difeafes which we know have in them their refidence.

That, till thefe could take effedt, it was neceffary to mitigate the pain ; for
all painful diforders increafe in proportion to the irritation attending them.
The anodyne, above directed, has other properties than that of an opiate
merely. Like as in Dover’s famous powder, the anodyne in this compofition,
when duly proportioned, reftrains the antimonial from exerting its ufual effi-
cacy

280 Of the Cure of the Sciatica,

cacy on the Itomach and firlt paffages, and conducts it to the remoteit parts of
the circulation, rendering it an ufeful and efficacious medicine in many painful
diforders.

If the difeafe does not yield to the dofe above mentioned, I gradually in-
creafe it till fome little tendernefs is perceived in the mouth ; but I have fel-
dom had occafion to proceed fo far, or to fubjedl the patient to any confine-
ment, unlefs in very rigorous weather. As the violence of the pain may fafely
be mitigated by this kind of anodyne, which is not merely a palliative, I have
always thought it better to proceed with the calomel , in the manner above
mentioned, as an alterative, than to rifk any thing for the chance only of a few
days fpeedier recovery. Formerly I have had recourfe to the bark, guaiacumt
the terebinthinate fpirits, and other ufual medicines ; but feldom to the patient’s
benefit, or my own fatisfacftion. Fontanels, Milters, caultics, likewife, have
produced as little advantage. Of late I have trufted to the procefs above de-
ferred, and have very feldom been difappointed.

Bleeding has not been mentioned, becaufe in molt of the cafes I have feen,
it was unneceflary. Phyficians are feldom confulted on thefe cafes in the be-
ginning of the difeafe. In plethoric habits, this evacuation may be necelfary
as well as purging. Thofe who fee the patients early, will be the belt judges
of the necefiity of thefe evacuations.

[ z8i ]

OF THE

USE of TAPPING early in DROPSIES*

THERE are feveral efficacious remedies in the hands of phyficians, which
are often made ufe of fo late in the difeafe, that they fall into difgrace,
from being applied when nothing could fave the patient from inevitable de-
ftrudion. Of this kind, perhaps, are blifters applied to the head. The fick
.and the by-ftanders have confented to this application, when nothing could be
of ufe. The patient dies, and the blifter to the head bears the blame, both as
an ill omen from the phyfician, and as a barbarous application j when, in fad,
.it deferves the imputation of neither. The phyfician, well knowing the gene-
ral prejudice againft the application of blifters to the head, fhifts off the pro-
pofal longer than is right in his own judgment, through fear left the terror ex-
cited by fuch a prefcription, fhould do as much harm as the blifter could do
,good. As the danger increafes, this very blifter is then often called for by the
patient’s friends, when neither this nor any thing elfe can avail.

With what difficulty can we perfuade thofe who are on the verge of a con-
fumption, and the hedic fymptorns juft in their infancy, to leave towns for a
purer air, or feek the aid of Briftol waters on the fpot, while fuch kind of re-
medies afford almoft a certain cure! When the lungs are inflamed and ul-
cerated, and an incurable hedic, with all its wafting confequences, are far ad-
vanced j then, whether the phyfician thinks any benefit can be received or not,
they fly to Briftol, when neither the water nor any other means can prevent
their diffolution..

Perhaps the operation of tapping may have undergone the fame fate. Few
dropfieal patients can bear the name without apprehenfions of terror ; and in-
deed not without reafon ; for, of the many who undergo this operation, how
few are furviving inftances of its advantage !

I think there is reafon to fufped, that tapping has incurred feme part of its

* Medical Gbfervations and Inquiries, vol. iv. p. 114. Read November 14, 1768.

O 0 difgrace.

2 8 2

Of the Ufe of Tapping early in Dropfics.

difgrace, from its being delayed till it could have no other effeCt than pro'—
curing a very fhort-lived hope to the patient,, at the certain expence of the
fmall fhare of drength remaining..

I have endeavoured to prevail upon fuch patients labouring under this dif-
eafe as have requeded my abidance, to fubmit to it as early as pofiible, after I
found that the quantity of water was fuch as could not be removed by medi-
cines, without doing great violence to the conditution. There are feveral per-
fons now living, whom I prevailed on early to fubmit to this operation. When!
1 found the ufual diuretics had no effeCt, and the more aCtive purgatives did
as much prejudice' by weakening the whole frame, bringing on third,, lofs of
appetite, debility, and fever, as they did fervice by the evacuation they pro-
duced ; I defided from medicine ; allowed them to drink as much as third re-
quired ; and, when the fluctuation was fo evident as to render the operation
fafe, it was performed. In one cafe, one operation alone fucceeded : for, by
diuretics and corroborants, proper diet and datable exercife, the urine paflfed
the kidneys freely, and the patient recovered' perfectly. This was an evident
afcites, and tame on foon after a lying-in ; apparently from the power of ab-
forption being weakened beyond a fpeedy recovery, and the exKalant veflels
being relaxed immoderately; the balance was dedroyedi and a vad quantity"
of water was collected in a fhorter time than I ever faw. All the vifcera
feemed to be found, and none of the ufual caufes of dropfles from intempe-
rance had preceded. Had we perfevered with drong purgatives or diuretics
much longer, the tone of the abforbent veflels would perhaps have been fo far-"
weakened, as to have rendered tapping, or any other means, ineffectual.

Another cafe was, in a Angle woman of about thirty-five years of age: the
difeafe fucceeded a tedious lingering fever, attended with great third; and'
very large quantities of thin liquors had been poured down,, without did
cretion.

Apprehending the difiemper proceeded from the diminifhed power of the-
abforbing veflels, the redundancy of fluid, the general debility of the whole
frame ; very few medicines, except, cordials, were given, till fhe was full
enough to be tapped. This was happily performed ; but die foon filled
again. The operation was repeated. The medicines ordered for her now be-
gan to take effeCt. The urine was increafed, her drength returned, and fhe
left the town perfeClly recovered.

If we confider, that this operation is far from being one of the mod pain-
ful, and that, if the fluctuation is diffidently evident, and the belly moderately
tenfe, it is one of the fafed; it feems to me, that we have nothing to fear,
either in refpeCt to ourfelves or our patients, if we recommend it as early as
pofiible.

If I am called to a patient tending to a dropfy, the belly beginning to fill,,

the

Of the life of Tapping early in Dropfes. 28 3

ahe urine patting in fmall quantities and high-coloured, the appetite failing,
.and third; increafmg, with the lofs of flefh in the upper parts of the body; I
have recounfe to fuch diuretics, purgatives, and corroborants intermixed, as
the date of the cafe and the nature of its caufes indicate. The preparations
of fquills, the neutral and alkaline falts, the terebinthinate ballams, afford many
efficacious compofitions. The purgatives are known to every one. If, by a
'reafonable perfeverance in this courfe, no confiderable benefit accrues ; if the
vifcera do not evidently appear to be obftrudled and unfit for the future pur-
.pofes of life ; if the complaints have not been brought on by a long habitual
itrain of intemperance, and from which there feems little hope of reclaiming
.the patient ; if the ftrength and time of life are not altogether againft us ; I
defift from medicine, except of the cordial reflorative kind ; and let the dif-
eafe proceed till the operation becomes fafely practicable : when this is done,
-by the moderate ufe of the warmer diuretics, chalybeates and bitters, alfo
•the preparations of fquills in dofes below that point at which the ftomach
would be afledted, I endeavour to prevent them from filling again.

If we recollet what happens in the cure of feveral incyfled dropfies, we
Ihall find the opinion here advanced confirmed. Divers of thefe are cured by
punture; fometimes once only; fometimes the operation is neceffarily re-
peated. You will remember many cafes, I doubt not, of the dropfies of the
iejlis or tunica vaginalis particularly. I can recollet feveral within my own
knowledge ; fame that have required but once tapping, others repeatedly, and
yet at 1 aft have remained perfetly cured.

Should you, gentlemen, be of opinion, that thefe remarks are not ill-
founded, I have no doubt but, from the fhare of bufinefs which paffes through
-your hands, the public will receive fuch confirmations as may tend to diflipate
;that dread of tapping, which, I am fatisfied, is one great caufe of the difgrace
funder which it labours, and is alike injurious to our art, and detrimental to
the patient.

Before I quit this fubjedt, permit me to mention a method of fcarification
-that has often fucceeded in anafarcGus fwellings of the legs and thighs ; at
Jeaft, it has fo far fucceeded, as to draw off large quantities of water, without
either fo much pain or danger as in the common way by incifions. Thefe are
always painful, and, if large, are dangerous, from the known difficulty of heal-
ing wounds in anafarcous habits.

I general’y order this operation to be performed with the common fcarifi-
cator ufed in cupping, and the inftrument to be placed fo as to make the
wounds tranfverfely. If the fkin is thick, the lancets may be fet fo as to make
deeper, and confequently wider incifions. By this method, a large quantity of
water will often drain from the legs and thighs, without rifle of inflammation,
or deterring the patient from a repetition, if neceffary. To proceed with as

O o 2 much

284 0/ the XJfe of Tapping early in Dropjies.

much fafety as pofiible, I commonly order the inftrument firft to be applied
about the middle of the calf on each fide the leg, and either to one leg only,,
or to both, as occafion requires. The application of glafles, either to raife the
Ikin, or promote the difcharge afterwards, is unneceflary. The inftrument is
gently prefied upon the lkin till a furface is formed fufficiently flat to admit
the lancets in the fcarificator to take effeft equally. By making thefe little
openings in the Ikin tranfverfely, they give vent more freely to the fluid, and
are longer before they unite.

Should it be alked, in what cafes this application is proper ; it is anfwered,
that in all anafarcous habits, where the JeroJa colluvies gains upon us faft, and
the (kin is fo ftretched as to threaten a rupture, or inflammation and gangrene,,
much mifchief may be prevented by thefe means. Likewife, where the breath
is extremely affefted in fuch habits, a temporary relief may, in this manner,
often be obtained, in order to give a fair chance to remedies adminiftered in-
ternally. Your own experience,. Gentlemen, will fuggeft to you many other
ufes of this operation.

ALTHOUGH

f s85 1

jLtm UGH this cafe of Hemiplegia , and the two fubfequent papers, have hem
puhlijhed in the Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, under an anonymous
Pithy yet I have the authority of a letter , in which the Do Pi or adopts them as his
performances. In the fourth volume of the Obfervations and Inquiries, in which
thefe are includedy many other of his pieces are inferted under his proper fignaiure ;
huty with a diffidence which no author had lefs occafion to plead: that his name
might not too frequently recur , he chofe to fupprefs it in thefe three inftances : this
objection no longer fubfiftsy and the utility of thefe effays fuficiently warrants me to
difclofe to the public , what the DoPIor had previoufy difclofed to his friends.

In the London Bills of Mortality a confiderable reform is undoubtedly wanting ;
the Jubjedt had engaged his attention , and he had even fetched Jome outlines for
effecting this reformation, which his want of leifure prevented him from completing
for public infpePlion Editor,

A HEMIPLEGIA,

■ * / ■’ " ’ 1 * ■*' '''> V.”; ' f

■ | A ' '■

’ ... ...... .1 ... x • » < «

’

; > >. > t ■ A.. ’ *

■

'

... . .

£ 2g7 I

A.

HEMIPLEGIA,

Attended with Uncommon Circumstances*
Communicated by a MEMBER of the SOCIETY^,

ON the 27th of February, 1762, M. M. in the fixty-eighth year of her age,
was feized with a palfy, which entirely deprived her of the ufe of her
right fide,, and of her fpeech. At the firft attack fhe was infenfible, and then
fhe had all the affiftance that an able phyfician could give her; but as foon as
fhe recovered her fenfes,. all his prefcriptions were in vain ; fhe perfevered with
obftinacy to refufe taking any medicine, or to fuffer any outward application.
All the time of her helplefs condition, fhe was conftantly attended by two
nurfes in the night, and generally by two likewife in the day-time, befides her
relations, who would frequently fit by her, both to comfort and to amufe her.
She lived till the £th of October, 1767..

From a little time after fhe was feized with the palfy, till about five weeks
before fhe died, fhe eat meat (more heartily and more greedily indeed, than
in her former date of good health) and by choice, rather the high-feafoned
difhes, both for dinner and fupper; but drank fparingly. All this time fhe
was never fick at her ftomach, and fhe never fweated. Her urine was mode-
rate in quantity ; but neither its quantity nor quality could be afcertained, as
it came always from her upon cloths. She had frequently moft excruciating
pains in the urinary paffages, which were fuppofed to be from gravel, and fhe
paired many ffnall round Hones like fhot. She had a conflant fpitting, or dri-
velling of Jaliva. She was coftive from the beginning of her illnefs : and this
complaint increafed to fuch a degree, that in a little time, fhe feldom had a
ftool in lefs than a week ; more frequently it was a fortnight, fometimes three

*' Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. iv. p. no. Read Odlober 31, 1768.

weeksj

g8§ A Hemiplegia , attended with uncommon Circumftances.

weeks, and fometimes four, and twice together only once in thirty days j that
is, twice in two months , while Jhe was eating heartily all the time , and had no Jen -
fible excretion befidesy except the ufual quantity of urine , and the Jalival difcharge
above mentioned , And both times, the evacuation probably would have been
ftill later, if four or five grains of jalap had not been daily taken (without her
knowledge) in the beer that fhe drank, from the time that fhe had been a
fortnight without a ftool. After this the coftivenefs continued, though not to
jfuch a degree, while fhe lived, except once, that fhe was taken for a fhojrt
lime with a violent purging, which threatened her immediate diffolution.

During the lalt four or five weeks of her life, her appetite to food declined
gradually, In the laft eleven days fhe fwallowed neither food nor drink of
any kind whatever. On the twelfth day fhe had been prevailed upon to try if
fhe could take a fip of her favourite liquor, fmall-beer, with a little wine in it.
Whether fhe got any down or not, in two different attempts, was uncertain?
but jt could not have been more than a tea^fpoonful each time. On the thir-
teenth day before her death, fhe had taken one difh of chocolate, which, we
may prefume, was the Jaft nourifhment fire took.

During thefe laft twelve days, fhe was perfectly in her fenfes (till within a
few hours of her death) and never expreffed the leaf!: degree of hunger or
thirftp She made rather Jefs urine than before. Her ftrength funk, or failed,
in the mofi gradual way that could be conceived} and her breath and her dif-
charges became fo oftenfive before death, that though great care was taken, the
room could not be kept tolerably fweet,

She was much extenuated in the eourfe of her difeafe j and, at one time, it
was with great difficulty that a mortification, from prefture in the region of the
CS Jacrurth was preyented,

This account was drawn up by a relation of the patient, who, from his
fituation, could not be impofed upon with regard to any of the fails above
mentioned ? and it is communicated for the fake of thole f§<fts only.

O N

[ 8*9 ]

G N

PAINFUL CONSTIPATION

FROM INDURATED FCECES*

To the Medical Society.

Gentlemen*

Permit me to plead the privilege offered in the Preface to your Firft Volume*
of remaining, if a writer pleafes, concealed.

Your fecretary is informed to whom he may apply* if any of the fads are dif-
puted. I am, &c.

I Know not of any writer who has given himfelf the trouble to acquaint
young practitioners with a complaint that frequently occurs, is very trou-
blefome, may eafily be miftaken, and the millake be productive of very ferious
confequences to the fufferer.

You who praCtife in the metropolis, by daily conference with one another,
learn many things cafually, as it were, of much importance to yourfelves and
to others, that make their way more (lowly to the country.

It is known, that from many caufes, from the ufe of the bark efpecially, it
happens, fuch quantities of hardened fceces are fometimes collected in the rec-
tum, as nature, without afiiftance, is unable to expel. Many fuch inftances
have occurred to me in the courfe of a moderate (hare of bufmefs; and I
doubt not, many more to you. Gentlemen, who feem to take the lead fo hap-
pily in praClice, as well as in a difpofit/on to communicate the refult of your
extenfive experience.

I fhall relate one fmgle cafe particularly, as fome ufeful hints may be col-
lected from it, as well as from fome other cafes of the like tendency, fuffi-
cient, I hope, to lead the young practitioner into a method of diftinguiihing

• Medical Obferyations and Inquiries, vol. iv. p. 125, Read November 14, 1768.

P p this

290 On painful Confipation from indurated Faces*

this diforder from others, which, though in fome appearances the fame, are
diametrically oppofite.

Not long fince I was defired to vifit an elderly gentleman, labouring, as it
was fuppofed, under an obftinate diarrhoea. He was in the country, under the
care of a very fenfibie and experienced apothecary, who, from the patient’s and
attendants complaints and informations, was induced to believe it a diarrhoea ,
and had treated it as fuch, in a very proper manner.

The gentleman had very frequent motion? to ftool, and the motions ex-
tremely urgent. Sonne thin excrement was always difcharged on thefe occa-
fions : the pains gradually leffened for a time,, and then returned with the like
violence and the jame effects.

Rhubarb, teftacea, demulcents, anodynes, had been occafionally given ; but
the diforder ftill continued* and the pains and difcharges, though rather lefts
frequent, feemed to be more violent. From the violence of thefe returns, I
began to fufpeCt they proceeded from, fome obftru&ion in the re Slum. The
pains were previous to the difcharge ; a tenefmus always fucceeds it. On en-
quiry, I found my patient was always difpofed to be coftive ; that he had been
fo many days preceding this difeafe ; that he had not palled a figured ftool of
2, fortnight: I gueffed therefore, that the difcharge of thin excrement was
forced by the painful throws, paft the obftruCting collection.

I requefted the apothecary’s fervant, who was in waiting, to dip his finger' in
oil, introduce it into the reffum, and try to difcover if my fufpicions were
well-founded ; and if they were, to endeavour to break the hardened Jcybala,
and bring them away, either by his finger, ora narrow fpoon, the belt inftru-
ment we could then find.

It proved as I had fufpeCted, and the young man performed his part fo well
as to bring away a very large lump of hardened fceces , which could not by any
other means have been difcharged. Emollient clyfters, and oily relaxing
draughts, foon brought away the reft, and our patient was effectually relieved'
from that moment.

Another cafe, not altogether difiimilar, may be worth mentioning. I was
defired to vifit a gentlewoman near fixty years of age, of a conftitution rather
plethoric, and, to appearance, healthy, except from the effeCts of the prefent
indifpofition. She complained of very fharp, but intermitting pains of all the
parts about the pelvis. She compared them to labour-pains in refpeCt of vio-
lence, but of longer duration ■, juft, fhe faid, as if the womb, bladder, and all
wkhin her, were forcing outwards: every half hour almoft they returned, and
had fo continued near a month before I was called to her.

An ingenious apothecary, converfant in midwifery, had fufpeCted that fome
hardened fceces in the reftum increafed the malady, if they were not the foie
caufe of it. He was permitted to examine ; but, by introducing the finger as

high

On painful Confiipation from indurated Faces, 29 1

high as poffible, he could difcovernothing of this kind, but found the uterus
much enlarged and very hard, comprefiing the return in fuch a manner as to
prevent any thing but what was in a very liquid ftate from palling, and fuch
kind of liquid ftools were difcharged very frequently, fo as to imitate a ge-
nuine diarrhoea.

The uterus , when examined, was exquifitely painful to the touch. The
urine was difcharged with much difficulty, owing, as it was fuppofed, to the
increafed bulk of the uterus.

Upon enquiry, I found the kind of pain was fuch as is above defcribed.
That the ftools were always liquid, and thefe only forced away by pretty aftive
purgatives, gentle ones having no effeft, which never failed, at the fame time,
to increafe thefe forcing pains immoderately. This had rendered the ufe of
anodynes neceffary at night, to allay the irritation produced by the purga-
tives.

Though from the account given me, there was much reafon to apprehend
the uterus was in a very morbid ftate, probably verging to a cancer, as feemed
afterwards to be more evidently the cafe ; yet that fome hard fceces might be
.one caufe of the prefent pain, feemed to me not improbable.

The apothecary, at my requeft, examined the return again with his finger j
;but found no fceces. He then introduced a fmall tallow candle, and puffied it
gently paft the compreffed part. Upon drawing it out, he obferved fome ex-
crement flicking to it. This induced him to pafs it again to the obftrufring
place, and, by degrees, he diflodged a very large mafs of hardened excrement,
which fell into the reElum , and being there broke with the finger and the fcoop,
was extracted. An emollient clyfter brought away the reft, and ffie now com-
plained of nothing but fatigue and forenefs.

Gentle laxatives now took effeft, and her fufferings were greatly dimi-
nifhed, Thofe arifing from the morbid uterus , neverthelefs, continued, as I
was informed afterwards.

An opinion that purgative, or even laxative medicines deftroy, or, in fome
degree, fruftrate the efficacy of the bark, has contributed not a little to pro-
duce many troublefome accidents of this kind : for, as a large quantity of bark
is generally ufed in the cure of an ague, and as the bark is indiffoluble in the
ftomach and bowels, it eafily unites with the fceces, and forms with them fuch
large, hard, compadl fcybala , as can by no means pafs the fphintter ani , without
exquifite pain and difficulty, and fometimes not without the aid of inftru-
ments.

When this is the cafe, the patient complains of excruciating forcing pains
about the anus but remitting. Some thin excrement is difcharged, and the
pain abates. A frefh fpafmodic effort follows, and with the like fuccefs. It is
a kind of fpontaneous fpafm of all the parts in, or connefled immediately with

P p 2 the

292 On painful Conftipation from indurated Faces,

the pelvis, for the exclufion of this irritating fubflance. Should fuch a thin
diicharge, attended with pain, lead any one to fuppofe it a diarrhcea , and, in
confequence of fuch a fuppofition, treat it with aftringents and opiates, it is
evident that greater mifchief would enfue.

„ Should the defcription given by the patient, and the preceding circum-
fiances of the cafe, induce one to doubt whether the difeafe is owing to con-
ftipation, a triaL attended with no danger, and, in molt cafes, with little diffi-
culty, will foon clear up the matter. If the pain remits, and returns with vio-
lence after a ffiort remiffion, and the patient has either taken the bark, or
been long coftive, there is reafon to apprehend the complaints are the conle-
quences of conftipation, and can probably be relieved by no other means fo
fafely and fpeedily, as by manual operation.

But it appears,, that a fearch with the finger only, is not in all cafes fuffi-
cient : the lodgment may be above its reach. A fmall tallow candle may be
pafied fo far as to put the affair out of doubt, and fhould be recommended
where, from concurrent evidence, fuch a lodgment is fufpe&ed.

SOME

t 2?3 J

SOME REMARKS

ON THE

BILLS of MORTALITY in LONDON ;

W I T tf

An ACCOUNT of a late Attempt to eftablilL am
ANNUAL BILL for this Nation*.

To the Medical Society.

December 30, 1768,

Gentlemen,

TH E clerk of the parifti in which I refide, haying left at my houfe, the
other day, the yearly bill of mortality for London, I perufed it imme-
diately with fome attention.

If the following hiitory and reflexions relative to this fubjeX, fall within the
eompafs of your defign, you may publifh them if you pleafe : and although
they come from a namelefs writer, you may be fatisfied of the truth of the
facts, by applying to your fecretary, who will be informed from whom he re-
ceived this communication.

About the year 1754, a phyfician in the city, who had for fome time em-
ployed a part of his time in obferving the ftate of the weather, the conco-
mitant difeafes, and taken fome account of the weekly bills, applied to the
Company of Pariih-clerks in London, and acquainted them, that to his certain
knowledge, their weekly bills were defective in many refpefts ; that the lift of
difeafes was a very injudicious one j that their prefent labours, therefore, an-
fwered very little ufeful purpofe, either to themfelves or the community :
however, that it feemed practicable to form a plan that would alike conduce to

* Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. iv. p. 214.

9 the

294 Some Remarks on the Bills of Mortality in London,

the advantage of their Company, and to the intereft and fatisfadlion of the na-
tion in general.

A memorial on this fubjedl was delivered to the Company in form, fetting
forth the particular benefits hence to be expedted. That in refpedt to medi-
cine, the increafe or decreafe of certain difeafes, at different times and places,
would be both afcertained, not only in this city, but. throughout the king-
dom j from whence much benefit might be derived to the art of healing, as
well as to the public.

That the increafe or decreafe of the people in general would be afcer-
tained ; in time likewife their numbers.

That the increafe of vice or virtue might alfo be traced, by obferving what
proportion the difeafes proceeding from intemperance annually bore to the
reft; and likewife in what particular places this was obfervable.

That the firmed: bafis of political arithmetic might be raifed on this foun-
dation : and that a work of extreme utility, on fo many accounts, could not
but redound to the benefit of thofe who had the condudt of it.

The Company, on confidering the affair, thought the propofal of fo much
confequence, as to apply to parliament for powers fufficient to carry this defign
into execution.

The bafis of this plan was, that not only the parifhes within the bills of
mortality, but all the parifhes in England, fhould be obliged to keep exadt
regifters of births, burials, and marriages, inflead of chrijlenings and burials
only, as the bills are at prefent. And that from the feveral parifh regifters, an
annual regifter fhould be formed in .each county, and tranfmitted to the caph
tal, early enough to be incorporated into one general bill.

In order to render that part of this account which related to difeafes more
advantageous, fome phyficians of eminence met together, and attentively con-
fidered the prefent lift of diftempers, rejedled all fynonymous and obfolete
terms, and propofed to giye fuch an explanation of thofe that were retained, as
might enable thofe whofe duty it might become to make report, to do it with
snuch more precilion than it has been done hitherto.

The affair was brought into parliament, and the bill was ordered to be
printed, and jeemed to be in a way to pafs very favourably.

Unfortunately, however, the gentleman * who undertook the condudt of this
affair in the Houfe of Commons, infilled on a “claufe being inferted in the
bill which totally overthrew the defign, and was the principal caufe of its being
' rejedted by a great majority.

One motive that was urged by thofe who were friends to the bill was, that it
would furnifh the moft pe.rfe.dl bafis yet extant for political calculations re-
fpedling infurances on lives, and other circumftances of apparent utility.

* The late Thomas Potter, Efq.

It

Some Remarks on the Bills of Mortality in London . 295.

ft was evident, that could the number of people be known, the foundation
of fuch computations would be laid more fpeedily and certainly.

This induced the gentleman above mentioned, to infill on a claufe for num-
bering the people of both fexes and all ages, before the ad took place. Thofe
who were not the friends of adminillration at that time, laid hold of this
elaufe ; and nothing but the fin of David was heard of, till the bill was laid
afide.

All this, perhaps, you will fay, is little to the purpofe of medical know-
ledge ; but indulge me a few moments longer, and fhould you Hill be of the
fame opinion, I fhall ceafe to urge your admitting thefe remarks k

I know of nothing that would more effectually conduce to Hate the different
degrees of healthinefs or unhealthinefs in the different parts of this nation fo
clearly, as a proper bill of mortality ; nor fugged the necelfity, nor perhaps
the means of fecuring the firft, or preventing the latter. The records of the
ieafons, in refped to heat and cold, drynefs and moifture, made by ingenious
men in different parts of the kingdom, compared with fuch annual bills,
would afford many ufeful reflections to the faculty, much benefit to the com-
munity in general.

I have, therefore, thought it not improper to relate what fleps have been
taken in this affair, and by what means they were rendered ineffectual.
Another feafon may be more propitious ; and fhould you, gentlemen, approve
the plan, your opinion, and affiftance, I am perfuaded, would infure fuccefs.

Perhaps it will excite you the more readily to embark in this affair, when
you recoiled, that our country fuffers much in the efteem of foreigners by a
grievous negled in compofing the prefent bills of mortality. If you will
pjeafe to caff an eye upon the article of confumption in the yearly bill, you will
perceive, that in the prefent year, no lefs than 4,379 out °f -3>^39 are faid to'
have died of this difeafe. From whence foreigners conclude, that the climate
is fo much difpofed to produce confumptions, that it may juftly be called un-
healthy ; a charader it by no means deferves.

You know that thefe bills are framed from the reports of common fearchers
appointed to view the dead bodies, in order to prevent the concealment of
violence. Thefe fearchers are, for the mofl part, ignorant poor women, who,
if they fee the body emaciated, immediately enter it in their report as con-
fumption. I need not inform you, how many chronic as well as long-
continued acute difeafes, in which the lungs are no otherwile affeded than as
fuffering with all the other parts, wafle the whole frame, and bring it to the
fame flate as thofe who died tabid ; but thefe ought not to be ranked under
confumptions, but under the feveral heads to which they belong.

It was intended, among other falutarv attempts, to refcue our country from
thefe unjoft: imputations, and to vindicate its charader from the effeds of ig-
norance

i

296 Some Remarks on the Bills of Mortality in London .

norance and inattention. That many die of confumptions is moft certain}
but by no means in the proportion alledged by thefe erroneous accounts.
Perhaps the real number of thofe who die of the genuine phthifis pulmonalis ,
would not amount to a third part of the fum, oppofite to the article of con-
fumptions, I have been prefent where the reports of fome of thefe common
fearchers have been produced, and know, that perfons who have died of mere
old age, have been reported confumptions. Children, waited by glandular dif-
cafes, without the leaft fymptom of a pulmonary affe&ion, have been placed
in the fame catalogue, and others yet ftill mare remote from a genuine gon*
lumption, have been added to the lift,

Thefe remarks, I acknowledge, do not djreftly tend to the cure of any dif-
eafe, your immediate obje<ft j yet, as your obfervations, I find, are in the hands
of many learned men abroad, thefe hints may tend to correft an error relating
to the hiftory of our climate, which has to our eoft been received, if I am not
mifinformed, by many ingenious foreigners, and propagated in their writings
to our difadvantag£,

J am4 &c,

R EMARKS

[ 297 ]

REMARKS

ON THE USE OF

BALSAMS in the Cure of CONSUMPTIONS *

To the Medical Society in Londau*.

Gentlemen,

SO much has already been faid by different Authors on the fubjed of con-
fumptions, and the hiftory, progrefs, and ufual methods of treatment, are
fo well known, that it may feem almoff prefumption to offer any remarks to
you upon this difeafe. And indeed fome apology may be neceffary, when I
acquaint you, that I have no new method of cure to propofe, nothing, I fear,
that will conduce more effedually to the relief of this diftemper, than the re-
medies you are already acquainted with. My view in fubmitting thefe re-
marks to your confideration, and, if not difapproved by you, to the public,
chiefly aims at preventing inconveniences that may arife to confumptive pa-
tients by the ufe of fome medicines vulgarly applied to the cure of pulmonary
difeafes, and which, under certain circumftances, are not only unfuitable, but
frequently injurious.

An idea that all balfams are healing, and that in all ulcers, not excepting
thbfe of the lungs, they are indicated, has fo greatly prevailed, that to doubt
of its propriety, would feem to betray a want of phyfical knowledge. Yet I
cannot but fufped, nay, more than fufped, that this idea has been the means
of precipitating too many of thefe unhappy invalids prematurely to their
grave.

The term balfamic , I own, includes a vaft variety of different fubftances.
A folution of fperma ceti, nay, fometimes oil mixed with water by the means
of a mucilage, is itiled by fome a balfamic, as well as a folution of balfam of

* Medical Obfervatlons and Inquiries, vol. iv. p. 231. Read Odtober 16, 1769,’

Qjq Peru ,

298 On the XJfe of Balfams tn the Cure of Confiimptiojtr.

Peru, Copaivi, olibanum, and other heating refinous bodies : but there is a
vaft difference between thefe. The former, if free from rancidity, are pro-
perly emulfions, and antacrid. The latter are literally balfamics, all of which
are more or lefs pungent and acrimonious. Let us juft take a view of the
principal articles of this kind in the Materia Medica, as they are ranged in the
Pharmacopoeia . They are chiefly the following: Balfamum Copaiva, — Peruvi~
aniim,—tolutanum,—benzoinum,---gummi ammoniacum,— -my rrha,-~- olibanum, —
cpobaljamum, —Jlyrax, — terebinthina. The officinal preparations are, balfa-
mum LocatelU,—Julphuris, — terebinthina, — traumaticum. Some others I may
perhaps have overlooked, but, excepting the guaiacum, maftiche , and balfamum
guaiacinum, I think I have feen, at one time or other, all the reft made ufe of,
and in full dofes, in the cure of confumptive difeafes, where, if it was not
evident, there was at leaft ftrong reafon to fufpedt the lungs were ulcerated.

For the fenfible qualities of thefe fubftances, I fhall appeal to Dr. Lewis’s
Hiftory of the Materia Medica, and to the fubftances themfelves, and from
thence endeavour to point out the effects they are moft likely to produce on
the human body.

Balfamum Copaiva, fays Dr. Lewis, has a bitterifh biting tafte, not very in-
tenfe, but durable in the mouth ; and quotes Fuller as afferting it to be man!-
feftly warm and bitter j and that it purges when taken in a large dofe, viz.
two or three drachms. This medicine, however. Fuller recommends in dry
deep coughs, coughing up of blood and pus.

Balfamum Peruvianum, of a very hot pungent tafte : it is one of the hotteft
of the natural balfams.

' . : 1

Balfamum t olutanum has an agreeable warm fweetilh tafte, very flightly pun-
gent, and not accompanied, like that of moft of the other balfams, with any
naufeous relifn.

Benzoin has very little tafte, impreffing on the palate only a flight fweetnefs r
it imparts by digeftion to water, a flight pungency.

Ammoniacum has a naufeous fweetilh tafte, which is followed by a bitter one..

Myrrha-, a lightly pungent, and very bitter tafte ; naufeous on the palate.

Olibanum ; a bitterifh and fomewhat pungent tafte.

Opobalfamum a bitter, acrid, aftringent tafte.

Styrax ; of a mild tafte, of no great heat or pungency.

terebinthina Chia-, of a warm pungent bitterifh tafte.— -All the turpentines
are hot, ftimulating corroborants or detergents. So far Dr. Lewis.

Balfamum Locatelli is compofed of oil, two parts > turpentine and wax, each
one part : it participates therefore of the qualities of the turpentine increafed
by heat. The red fanders only give it colour, and fome little ImelL

Balfamum Julphuris is. a pungent acrimonious liquor, if made from fulphur

On the TJfe of Balfams in the Cure of Confumptwns. 299

only; but when it is made either with oil of anife-feeds or turpentine* the heat
and acrimony are much increafed.

Balfamum traumaticum is a tincture of benzoin, Jlyrax, baljam of 'Tolu, and
Juotorine aloes in fpirits of wine. From the nature of the ingredients and the
menftruum, it is evidently heating.

An opinion feems to have prevailed amongft mankind univerfally, that thefe
kinds of gummi-rehnous fubftances applied externally, promoted the healing
of wounds and ulcers without exception. They early found, that it was necef-
fary, in order to heal, to defend the parts affeded from the external air ; that
the juices of plants alone, were infufficient to form a plaftic body; that unftu-
ous applications eafily melted ; but that thefe tenacious yet pliant bodies af-
forded the moft lading defence. By degrees they apprehended that each bal-
fam was endued with diftind properties. Hence they began to form nume-
rous compofitions, plafters, balfams, ointments, without end ; which a more
enlightened furgery has at length greatly diminifhed.

Remedies which appeared to affift in healing wounds externally, were foon
apprehended to have fimilar efiFeds internally adminiftered, in difeafes proceed-
ing from, or attended with ulcerations, or in wounds of any internal parts :
and this apprehenfion feems to have introduced thefe and many other fub-
ftances, fuppofed to be poftefied of balfamic qualities, into the train of phthi-
fical remedies, in all degrees and all conditions of the diftemper. That this is
the fad, I doubt not but you are, from your own obfervations, very fully con-
vinced.

It will be neceflary to examine with what propriety thefe ideas have been
adopted. Let us begin with obferving what efiFeds thefe medicines have when
applied externally ; trace them cautioufly in internal application ; and then
endeavour to judge impartially of their real virtues.

Balfamics and vulneraries are nearly allied, in our conceptions of thefe bo-
dies. Subftances that warm and ftimulate the folids, and prevent a tendency
to putrefcency in the juices. A little heat, fome fmall ftypticity, fomething
agglutinant, mull all concur. And thefe are moftly united in the balfams ;
fome containing more, fome lefs, of thefe refpedive properties.

If, in an inflamed ftate of an ulcer, in a young and vigorous conftitution, a
warm ftimulating gummy-refin is applied, pain, heat, inflammation will enfue,
fluxion to the pained part will be great, a very confiderable difeharge will fol-
low, confifting of the juices emitted from the wounded vefiels, and the veflels
themfelves dififolved by heat and putrefcence. If thefe are excefilve, the de-
triment to the Tick will be in proportion to the degree of the difeharge and
the part afFeded. The fame medicines applied to a cold, ferous, phlegmatical
habit, in an advanced age, will be juft fufficient perhaps to produce fuch ef-

Q^q 2 feds

*oo On the Vfe of Balfams in the Cure of Confumptions.

feds as would be deemed perfedly falutary; that is, bring on a proper diges-
tion, the foundation of a perfed cure.

In properly tempering the heat and {Simulating qualities of balfamic applica-
tions, and adjufting them to the age, habit, and qualities of the patient, con-
fifts no fmall part of the fkill neceffary in this part of furgery; as I believe will
be allowed by the rnoft experienced of that faculty.

Suppofing that thefe remedies have Similar effeds when internally exhibited,
what are phyficians to exped from medicines endued with thefe properties in
ulcerations of the lungs ?

If they may be fuppofed to pafs the Stomach, and other offices of digeftion,
unaltered, will they not produce the like effeds ? Certainly they will. They
will ftimulate ; and this, in a great degree, in proportion to their fenfible qua-1
lities : for we know of very few fubftances that dii'cover much adivity on the
organs of fmell and tafte, which do not quicken the pulfe ; and whatever
quickens the pulfe, occafions a quicker tranfit of the blood through the lungs;
and confequently, the motion of this organ is more frequently reiterated.

If the medicine can be fuppofed to have any Specific effed on the diSeafed
part, it muff be to produce the effeds already enumerated. If the fubjed is
young and vigorous, the difcharge of fluids, and dissolution of the Solids, will
be in proportion to the adivity and heat of the medicine, and the tempera-
ment of the Sufferer.

I am not more averfe to Ipeculative difquifitions, which have only for their
..objed the eftabliffiment of an opinion, than you are. But I perfuade myfelf
you will have patience with me in thefe refearches. It requires perhaps much
more abilities than I am mafter of, to eradicate even a trifling error once re-
ceived : but this I think of Some magnitude.

It Seems not improbable, but that an opinion of fome healing qualities resi-
dent in this clafs of medicines, may have been ftrongly impreffed on the minds
of many perfons who pradife phyfic, from the injudicious encomiums given
of many Such kind of drugs and compofitions, by fome of the Difpenfatory
writers. Fuller’s commendation of the balfam of Copaivi in Such a tendency
to inflammation, as muff certainly accompany a dry deep cough, or coughing
up of blood and pus, muff undoubtedly have made Such impreffions, and may
Serve as one inftance, among many others that might be adduced, of the dan-
gerous tendency of indiscriminate praife. I do not produce this inftance of
Fuller’s mentioned by Dr. Lewis, as including this gentleman in the cenfure.
Dr. Lewis produces it only as Fuller’s dodrine, which moft certainly deferves
reprehenfion ; as a medicine fo pungent and heating cannot be fuppofed Safe,
much lefs beneficial, in a difeafe that requires a very different treatment.

From an attentive consideration of the manner in which this clafs of medi-

cines

On the Ufe of Balfams in the Cure of Confumptions . 301

cines has probably been introduced into the cure of pulmonary difeafes, it
feems to me, that an opinion of their virtues and efficacy in healing external
wounds and ulcers, opened a way for their admiffion internally for fimilar pur-
pofes ; but how well or ill this opinion is founded, that medicines capable of
heating, ftimulating, quickening the pulfe, are likely to abate heat, and leften
irritation, upon which the healing of all internal ulcers greatly depends, I
think will appear from the preceding remarks.

And if we take a concife view of the rife and progrefs of the pbthifis pulmo-
nalis , we Ihall perhaps be more confirmed in our fentiments, that all medi-
cines pofiefted of heating ftimulating qualities, are in general improper in the
treatment of it.

This difeafe, for the moft part, takes its rife from fome accidental cold oc-
cafioning a cough. This cough negledted, by its frequency and force con-
firms the inflammatory tendency that firft feized fome particular point of the
lungs. Thefe fymptoms being neither attended with pain, much fever, or lofs
of appetite or ftrength at firft, are ftill farther negledled, till by their vio-
lence, fome portion of the lungs is fo far affefted, as to become unfit for the
ufe of circulation ; the inflamed veftels being either diffolved into pus, or form -
ing with the juices they contain a Jchirrhus , or other immoveable obftruc-
tion.

If this obftruftion is fmall, perhaps it remains without much in create, if
proper care is taken, during the patient’s life. If it is large, and a confide-
rable portion of the lungs is affedted, the difeafe is every moment increafed,
whether it be inflammation tending to fuppuration, or to form a fchirrhous
hardnefs, and thereby rendering a portion of the lungs impervious : for as the
fame quantity of blood muft neceflarily pals through the lungs, now a part is
obftru&ed, as was wont to do in time of health through the whole, it is eafy to
conceive, that the adtion and reaction of the fluids and folids muft be increafed
more than confifts with the fafety of this organ ; and this in proportion to the
extent and fituation of the part affedted.

And hence in part proceed thofe flulhings in the cheeks, that heat in the
palms of the hands, or feet, or both, which are generally perceptible in con-
fumptive perfons, in the early periods of this diftemper ; and which accom-
pany them throughout, only as they feem at length obliterated by more grie-
vous fufferings.

1 omit to take notice of the many other caufes that produce confumptions :
for when once a Angle point of the lungs is obftrudted, or the fmalleft ulcer
formed, the difeafe becomes alike formidable, the age and habit of the pa-
tient, and the degree of inflammation or ulceration being the fame, whatever
may be the caufe..

If then, from the firft beginning of this difeafe to its concluficn, the momen-
tum of the blood in the lungs becomes greater in proportion to the obftruc-

tion,

302 On the Ufe of Balfams in the Cure of Confu.mptions .

tion, and that the effedt of this increafed momentum is an increafe of the ob-
ftrudtion ; and as the medicines above mentioned have a tendency, fome more
ibme lefs, according to their different degrees of adtivity, to increafe this mo-
mentum, ought we not to be extremely diffident in applying them in fuch
cafes, by whatever authority they are recommended ?

Perhaps it will be ailedged, that Balfams, in certain ftages of this difeafe,
efpecially where there is a manifeft ulceration, and great quantities of pus are
formed, muft be of ufe as antifeptics. I will not deny but they may be pof-
feffied of this property, as mod: heating aromatics and bitters feem to be. But
fuppofing the whole of this antifeptic efficacy could be conveyed unimpaired
to the part aftedted, through all the changes they are liable to in the courfe of
digeftion, frill they would be adtive ftimulantsj and, whatever effedt they
might have on the juices, would ftimulate the folids to more frequent and
injurious contradtions.

It is moil probable, however, that much of this heating quality is expended
before it reaches the part aftedted ; whilft it is evident, that mold, if not all
the ftimulating tribe of medicines, whatever effedt they produce on certain
parts, as the cantharides on the urinary paffages; yet exert a part of their adtive
qualities on the nerves near which they pafs, fo as in fome degree to accelerate
the motion of the blood.

Should it be farther ailedged, that reafoning is in vain where many fadts,
much authority, and general ufage, are againft me, I admit the full force of
this allegation and allow that many fadts as ifrong as Fuller’s may perhaps be
produced. But as I well know the difficulty of afcertaining the effedt of any
medicine by juft experiments, I cannot but doubt at leaft of the inferences,
when my own fenfes and difpaffionate reafoning are againft them. I am not
unacquainted with the influence of general prejudice, nor with the difficulties
that oppofe themielves to us, in endeavouring to furmount them. Early pre-
poffeflions, confirmed by general conformity of opinion, in favour of balfams,
cannot foon be changed or eradicated.

All that I hope for from this effay, is, to put young pradtitioners upon their
guard in refpedt to thefe kind of medicines in the treatment of confumptions.
I think I have feen much detriment arifing from them, and very feldom any
benefit.. I believe the pradtice was firft adopted on miftaken principles, and
followed too generally without confideration. And it feems not improbable,
but the ancient pradtice of embalming, which is fuppofed to have been prin-
cipally performed by the means of balfams, may have contributed not a little
towards eftabliffiing a general prepoffeffion in their favour ; and that many
might infer, from their efficacy in preferving dead bodies, they were endued
with properties capable of preventing the corruption or decay of the living.

REMARKS

[ 3°3 ]

REMARKS

ON THE

CURE of CONSUMPTIONS*,

To the Medical Society in London,

Gentlemen,

IN a former paper, I fuggefted fome doubts I had entertained refjpeCting the
ufe of balfamic medicines, ftriCtly fo called", in the cure of confumptions,
and offered fome conjectures in regard to their firft' introduction into internal
ufe, and their application to pulmonary difeafes in particular. Upon the
whole, I am ftill of opinion, that their ufeful efficacy in thefe diforders is much
to be fufpeCted, and that an indifcriminate ufe of medicaments of this clafs,
has rather a tendency to increafe than mitigate the fymptoms attending a ge-
nuine yhthifis fulmonalis .

V^hilft I am endeavouring to excite fufpicions againfl what appear to me the
ladentia in this diftemper, I fhoulcl think myfelf fortunate, could the review of
feveral years experience afford any ufeful hints to thofe whom I wiffi to aid,
and to whom thefe remarks are particularly addreffed, the young practi-
tioners.

When we confider the ftruCture of the lungs, the tendernefs of their fabric,
the multitude of veffels of which they confift, the importance of their ufe, the
many accidents they are unavoidably expofed to, and, in comparifon of many
other parts, their infenfibility to immediate lefion, we ffiall be much more fur-

* Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. iv. p. 289, R^ad June 11, 1770.

prifed

304 Remarks on the Cure of Confumptions .

prifed there are fo few perfons die of confumptions, great as the number may
feemingly appear f, than that fo many perifh by this diftemper.

To enumerate all the caufes that are capable of producing a pbtbifis pulrM-
nalis , is not my intention ; but to point out the neceflity of attending to its
.commencement, in order to prevent its progrefs. The meafles, and other in-
flammatory difeafes of the breaft, to which children, as well as others, are ex-
pofed, often lay the foundation of confumptions : fo likewife will colds, the
luppreflion of fome falutary difcharge, fcrophulous and venereal affedtions, and
many other caufes, all which will operate more certainly and fpeedily in bring-
ing the diftemper to a fatal conclufion, in proportion as a certain tendernefs in
the fabric of the lungs, an hereditary tabes , and other circumftances, concur :
for, to thofe who are acquainted with the animal ceconomy, it is rather a
matter of wonder how the ftrong and robuft efcape affections of the lungs, fur-
rounded as we are with fo many caufes capable of producing thefe affeftions,
than that perfons of a certain make, and particular delicacy of conftitution, are
fo fubjedt to pulmonary difeafes.

We cannot, I think, be too induftrious in propagating the following doc-
trine : That the time at which a phyfician can be of moft ufe in the cure of
confumptions, is at their firft beginning. The flighted: catarrhal defluxion
ought not to be negledted, if it does not go off in a few days.

The beginning of moft confumptions is a cough, more or lefs violent. This
cough is produced either by a thin faltifh defluxion, irritating the membrane
that lines the trachea , fo as to bring on a general fpafm of all the parts, in or-
der to diflodge and difcharge the irritating matter or elfe, by an inflammation
of fomc part of the lungs or bronchia, produced by one or other of the general
caufes of inflammation.

If the catarrhal cough is negledled, or is repeatedly increafed by the caufes
that firft produced it, this will be diffident to bring on an inflammation, which,
if not removed, terminates in the ufual manner of inflammations ; either by re-
folution, in which cafe the lungs receive but little harm j or by fuppuration, in
which the mifchief, however fmall at prefent, does not fail to be productive of
lading and injurious confequences, proportioned to the extent of the injury,
and the condition of the fufferer, in refpeCt to predifponent caufes.

If the inflammation terminates neither by refolution nor fuppuration, it of-
ten leaves a fchirrhous hardnefs, whereby this particular part of the lungs, how-

f In this city the weekly bills are fuppofed to exhibit a tolerably exafi account of thofe who
die of the rcfpettive difeafes mentioned in that lilt. But I am informed, that the article of Con-
fumptions includes generally all thofe who die of any lingering difeafe, and are much ema-
ciated ; by which the lift is vaftly enlarged beyond what it ought to be, to the reproach of our
country j foreigners imagining that this difeafe is much more frequent amongft us, than it is in
reality.

IO

ever

Remarks on the Cure of Confumptions . 305

ever fmall and confined, becomes of little or no ufe in the ceconomy of this
organ j but by occafioning an obftruttion of circulation and refpiration in one
fmgle point, fubjeds the found parts of the lungs to greater labour, as was be-
fore obferved *.

From hence it is at lead evident, that the utmod care fhould be taken at the
commencement of this difeafe. The mod trifling cough, if it continues, may
either advance gradually till it ends in immediate mifehief, or may leave fuch
impreflions as may fubjedt the patient to perpetual returns : a cough therefore
in children, or young perfons, or in perfons of a certain make at any time of
life, ought fpeedily to be cured.

Perhaps it will be needlefs to fugged the means of doing this mod fafely :
but there is one part of management neceflary to be obferved by thofe who are
about children thus affeded, that cannot be too drongly infided on by the
phyfician, and that is, the neceflity of proper diet, proper likewife in refped to
quantity. If ever an extreme attention to regimen is neceffary, it mod cer-
tainly is fo to perfons affeded with coughs, as will perhaps be more fully
mentioned ; but to children it is dill more fo, both as they are greater fuffer-
ers by improper diet, and have lefs command over their own appetite and
inclinations.

For if a large quantity of the bed chyle adds fpeedily td the prefent dock
of blood, as all mud pafs through the lungs, this temporary increafe of quan-
tity will add to their irritation, the quantity itfelf being a ftimulus. But if the
chyle thus increafed has not been properly digeded, either on account of the
quantity or kind of food, the mifehief will be greater. And this pofition will,
I believe, be found uniformly true through every dage of pulmonary difeafes,
and will evince the neceflity of giving very explicit and peremptory orders in
relation to diet, and the duty of thofe who attend the fick in this didemper.

I know. Gentlemen, that you, as well as myfelf, often have occafion to look
back at the fatal negleft, committed both by the fick themfelves, as well as
thofe who ought to have had their future health more at heart. With .what
eafe would many of the mod incurable confumptive cafes have been pre-
vented, or cured, at their fird commencement? A perfon whofe emaciated
figure drikes one with horror, his forehead covered with drops of fweat, his
cheeks painted with a livid crimfon, his eyes funk, all the little fat that raifed
them in their orbits, and every where elfe, being waded j his pulfe quick and
tremulous, his nails bending over the ends of his fingers, and the palms of his
hands as dry as they are painfully hot to the touch ; his breath odenfive, quick,
and laborious ; his cough inceflant, fcarce allowing him time to tell us, that
fo me months ago he got a cold, but he knew not, perhaps, how he got it j he

* See a former paper on this fubjeft,

R 1 negledted

306 Remarks on the Cure of Confumptlons.

neglected it for this very reafon, and negle&ed every means of afliftance; till
the mifchief was become incurable, and fcarcely a hope left of palliation. You
fee multitudes of fuch objedts daily, and fee them with a mixture of anger and
compaflion for their negledl and their fufferings.- Excufe me for trefpafiing in
this manner on your time and your humanity. Though it is- not in your
power to prevent all thefe facrifices to ignorance and inattention ; yet, if the,
faculty combine in prompting their fellow- citizens- to necefPary care, and
prompt them to fuffer no flight beginnings to pafs unregarded, however they
may be adling againft their own intereft, they will have the fatisfa&ion of com
tributing to the prefervation of many a ufeful life; for, perhaps, among thofe
who perifli by confumptions, there are many who, in refpedt to the excellencies
both of body and mind, have given indications of becoming confpicuous or-
naments of humanity.

When a cough begins, if the patient is very young, let the quantity of diet,,
efpecially folids, be leflened ; let the deficiency be made up with warm thin
fuppings ; barley-water, milk and water, thin gruel, the lighteft broths, fuch
things of this kind as the age and condition of the patient admit.

If there be much heat, or any pain in the breaft, bleeding will be indifpen-
fably neceflary. The quantity to be taken away, and how often repeated,
mult be determined by the fymptoms, the patient’s age, habit, pulfe, and other
circumftances.

In refpedt to medicines, the molt demulcent and cooling are indicated'; and
when the fymptoms of inflammation are abated, gentle anodynes will be ufe—
ful. Every thing of a heating, irritating nature,, fuch as the balfamsj Ihould
be avoided; and even the exprefled oils of almonds and' olives are often to be
fufpedted, and u fed with caution, as they are feldom totally free from fome de-
gree of rancidity, than which fcarcely any thing is more irritating and difgufl:-
ful. I have known the common doles of nitre, the faline mixture, and other
cooling falts, increafe a cough by irritation; fo that even thefe lhould be ad-
minillered, when neceflary, rather in fmall dofes, and frequently. The com-
mon emulfion made with good frefli fweet almonds, is a very proper vehicle
for the feveral remedies indicated in this complaint; but if the almonds are
not frelh, or are intermixed with the bitter,, as is too frequently the cafe,, they
are injurious.

Frefh white poppy-feeds, in the proportion of half an ounce to a pint of
Brifiol or pure water, make an excellent emulfion and unexceptionable;’ and
thefe may be raifed in any quantity both at home and in our own colonies.

If the thin copious deftuxion leflens, and the liquid grows thicker, and yet
comes up v/ithout difficulty, the cough will abate, and gradually ceafe entirely.
It muft depend upon the judgment of the prefcriber to know when and to*
what extent anodynes are to be ufed. I believe they are never fafe at the be-
ginning

Remarks on the Cure of Confumptio?is. 307

ginning of a cough, till by proper methods the tendency to inflammation is
iirft abated, except where the cough is altogether of the fpafmodic kind, as in
fome hyfteric cafes, or when it proceeds from acrimony heretofore difcharged
by an iffue, an ulcer, or erofions on the fkin, and imprudently fuppreffed ; or
from gouty affections ; in which cafes anodynes are undoubtedly of ufe : but in
coughs arifing from fuppreffed perfpiration, or an inflammatory diathefis, as in
the mealies and epidemic conftitutions, in fuch cafes, anodynes are feldom to
be allowed, unlefs it be to obtain a truce from temporary violence.

The mifchiefs that have proceeded from Godfrey's cordial, Bateman's drops.
Squire's elixir, and other heating anodynes, in the hands of ignorance, are
fcarcely to be enumerated.

When by a proper cooling regimen, and evacuations, the inflammation ac-
companying the cough is abated, then fmall dofes of anodynes joined with the
medicines above mentioned, to fuch a quantity as to mitigate a fruitlefs, incef-
fant cough, are very beneficial. If this firft period has palled over without any
attention paid to the diforder, the cough becomes more harfli and dry ; flight
lancinating pains are now and then felt, darting, as it were, through the fub-
ftance of the lungs, from fome central point in the cavity of the thorax com-
monly from under one of the breafts, fometimes exaCUy in the middle. A
forenefs is complained of, that is almoft Continually felt : this is augmented
much by the cough, but not to fuch a degree as the pleuritic flitches. It is
not unufual, under thefe circumftances, to fee the thin frothy phlegm, which is
difcharged by coughing, ftreaked with blood ; fometimes a fmall lpoonful or
two, or more, are coughed up at fome certain time of the day. It is not often
that much larger quantities are thrown up in this ftate of the dileafe, unlefs
the patient is very plethoric, or the fabric of the lungs extremely tender, or
the cough is inceffant.

The fame indications point out a ffmilar procefs, in refpeft to cure. To
withdraw as much nourifhment as can be done, without the rifle of fuffering
from inanition ; to fupply the moft cooling nourifhment, and the moft eafily
digefted, in moderate quantities, and the more frequently 3 to bleed in fmall
quantities repeatedly} judging of this neceffity not from the appearance of .the
*blood alone, for this will often continue fizy, till more is taken away than is
compatible with the patient’s fituation in other refpedts. For if we leflen the
'vires vita by inanition too much, a difeafe then takes place, which probably
will increafe our difficulty, that is, debility of the folids, and the confequent
vitiation of the fluids. The pulfe, the heat, the pain, cough, refpiration,
ftrength and age of the patient, ffiould all be taken into confideration. Many
perfons live free from complaints with fizy blood. The condition therefore of
the blood fingly ought not to determine us} we ffiould examine all the evi-
dence*

R r 2

It

308 Remarks on the Cure of Confumptions.

It feems unneceffary to fpecify what I mean by light cooling nouriffiment ;
it may not however be improper to obferve, that wine, or any other fermented
fpirituous liquors, are improper alone, and malt-liquor, however weak, feems
very generally injurious ; flefh-meat, or indeed animal food of any kind, feems
under thefe circumftances improper. Spices of all kinds in any quantity, and
indeed every thing poffeffed of much piquancy. Whey, either from goats or
cows, milk, butter-milk, milk and water, light broths, and all the farinaceous
preparations, are to be recommended, but ftill remembering to advife caution
in refpedt to quantity. For if a larger quantity of the beft-adapted nutriment
is taken in at once than can be well digefted, the chyle, fo far from affording
that bland and balmy fluid to the blood, that mud qualify it for the offices of
nutritiqn, communicates a ffiarpnefs that defeats our expectations. It matters
very little, both in this and many other difeafes, what quality the food is of, if
the quantity likewife does not correfpond to the powers of digeftion. I have
not the leaf: doubt but this is likewife your opinion ; and that you inforce it in
your directions : but that this is the cafe with practitioners in general, may
perhaps not be fo certain.

Under fuch a fituation as is above deferibed, the methods pointed out fel-
dom fail to abate the fever and pain, lower the pulfe, and eafe refpiration the
difeharge then becomes thicker, and the cough, inftead of being violent and
continual, juft comes on when a quantity of well-digefted phlegm folicits its
difeharge, and ftep by ftep ufual health returns.

To fuch convalefcents, one cannot but recommend the utmoft diferetion in
refpect to their conduct. A violent cold, a debauch, long confinement in po-
pulous cities, and other fimilar caufes, will foon bring back the fame fymp—
toms, which, if frequently repeated or neglected, bring on a more formidable
diftemper, from which if the patient recovers, he will have much to attribute;
to the ability of his phyfician.

In the further progrefs of this diftemper, medicines of a different clafs are
found of advantage : the bark, elixir of vitriol, Briftol and other waters, a total
abftinence from animal food, and other methods of treating confumptive dif-
eafes, have their ufes. Should you think thefe remarks not unworthy of your
notice, I ffiall endeavour to collect fuch further remarks as have occurred to
me on this fubjedt, and fubmit them to your confideration.

I am, &c.

FURTHER

I

t 309 ]

further remarks

ON THE

TREATMENT of CONSUMPTIONS, *.

To the Medical Society in London,

Gentlemen,

IN the laft volume of your Obfervations, you were pleafed to admit fome re-
marks on the ufe of refinous medicines, employed in the cure of pulmo-
nary confumptions f, and which feemed, in my opinion, to be rather injurious
than ufeful. I take the liberty to lay before you fome further remarks on the
treatment of this difeafe 3 rather propofing to myfelf the prevention of harm,
than contributing much to the cure of this very dangerous malady.

It was there pretty ftrongly urged, and cannot well be too often repeated,
that if this difeafe has continued till the lungs are affedted to a certain degree,
all hope of a cure is vain 3 a doubtful, and often fhort-lived truce, is all that
art can promife.

In this paper, I mean to fubmit to your confideration, and, if you do not
difapprove them, to that of the Public, fome reflections on the more capital
medicines employed in the cure of this diftemper s — the bark — elixir of
vitriol — repeated bleedings— veficatories 3 not omitting Briftol water, and
change of air and climate 3 exercife 3 with fuch other obfervations relative to
this fubjedt as have occurred to me.

With this view I lhall chiefly attend to the effects I have obferved : and if I
have formed any opinions upon infuflicient ground, I fhall be glad to be fet to

* Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol.v. p. 345. anno 1775.

■J- Thefe Effays, though inferted in different volumes of the Medical Obfervations and Inqui-
lies, are here collected together 3 the date of each Effay is annexed to the refpe&ive paper.

Editor,

rights j

310 Further Remarks on the 'Treatment of Cotifumptions.

rights; as I think there can be fcarcely any thing more injurious to fociety*
than to propagate wrong notions refpeCting the treatment of difeafes ; as they
may chance to lead the lefs experienced to a precipice with his patient., where
one of them may lofe his life and the other his reputation.

Of late years the bark has been given fo generally, and in cafes fo remote
from thofe in which it was firit ufed as a fpecific, I mean intermittents of every
fpecies, that it is not to be wondered at, that it is often confided in, as a der-
nier refort, in the pulmonary heCtic.

The apparently regular paroxyfms of an intermittent, fo confpicuous in cer-
tain ftages of this difeafe — regular cold fits, fucceeded by great heat, followed
by copious fweats— -a cefiation of every violent fymptom enfuing, naturally
draw the attention of the practitioner to a remedy, which, under like appear-
ances, had afforded the moft beneficial relief.

The bark has been pufiied, in this ftage of the diftemper, in too many in-
stances, with as much vigour as is neceffary to conquer the moft genuine au-
tumnal intermittent— till both the patient and prefcriber were weary of the
procefs— the patient loathing the remedy, .and the prefcriber finding it in-
effectual.

But t-his is not the worft : the bark is fo far from curing the heCtic arifing
from diftempered lungs, that, according to the beft of my obfervation, it not
only takes up that time, which might probably have been better employed in
the ufe of other medicines, but, for the moft part, it aggravates the difeafe be-
yond remedy. •>-

I have feen the bark given in almoft every ftate of the phthifis pulmonalis, ,
even in the firft commencement, whilft the breaft was in pain, the cough dry
and harfti, the pulfe quick and hard, and the heat confiderable. What was the
confequence ? frequently an hamoptyfis, and all its worft attendants; ulcered
lungs, purulent fpitting, colliquation, and death.

I have feen it given in moft of the fubfequent ftages, often indeed with lefs
appearance of injury, but at leaft without benefit.

There are two caufes of confumptions, which often produce fuch a fimilarity
of fymptoms to the genuine phthifis , as fometimes to have led me to make ufe
of the bark in apparent tendencies to a genuine pulmonary confumption, with
advantage ; and I think they may not improperly claim fome attention from
practitioners.

One of the caufes is, the fuckling of. children longer than is confident with
the mother’s ability. This cafe occurs not feldom, among the middling and
lower clafs of females of naturally tender and delicate conftitutions. Prompted
by maternal fondnefs, or a with to difcharge a duty they think they owe to
their offspring, and fometimes by narrow circumftances, they give the breaft
to the child till their own ftrengc.h is impaired : in fuch a ftate of weaknefs,

fome

Further Remarks on the Treatment of Confumptions . 3 1 1

fome flight cold brings on a cough ; this is increafed gradually, till it brings
on the appearance, at length the reality, of the genuine pulmonary confump-
tion : here the bark given early, in moderate dofes, and merely as a tonic re-
medy, is often of excellent ufe. Many, I am fatisfied, it has retrieved from
deplorable fituations ■, and under fuch circumflances a prudent trial may fafely
be made.

Another caufe is, any weakening difcharge, either from abfceffes, or from
the greater operations of furgery ; or from a copious and conftant finer albus ,
or fimilar enfeebling evacuations. That the bark is, for the molt part, of ufe
in thefe cafes,, when the lungs are not inflamed, is indubitable ; and if they
are fo affected, and not beyond a certain degree, it is alfo efficacious in pre-
venting the progrefs of this malady.

In phthifical complaints, fucceeding fuch fituations, a prudent trial of the
bark feems neceffary. Small dofes of the decoftion, given either alone, or
joined with the faline mixture, or fuch other additions as the prefcriber may
think proper, may be given: but if the breath becomes more tight and op-
prefied, the cough dry, the pulfe more quick and hard, and efpecially if flight
tranfitory pains or flitches about the thorax are more frequently complained of,
a perfeverance im the ufe of the bark will increafe the difeafe : and if fuch
fhould be the appearances, in the progrefs of confumptions, or arifing from
what caufe foever, if the bark is accompanied with fuch effects, it will be
prudent to defifl from, its ufe.

If, on the other hand, no pain, tightnefs, or oppreffion, is perceived,, and a
manifeft abatement of the fymptoms appears, it will be right to proceed. But
the exhibiting of this medicine requires a difpaffionate obferver; and wffioever
wiffies to make trial of it, ought neither to give it in the early inflammatory
ftate of this diflemper nor continue its ufe in any fubfequent part of its pro-
grefs, if it produces the effects above mentioned.

By its tonic virtues it will often enable nature to conquer many difficulties.
I have feen it of ufe in promoting expeftoration, where ftrength was only
wanting to perform it, toward the end of peripneumonic fevers but that it
flops this difcharge, changes flight wandering pains into fixed ones, and in-
ereafes them with all their confequences, I have been a. witnefs too often, to
admit of the leafl doubt, in a variety of cafes.

It would be trefpaffing too much on your patience, to defcend more mi-
nutely into the ufe and abufe of this medicine, or the mode of exhibiting it;
fuffice it to fay, that for the molt part much harm or great good may be ex-
pected from it, and confequently too clofe an attention cannot well be paid to
its operations by the prefcriber.

THE

312

Further Remarks on the Treatment of Confumptions .

THE elixir of vitriol is often exhibited in confumptive cafes, and may
claim a confideration in this place, and the more fo as it feems to be fre-
quently ufed with not lefs impropriety than the bark.

Perhaps a fingle fad has contributed to raife the credit of this medicine in
phthifical cafes, without much regard to the date of the difeafe, to a very in-
jurious extent. It is faid that a perfon took, by miftake, in a very advanced
date of a confumption, at one dofe, half an ounce of the elixir of vitriol, in-
stead of twenty-five drops, the dofe ordered by a juftly-eminent phyfician (Sir
Edward Hulfe), and that the patient not only furvived the enormous dofe, but
was cured by it.

Medicines, it is well known, that are highly proper in one ftage of a difeafe,
are equally detrimental in another. I have feen the elixir of vitriol, in a com-
petent dofe, given in the inflammatory part of this diftemper, while the pulfe
was quick and hard, the breathing difficult, the cough frequent, with much
heat, and very little expedtoration ; the eff'edt was, an increafe of every fymp-
tom, a fpitting of blood, and all its confequences.

In the latter ftages of this difeafe, when a general tendency to putrefaction
takes place, it cools and checks this tendency j it reftrains the colliquative
fweats, and, if the lungs are not injured paft repair, it is a very ufeful aux-
iliary.

The compofition, however, of this medicine, may, perhaps, be found fome-
what exceptionable for the purpofes intended ; the mineral acid combined with
fpices, may feem to be the lead eligible. It is true, that aromatics are thought
to poflefs an antifeptic virtue; but where the putrefcence proceeds from matter
continually mixed with the blood from broken veffels, every thing irritating
feems to be forbidden. Perhaps the Jpritus vitrioli , in the tindture of rofes, or
in any other proper vehicle, may be the moil fuitable method of exhibiting the
mineral acid in fuch difeafes.

Probably, there are very few medicines which do not undergo a confiderable
change in the ftomach and offices of digeftion ; fo that neither the fuppofed
contradtile tonic powers of the bark, nor the antifeptic acid of the elixir, pene-
trates thofe recedes which are intended by the pre {briber to receive their effi-
cacy. I fufpedl that much good or harm is done by thefe medicines in the
pfefent cafe, by affedting the irritable parts of the ftomach and firft paffages ;
and by this means I apprehend the bark oftener contributes to produce the
fymptoms we have complained of, than by its adtion on the lungs, the feat of
the difeafe. If we increafe for a time the tonic force of the heart, and confe-
quently the greater flow of blood through the lungs, we are mcreafing the
malady for which we prefcriSe it, let the manner of effedting this be what it
may.

The

9

'Further Remarks on the 'Treatment of Confumptions . 3 1 3

The abtion of allum, when a little of it is diffolved in the mouth, may per-.?
haps lead to explain this matter. It foon occafions a kind of thrill through the
whole habit; by which it may perhaps contribute to fupprefs hemorrhages, to
cure obdinate tertians, and produce other falutary e debts, by abting upon the
folids only; and the mineral acid in the elixir may, in like manner, fo affebl
the organs of tade, and the nerves of the fird paffages, as probably to operate
as powerfully in fuppreffing immoderate evacuations, by this means, as by any
other we can conceive.

When, therefore, the veflels aft with fufficient force, and are replete with
juices ; and when thefe ought to be prudently reduced, in order to give all pof-
fible eafe to the lungs, and conciliate a repofe to them, as much as is confident
with their offices ; it feems highly improper to give medicines which, let their
modus operand i be what it may, are known to poffefs a power of invigorating,
and are generally made ufe of in all cafes for that purpofe. And as there are
many fituations in the progrefs of Confumptions, in which medicines produ-
cing fuch effebts, cannot but be injurious; it v/ill be always neceffiary to regard
thefe fituations with all poffible attention.

Of the ufe of Bridol-water in the cure of this didemper, fo much has been
faid and written, and fuch are the diverfity of fentiments concerning its effi-
cacy, that it may feem to border upon raffinefs to hazard an opinion concerning
it. I ffiall fugged, however, the refult of my own obfervations, and fubmit
mod willingly to better information.

I have feen many perfons recover from pulmonary difeafes after drinking the
Bridol-water, whofe cure feemed to be doubtful from any other procefs ; this
circumdance, added to its general reputation in phthifical cafes, has been a
fufficient inducement to me to recommend a trial of this water in the early
dages of phthifical complaints.

And here I would wiffi again to inculcate this remark, that it is before the
approaches to a confirmed phthifis, that patients ought to repair to Bridol ;
otherwife a journey thither will be, not only without benefit, but will probably
be detrimental.

Thofe who can prevail upon their patients to go thither before the difeafe
has affebted the lungs, beyond a poffibility of affidance from this or any other
remedy, have often the fatisfabtion of feeing their patients return in good
health ; whild thofe who delay the ufe of thefe waters to the lad extremity, too
often fall facrifices to their own irrefolution, and leave an impreffion on the
minds of others injurious to the water.

It may be faid, that the journey, a better air, change of fituation, and of ob-
jebts, have contributed to the patient’s recovery: be it fo; thefe circumdances
are all of them conducive to health in every chronic diforder. Perhaps, in
none more fo than in that which is the fubjebt of thefe remarks. But why

S f ihould

314 Further Remarks on the treatment of Confumptions.

ffiould it be fuppofed that the Briftol-water has no ffiare in the recovery?
Suppofing the water to be void of any great efficacy, is it of no confequence
to phthifical patients, to be obliged to be out of their rooms early in a morn-
ing, in the cool, freffi air ? Are repeated draughts of a light tepid water, of
no ufe in waffiing off impurities, allaying heats by mere dilution, and fupply-
ing the wafte of juices exhaufted by copious perfpiration ? Hope itfelf is of
vaft moment in the cure of many difeafes 3 and it is perhaps not inconfiftent
with the duty we owe to our patients to promote it, whilft we ourfelves retain
a hope of their recovery.

But it feems to me that the water drank freffi at the pump, adtually contains
principles conducive to the recovery of patients affedted with phthifical com-
plaints. What thefe principles are, it may be difficult to define. The water
feems to poffefs a flight calcareous flypticity, and perhaps the air it contains
may alfo have an antifeptic quality. In this place it may be enough to fay,
that I think the Briftol-water an efficacious medicine, and that I have often
found it of fignal benefit to confumptive patients.

Were the annals of the Hot Wells confulted, it would appear, that thofe re-
cords are againft me. But whence does this arife ? From two caufesj firft,
from the patients themfelves, who, in thefe diforders, being feldom apprehen-
five of any danger, will not liften to a prefcription which either thwarts their
inclinations, or feems inconvenient.. Secondly, from the phyfician too eafily
complying with thefe hefitations, and not urging the neceffity of fuch a jour-
ney, at a time when it might be advantageous. As the difeafe advances to-
wards its laft ftages, then, perhaps, alarmed by their own fears, or the intrea-
ties of their friends, they confent to undertake a journey, which waftes the
finall remains of ftrength they have, and brings to the Wells additional proofs
of their inability to remove diffempers totally incurable. Hence it is, that the
opinion of the faculty is fo much divided, in refpedt to the ufe of thefe
waters.

Change of air is of much confequence in all chronic difeafes of the lungs,
fometimes even from good to bad. It is not feldom that we fee afthmatic per-
fons breathe more freely in the damped confined parts of this metropolis, than
in the country 3 at lead; I have met with many fuch inftances. In confumptive
cafes, however, the air of all large cities is found by experience to be particu-
larly injurious. Whence this arifes, is in this place unneceffary to explain ;
the fact is indifputable. When the phyfician advifes his patient to a change of
air, to point out the mod; proper change becomes an important objedt.

In the neighbourhood of mod; great towns in England, as well as London*,
there are places which have acquired a reputation amongft the inhabitants for
the peculiar healthinefs of their fit-nation. I will fuppofe thefe fituations are
well chofen 3 that the foil is dry 3 no ftagnant waters in the neighbourhood ;

properly

Further Remarks on the Treatment of Confumptions . 315

properly ventilated, yet not expofed to the keen north-eaft winds ; where it
will be eafy to find flickered walks, rides, and every invitation to be abroad in
fit weather, without hazard from wet and cold. Such, I believe, from the few
places I know of this kind, are thofe feleiled for the retreat of confumptive
patients, in the vicinage of large towns and cities. And here it may not be
improper to take a general view of fuch as are recommended for the like pur-
pofe, in the neighbourhood of London.

The town is furrounded, almoft, by a ridge of eminences, inclofing, befides
the city, a low plain to the weftward, of confiderable extent ; on the north,
Highgate, Hampftead, and Kenfington Gravel-pits ; on the fouth-eaft, Black-
heath, Clapham, and Putney. The fummits of thefe may be called, compara-
tively, high ground, and are very much expofed to the fliarp north-eaft and
eafterly winds.

To diretft our patients to any of thefe places, early in the fpring, whilft thofe
winds are for the moft part as ftationary as the trade-winds, feems to be ex-
pofing them too much to an air that is very unfriendly to fuch complaints.

The vales, efpecially to the fouth-eaft and weft of London, as Camberwell,
Peckham, the lower parts of Clapham, the drier parts of Lambeth and Batter-
fea, Fulham, Chelfea, Brumpton, and Kenfington, and other fheltered dry
places about the town, would in the fpring undoubtedly be the moft proper.

As the more temperate feafon advances, higher fituations may be allowed ;
and it would feem as improper to fend a confumptive patient in fummer to the
low marfhy grounds on the banks of the Thames, amongft the gardeners
grounds at Batterfea, or at Fulham, abounding with the moft putrid exhala-
tions of manure and corrupting vegetables ; as it would be to order them in
winter to the top of Highgate or Hampftead-hill, or the bleaker air of Black-
heath. Iflington, the general refuge of the city, would be lefs exceptionable,
was it not quite open to the keeneft north-eaft winds in the fpring ; and in
fummer to the fmoke of the city, driven upon it by the foutherly winds.

Nor is it a matter perfedtly indifferent whether we fend our patients to the
villages at the eaft or weft end of this metropolis, the fouth or the north. The
town itfelf is covered almoft continually with an atmofphere of fmoke, em-
bodied with other exhalations, fo as to form a cloud more or lefs denfe, which
is vifible at a great diftance.

This vaft body of fmoke is feen to extend for feveral miles beyond the li-
mits of the city and its fuburbs, and is driven by the winds that prevail in the
feveral feafons, according to their direftion. In the fummer feafon, for in-
ftance, whilft the foutherly winds prevail, this denfe body is driven to the north
and north-eaft parts of the environs, and covers the herbage, the trees, and
every thing, both living and dead, with black penetrating foot. In the winter
and fpring, while the northerly winds prevail, the oppofite villages on the
iouth-weft and weft fide of London receive this thick atmofphere ; but with

S f 2 this

3 16 Further Remarks on the ‘Treatment of Confumptions.

this moft remarkable difference, the winter winds paffing through this warmed
atmofphere, lofe no fmall part of their rigorous effeCts ; they are foftened by it,
and are proportionably lefs injurious to animals, and even to plants; for vege-
tation is much earlier in general to the fouth and fouth-weft of London, than
on the oppolite extremities.

I have feen the double-bloffomed almond-tree in bloom at Chelfea, fooner
by twelve days at lead; than any where to the north or eaftward of the town in
fimilar fituations. It feems therefore neceffary to confider the feafon and
lituation, before we fix the abode of confumptive patients : to whom it is not
merely fufficient to advife them to go into the country ; they muff be affifted
alfo to determine upon a proper place, and proper condudt whilft they are
there. They muff have had but little experience, who are not perfectly fatif-
fied, how little ought to be left to the difcretion of the fick, in moft difeafes,
to the confumptive efpecially, in refpeCt to their conduct. I have known di-
vers inftances of perfons who have gone into the country, in confequence of
their phyficians advice in fuch cafes, and have had fo little difcretion, as to
fleep with the windows of their chambers purpofcly left open, for the benefit
of the air, in the moft inclement part of the fpring. The confequence was,
that in a few nights the malady was increafed beyond the power of art to re-
lieve it. A phyfician, therefore, muft defcend to the minuteft particulars in
Ids directions.

If an attention to circumftances like thefe is neceffary, to enable us to de-
termine upon the choice of a proper refidence in our own neighbourhood;
how much greater muft be our difficulty, when we propofe to them a migra-
tion to the continent of Europe !

But before I enter upon this fubjeff, it may not be improper to fuggeft
fome hints, relative to the different parts of our own country.

Briftol will naturally claim our attention, in the firft inftance, when change
of air is recommended, as in the neighbourhood of that place there are two
great advantages, the water, and a good air.

But if, from any particular diflike, or other more fubftantial reafon, this is
not complied with, perhaps a journey would be much more advantageous
than a fixed refidence in any fpot, however healthy. I fhall only add, that a
journey is always preferable to an equal number of miles rode over in one and
the fame tradt of country.

In the fpring, this journey ffiould be to the fouthward; to the weftern coun-
ties, or the fea-coafts : — and in the fummer, to the northward, or to Wales ;—
the cooler parts of Great Britain : — Buxton or Matlock, or where any fimilar
water is to be met with, feems advifeable. To meet the advancing fpring, to
return from the approaching winter, and by thefe means to avoid the feverity
of cold, fo injurious to tender breafts. is the evident rule of conduct in fuch

cafes.

Further Remarks on the 'Treatment of Confumptions. 317

cafes. If it requires fome confideration, a knowledge of places in detail in
this country, nay, even in the environs of London, to determine with pro-
priety on the choice of places for the retreat of invalids ; what muft be our
difficulty, when called upon to fix the route and refidence of a confumptive
patient, who feeks an afylum on the continent !

And here I cannot but lament the want of an inflitution, which, at no great
national expence, might be attended with vaft national advantages. Was a
phyfician, or fome medical perfon, to be placed in the fuite of every Britifh
ambaffador, envoy, or refident, we ffiould foon be informed, and with fome de-
gree of certainty, of the proper places to which we might fend our patients
with the greateft profpeCt of fuccefs. Neither the partial opinion of the pa-
tients who have refided at different places, nor the tranfient vifits of the moft
obferving travellers, nor even the obfervations of ingenious fenfible phyficians
themfelves, without a longer refidence in the place than falls to the lot of
moft of them, can enable us to judge with accuracy of their comparative ad-
vantages.

The fouth of France, Italy, Portugal, (I mention them- in the order they are
ufually propofed to ns) are the places of general refort.

Wherever the winter is fhorteft, the leaft fevere, and the leaft changeable,
every thing elfe being alike, that is the moft advifeable. To which may be
added likewife, the place of the moft eafy accefs. Thus, for inftance, Portu-
gal, by fome, would be ftrongly objected to, on account of the fea- voyage ;
whilft others, perhaps, would chufe ir for the fake of this eafy conveyance.
But if there be juft reafon to give one place in the neighbourhood of London,
and within the compafs of a very few miles, the preference to another, the dif-
ficulty of giving advice in this cafe, with the precifion we could wifh, is too-
apparent ; and it muft remain fo, till further obfervations enable us to form a
better judgment on this fubjed.

Of all the places we are acquainted with, perhaps the ifland of Madeira en-
joys the moft equal temperature ; but the voyage, and other circumftances at-
tending it, afford very formidable objections.

Nice has of late been the general retreat of the Euglifh confumptive patients.
Some places in the neighbourhood of Marfeiiles are alfo well fpoken of. The
neighbourhood of Naples in Italy is alfo much commended ■, and in Portugal,
the vicinage of Lifbon, and Cintra, a pleafant fpot, not far from that capital.
In all thefe places regard fhould be had to fituation ; that it may be dry, near
no ftagnant water, not environed with thick woods; where the water is goed,.
and the air free, but not ftormy and impetuous.

To thofe who objeCl to the continent, a trial of the weftern counties of
England may be properly recommended : fhould it not prove falutary, the
paffage by fea to Lifbon from thence is, for the molt part, both.fafe and fhort.

Even

3 r S Further Remarks on the Treatment of Confamptions.

Even fea-ficknefs is often beneficial to the confumptive, as well as the fea-air.
Impaired digeftion, and, not feldom, a redundancy of bile, attend thefe cafes ;
and perhaps repeated mild emetics, fufficient to cleanfe the firft paffages, would
often be of ufe.

One great misfortune attending thefe migrations, whether from London or
other great cities, into the neighbouring country, or to Briftol and other places
in this kingdom, or to the continent, is, that, for the mod part, they are un-
dertaken too late, both in refpeft to the progrefs of the difeafe, and the
feafon.

Inftead of removing at a time when a change of air and its confequences
might prevent the mod ferious evils, they are in hafte to quit their country,
when perhaps neither this can be beneficial, nor the feafon for a journey a
proper one.

It feems too often to be the fate of confumptive patients, to do that laft,
which they ought to have done firft ; and by this prepofterous conduct, to
fliorten their own lives, and affiidt all who have any regard for them. It hap-
pens not feldom, that when their phyficians and their friends have in vain
urged their departure at the proper feafon, they have refolved to fet out on
the mofl fatiguing journies in the depth of winter ; by which they are expofed
to every kind of inconveniency and hardfhip : if they efcape with life, they
aggravate their difeafe, and too frequently die, in the journey, martyrs to their
own indifcretion.

The benefit of exercife in this diftemper, has been ftrongly urged by many
writers. As it has been treated of fo pertinently by Doctor Dickfon, one of
your colleagues, I fhall fay little more on the fubje<ft. It is however evident,
that this great auxiliary may be abufed, and that confumptive patients may ufe
it improperly.. They ride out when they ought not, and increafe their difeafe
through indifcretion. Moderate journies, in temperate feafons, and as much
as may be on horfeback, are of excellent ufe in confumptive cafes, obferving,
at the fame time, exa£t temperance, both in refpetft to diet and liquors. To
ride out early in the fpring, in very fharp, or in damp, cold, and foggy wea-
ther, and at unfeafonable hours, as, early in the morning, or late at night, is
moil certainly prejudicial.

Repeated bleedings, in fmall quantities, are confidered in thefe cafes as
highly advantageous. They are fo ; and yet it is pofiible to carry this point
too far : a conftitution apparently abounding with blood — the blood when
emitted extremely fizy — much pain in the bread: — and an abatement of every
fymptom enfuing, are juft motives to proceed. In fuch cafes bleeding is un-
doubtedly proper, and to be repeated fo long as the like effeds enfue, and
health is reftored.

But in very delicate conllitutions, and where the pulfe may be quick, with

i fome

Further Remarks on the treatment of Confumptions. 319

fome degree of fulnefs, and the blood laft drawn confiderably fizy, it may not
be of the like advantage.

I do not think the appearance of the blood, though it may feem to be
much inflamed, is alone a fufficient reafon for bleeding. All other evidence
lhould be called in, to aflift us in determining upon it; the patient’s age,
ftrength, habit, ufual evacuations, and ftate of the difeafe. I mean only to fug-
ged; care ; not to diflu ade from the operation : bleeding carried to excefs, even
in fmall quantities, is capable of producing various ill confequences.

It may not be improper in this place, perhaps, to take notice of a circum-
ftance which often happens in confumptive cafes, and which as often claims
the anxious attention of fome of their friends.

It is well known that young delicate females, from the age of fifteen or fix-
teen, and upwards, are often fubjedt to this diftemprr. When it has advanced
confiderably, the menjes , if they have made their appearance, moft generally
ceafe. This alarms their female friends, and they call upon the phyflcian to
life his titmoft endeavours to aflift in this point, believing this ceflfation to be
the caufe of the complaint. Induced by thefe folicitations, medicines have
fometimes been adminiftered, that, without obtaining this end, have tended to
aggravate the diftemper. This deficiency is often of no real difadvantage in
thefe cafes: in many it would be injurious, by leffening the ftrength, which is
already infufficient for the purpofes of life. Even fmall bleedings, at the re-
gular periods, have often done more harm than good. A fudden fuppreflion
may require bleeding ; but when the evacuation fails through want of ftrength
and poverty of blood, it increafes the difeafe.

Drains are alfo deemed to be of great ufe in the cure of diforders of the
breaft. Iffues, fetons,. blifters, both temporary, and, as they are ftyled, for
want of a more juft epithet, perpetual, are ftrenuoufly recommended. I con-
fefs I have but little experience to allege, either for or againft thefe kinds of
applications : whilft I pay great deference, not only to the experience of my
brethren of the faculty, but even to their opinions, they will not wifh me to
give up my own implicitly.

It gives me fome degree of firmnefs in profecuting any meafure, whilft I can
perceive fome relation between the caufe and the effedt. When I difcover that
a phthiflcal patient is defcended from parents who have been fubjedt to cuta-
neous or fcrophulous difeafes, or that they have had the like tliemfelves ; that
fome iflue has been fuddenly flopped; fome eruption has difappeared; and that
the breaft was foon after attacked ; it feems immediately heceflary to fubftitute
an artificial drain, and, perhaps, as near to the part that was the feat of thefe
diforders, as conveniency will permit. I believe it happens not feldom, that,
very dangerous attacks upon the breaft are made by the retroceffion of fuch
impurities ; and that in fuch cafes thefe auxiliaries, ought efpecially to be re-
commended.

320 Further Remarks on the treatment of Confumptiom.

commended. But as confumptive^ complaints exift in many conftitutions, in
which it does not appear that they proceed from, or are increafed by, any fuch
retroceflions ; in fuch cafes to prefcribe iffues or blifters, feems to be inflicfting
a certain pain, or perhaps a grievous inconveniency, to obtain a very uncertain
advantage.

In my former paper I omitted to take notice of one medicine, which’ I have
feen made ufe of too frequently in the treatment of this diftemper ; the oxymel
of fquiils. There is fcarce a circumftance in the whole courfe of this difeafe,
in which one of the moil powerful expeftorants can be of ufe ; our utmoft en-
deavours ought to be exerted, to cool, to abate inflammation, and to remove
every caufe of irritation to the lungs. Under fuch circumftances, to give a
medicine the molt irritating of all others, feems highly improper.

Hitherto no mention has been made of the ufe and abufe of a milk diet in
this diftemper. It may, however, be remarked, that there are conftitutions in
which this moft excellent nutriment feems to difagree; a pronenefs to gene-
rate bile, or too ftrong a tendency to acefcency from weak organs of digeftion,
both require the phyfician’s attention. Whey, either from cows or goats milk,
would probably agree beft with the former ; and lime-water, added to the
milk, would counteract acidity.

There is one ufual addition made to milk, which I think fnould either be
totally profcribed, or the moft exprefs directions given concerning it : I mean
the common addition of rum or brandy to afles or cows milk. Thefe have
done more: mifchief to confumptive patients, than any but phyficians can con-
ceive. Thefe additions are moftly committed to the management of fervants,
who, for the moft part, think every thing of this nature cordial ; an idea they
annex to growing ftrong; and therefore too often give liberal dofes. Ardent
fpirits not only heat, but coagulate milk, added beyond a certain quantity; by
which means the milk difagrees, and the fpirit augments the difeafe.

To enter minutely into the various other circumftances relative to this dif-
eafe, would be encroaching too much on your plan : permit me, however, to
add, that to prevail upon the fubjecfts of it, early to abftain from all animal
food, and all fpirituous and fermented liquors; to fubfift entirely on milk,
fruit, vegetables, and things prepared from them ; to quit the air of populous
towns and large cities ; to fhun all occafions of anxiety, as well as fatiguing
diflipation; to be regular in their hours, rifing early, ufing moderately fuch ex-
ercife as is fuited to their ftrength, and changing the air as far and as often as
their convenience will permit ; is to render them the moft eflential fervices in
our power. Medicines will then more eflicacioufly contribute to abate the fe-
ver, mitigate the cough, and reftore that ftrength and vigour which has been
wafted by difeafe, and their own inattention.

SOME

fmeMJ.

Platelir

SS5

WlNTERANA

Aromatics .

SOME ACCOUNT

OF THE

Cortex Win ter anus, or Magellanicus,

By JOHN FOTHERGILL, M.D. F.R.S.

WITH

A Botanical Description by Dr. SO LANDER, F.R.S*

AND

So ml Experiments by if. MORRIS , M.D, F.R.S. *

To the Medical Society in London.

Gentlemen,

THOUGH the improvement of the art of healing is your immediate ob-
ject, yet I do not perceive, from the plan of your inflitution, that you
propofe altogether to exclude fuch parts ‘of natural hiftory as relate to the
Materia Medicay and which may tend to explain what has hitherto been ob-
fcure, and thereby created confufion. Prefuming therefore that the following
account of an article well known by name, and by this chiefly, may be con-
formable to your intentions, I fubmit it to your confideration without any fur-
ther apology.

When the Dolphin, Captain Wallis, returned from the South Seas in 1768,
the officers brought with them a confiderable quantity of the genuine bark,
called Winter’s Bark. I call it the genuine bark, to diftinguifh it from the

* Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. r. p. 41. Read November 22, 1773.

T t CantJU

3 ti Some Account of the Cortex Winter anus.

Canella Alba , which has long ufurped the name of Winter’s Bark, though it is.
very unlike in its appearance and fenfible qualities, the produce of a different
tree, and which is brought from a very different part of the globe.

Captain Wallis, foon after his return, gave a fmall branch of the tree to his.
friend. Captain Middleton, who was fo obliging as to make me a prefent of it.
Some of the bark I had received before from an officer of the Dolphin.
Thefe circumftances induced me to wifh fome fuch account of this bark
might be laid before the public, as is here propofed to you, that the true Cor-
tex Winteranus of the Magellanic Streights might for the future be clearly dif-
tinguifhed from the Canella Alba , the produce of Jamaica and fome other
Weft-India iflands.

The fpecimen I had received was fo far perfect, that it enabled the late very
eminent draughtfman G. D. Ehret to make an elegant drawing of it, with a
tolerably exaft defcription of its botanical charadters.

But as I wifhed to lay before you the cleared: account I could colledt of this
fubjedt, I prevailed upon Dr. Solander to examine the fpecimen, defcription,
and the drawing I had procured, and to favour me with fuch a hiftory and de-
fcription of it as might enable botanifts to place the tree in its proper rank.
At the fame time I requefted Dr. Morris to lend his affiftance in a chymical
analyfis of this fubftance.

The following is the Botanical Hiftory and Defcription of the Winter ana
Aromatica by Dr. Solander:

The tree which produces the Winter’s Bark was utterly unknown to the Eu-
ropeans till the return of Captain John Winter, who, in the year 1 577, failed
with Sir Francis Drake, as commander of a fhip called the Elizabeth, deftined
for the South Seas ; but immediately after they had got through the Streights
of Magellan, Captain Winter, on the 8th of Odtober 1578, was obliged by
ftrefs of weather to part company, and to go back again into the Streights,
from whence he returned into England in June 1579, and brought with him
feveral pieces of this aromatic bark; which Clufius, in his Exot. p. 75, calls
after him Cortex Winteranus , or Winter’s Bark.

Several authors have mentioned it fince in their botanical works; but all
they have faid has been copied from Clufius, e. g. Dalechamp Hift. p. 1818.
Parkinfon Theatr. p. 1652. Bauhin Pin. 461. JonJlon Dendr. p. 232.

No more was heard of this bark * till the Dutch fleet under Admiral Van

Nort

* In the account'of Amada’s and Barlow’s difcovery of Virginia, 1584, it is faid that they
found there “ Black Cinnamon, of which Mr. Winter brought fome from the Streights of Magel-
lan See Hackluyt Voy. wol. iii. p. 246 ; which is the bark of a very different tree. Prnet, in his
Mat. Med. p. 130, imagined our Winter’s Bark to be the fame with the Canella Cinnamemea ;

firov/0

Some Account of the Cortex Winter anus* 323

Nort returned from the Streights of Magellan, in the year 1600 ; the author
of the account of their voyage calls this tree “ Lauro fimilis arbor licet proce-
■« rior, cortice piperis modo acri et mordenti.” Be Bry. Ind. Occid. tool. ix.
f. 18.

Afterwards all the navigators who palfed through the Streights of Magellan
took notice of the tree, on account of the ufefulnefs of its bark* but none
furnifhed any defcription that could make it botanically known, before Mr.
George Handafyd came from the Streights of Magellan, 1691, and brought
with him fome dried fpecimens, which he gave to Sir Hans Sloane, and are
now preferved in the Britifh Mufeum, Hort. Sicc. 8. fo. 100. 130. 148. 332.
fo. 46. From thefe fpecimens, and the account Mr. Handafyd gave of this
tree. Sir Hans Sloane drew up a hiftory, and gave a figure in the Philofophical
Tranfactions, 1693, N° 204, p.922, t. 1. <c Periclymenum reftum, foliis lau-
cc rinis, cortice acri aromatico.”

Still the fyftematical botanifts could not give it a place in their catalogues,
being unacquainted with its flowers and fruit.

The following defcription and annexed figures, which are taken from the
fpecimens brought by Captain Wallis from the Streights of Magellan, and the
obfervations made by us *, during our (lay in Terra del Fuego, in the
Streights le Maire, I hope will fatisfy the curious, and enable botanifts to refer
it to the proper claffes of their fyftems. It feems as if the trees in the Streights
of Magellan, near the fea-coaft, were ftinted, perhaps from the high winds,
and have fmaller leaves than thofe upon Terra del Fuego, where again the
flowers were not fo much expanded as in the Streights of Magellan. This
laft difference may be occafioned by the feafon, as the flowers on Terra del
Fuego were feen in the month of January, and in the Streights of Magellan in
the month of March.

'The Winter s-Bark tree , Winterana Aromatico, , is one of the largeft foreft-
trees upon Terra del Fuego ; it often rifes to the height of fifty feet. Its out-
ward bark is on the trunk grey, and very little wrinkled, and on the branches
quite fmooth and green.

The branches do not fpread horizontally, but bend upwards, and form an
-elegant head of an oval fhape.

The leaves come out, without order, of an oval elliptic fhape, quite entire,
obtufe, flat, fmooth, fhining, of a thick, leathery fubftance, evergreen, on the

Broiun Hi/t. Jam. p. 275, fo. 3 ; Catejby Carol, mol. ii. p. 50, 150 ; which grows in the Weft-
Indies, between the tropics, and is called by the druggifts Canella Alba. This error has been
followed by mojk of the modern writers, and the two trees propofed under the fame name, viz.
Winterania Canella. Linn. Sp.JPl. 638.

* Jofeph Banks, Efq; and Dr. Solander.

T t-a

upper

324 Some Account of the Cortex- Winter anus*

upper fide of a lively deep green colour, and of a. pale blueHh colour under*
neath, without any nerves, and their veins fcarcely vifible ; they are fomewhat
narrower near the footftalks, and there their margins are bent downwards.

In general, the leaves are from three to four inches long* and between one
and two broad-; they have very fhort footftalks t feldom half an inch long,
which are fmooth, concave on the upper fide, and convex underneath- From
the fears of the old footftalks the branches are often tuberculated. .

The peduncles, or footftalks for. the flowers, come out of the axilla folio*
rum , near the extremity of the branches; they are flat, of a pale colour, twice
or three times fhorter than the leaves.; now and then they fupport only one
flower, but are oftener near the top divided into three fhort branches, each
with one flower.

The brattea are oblong, pointed, concave, entire,, thick, whitilh, and fituated
one at the bafts of each peduncle.

Calix, or flower-cup , it has-aone; but in its place, the flower is furrounded
with a fpathaceous gem, of a thick, leathery fubftance, green, but reddifh on the
fide which has faced the fun : before this gem .burfts, it is of a round form, and
its fize is that of a fmall pea- It burfts commonly fo that one fide is higher
than the other, and the fegments are pointed.

The corolla confifts always of feven petals, which are oval, obtufe, concave,
eredt, white, have fmall veins, and are of an unequal fize, the largeft fcarcely
four lines long ; they very foon fade, and drop off almoft as foon as the gem
burfts.

The filaments are from fifteen to thirty, and are placed on the flat end fide
of the receptacle; they are much Ihorter than the petals, and gradually de-
creafe in length towards the fides.

The anther a are large, oval, longitudinally divided into two, or as if each
was made up of two oblong antheras.

The germina are from three to fix, placed above the receptacle, turbinated,
or of the fhape of an inverted fig, flat on the infide, and fomewhat higher than
the ftamina ; they have no ftyles, but terminate in a ftigma, which is divided
into two or three fmall lobes.

The fruit I have never feen in its perfect ripe ftate, but can conclude from
the unripe ones, which I faw in abundance, that each gerrnen becomes a fepa-
rate feed-vefiel, of a thick, flefhy fubftance, and unilocular ; in each I could:
plainly difcernrthe rudiments of three, four, of five feeds.

EXPLANATION

Some Account of the Cortex Winteranus.

EXPLANATION of the FIGURES,

Obf. All but Fig. 1. are magnified.

The fpathaceous gem, after it is burft open.

The fame.

The fame (a) with the corolla (b) remaining within it.

One of the petals fpread out.

The ftamina (a) and the piftilla (h) after the gem and the corolla
are taken away.

The outfide of an anthera (a) with its filament (b ).

The infide of the fame.

The germina (a) fituated on the center of the receptacle, after the
ftamina have been removed ; the lobated ftigma (b ).

The convex, or outermoft fide of a germen (a) with its ftigma ( b J,
The infide of the fame.

A germen cut open longitudinally, fo as to fhew the rudiments of-
the feeds.

A germen cut through tranfverfely.

To this very accurate hiftory and fyftematical defcription by Dr. Solander, I
take the liberty to fubjoin an extract of a letter from Captain Wallis, relative
to this fubjebt, as it contains fome particulars not unworthy of being preferved
in this account,

t( I met (fays Captain Wallis) with the Winter’s Bark at Port Famine, in the
Streights of Magellan, in lat. 53. 30. fouth, and 70. 00. weft longitude from
London. The country is as mountainous as the Alps, and of courfe the tops
of them ever covered with fnow.

“ The firft trees we met with was on Chriftmas-day, 17 66, which is midfum-
mer in that country. The tree had no bloflom, nor appearance of any at that
time. We continued at this place about a fortnight, to wood and water, dur-i
ing which time the furgeon, with the aftiftance of the ailing people, gathered
a pretty large quantity of the bark.

“ The trees were of various fizes, according to the foil they grew upon, and
their fituation. Thofe near the fea, and in rocky ground, were fcrubby, the
bark flicking clofe to the wood, and had a dirty look ; thofe on plain ground
and fheltered were ftraight and tall, rifing to thirty or forty feet, and as thick

as

Fig. 1.
2.

3*

4-

5-

6.

7-

8.

9-

10.

11.

12.

326 Some Account of the Cortex Winter anus .

as a middle-fized man. The bark fmooth, and fomewhat refembling the
horfe-chefnut. The trees are exceedingly beautiful ; and there were abun-
dance of young ones growing under them, from an inch to ten feet high. I
put a great number of thefe fmall ones into boxes of earth, and fent them by a
ftore-fhip to Falkland’s Iflands, where I heard they were planted, but did not
live, owing I believe to want of care.

“ The leaves of this tree are like thofe of laurel its wood is white, light,
and neither fit for burning or any other ufe. The wood is infipidj the tafte is
only in the bark and leaves.

" At every place we touched at from Port Famine till we had reached the
weftern end of the Streights, a courfe of about one hundred and twenty
leagues, we met with the tree that produced this bark. The weather is much
more fevere in this climate than in England, where, in my opinion, they
would thrive very well. We arrived in March at a part of the Streights called
Upright Bay, where we were detained a month. The trees here were very
fcrubby, but we found them in bloffom, as I fuppofe .they were now alfo at
the eafternmoft part of the Streights, though we had much fnow and hard
frofts. The flowers were dropped from many of the trees, and the buds or
berries were ripening. At that time they were not larger than a pea: I
brought many of them home, and gave them to feveral of my acquaintance,
who fowed them ; but I never heard that any of .them came up.”

Thus far Captain Wallis.

The bark of the Winterania, or Winter’s Cinnamon, brought over by the
Dolphin, in refped to figure, exactly refembles that which was delineated by
Clufius. The pieces are about three or four inches fquare, of different degrees
,of thicknefs, from a quarter to three quarters of an inch. It is of a dark-
brown cinnamon colour, an aromatic fmell if rubbed, and of a pungent, hot,
fpicy tafte., which is lafting on the palate, though imparted flowly. It has the
name of Winter’s Cinnamon, from a faint refemblance in colour and flavour
to that grateful aromatic, though differing from it greatly in every other re-
fpe6t. This bark is only brought to us from the Streights of Magellan, and is
the produce of the tree above defcribedj much celebrated as an antifcorbutic
by the firft difcoverers, but unknown in the practice of phyftc, no quantity,
except as a curiofity, having been brought to Europe till the return of the
Ihips fent out on the expeditions to the South Seas.

The bark which was fubftituted in the room of this, is the Canella Alba of
the fhops, the bark of a very different tree, and brought from a different part
of the world, difagreeing with the former in almoft every particular. It is of
a light afh or grey colour \ in thicknefs it feldom exceeds two-eighths of an

inch.

Some Account of the Cortex Winter anus. 327

inch. The pieces are of different lengths and irregular fhapes, and for the
moft part are taken from trees of fmall fize: its tafte is aromatic, and has more
of the clove than the cinnamon. It yields an effential oil by diftillation, and
is brought to us chiefly from Jamaica, though it is found I believe in fome
other of the Weft-India iflands. There are a few plants of it in the ftoves of
fome curious botanifts in England, particularly in that belonging to John
Blackburne, Efq; at Orford, Lancafhire.

Sir Hans Sloane gives a figure of it in his Hiftory of Jamaica, from which
it evidently appears to be a different genus from the JVinterania Aromatica.

For want of the knowledge of thefe circumftances, and an opportunity of
comparing the genuine Winter’s Bark with the CaneUa Alba , fome of the moft
refpeflable writers on the Materia Medica have fcarcely been able to avoid
eonfufion in treating this fubjeft ; which it is hoped for the future will be
avoided, and the diftin&ion between them fufficiently eftablifhed„

EXPERIMENTS on the CORTEX WINTERANUS, or.

MAGELLANICUS, by Dr. MORRIS.

r. plVE grains of Cortex JVinteranus , in coarfe powder, were infufed in two
ounces of cold water for about an hour; on adding to apart of the
filtered folution gradually ten drops of a faturated folution of green vitriol, the
liquor became of a blueifh black, and a black fediment was precipitated.

2. On repeating the experiment with hot water inftead of cold, five drops
of the folution of vitriol ftruck a purplifh black with th'e infufion ; the fedi-
ment was next morning of a dark olive colour, not unlike the fediment from
an infufion of the Peruvian Bark with Sal Martis.

3. On a comparative trial with the infufion of galls, though the phenomena
were the fame with folution of vitriol, yet on examining the fediment of each
next day, that of the infufion of galls was blacker, lighter, and more copious
than that of the Winter’s Bark.

Two ounces of Winter’s Bark coarfely powdered were infufed in a pound of
clear river-water for thirty-fix hours ; the infufion was filtered, half a pound of
water was added to the refiduum, and infufed with it for the fame fpace of
time ; being then filtered, it was mixed with the former infufion, and evapo-
rated to a dry extract, which weighed two drachms and twenty-four grains.

On treating two ounces of this bark with the fame quantity of proof fpirit,
two drachms and twelve grains of dry extradl were obtained.

On proceeding in the fame manner with redtified fpirit of wine, two drachms
only of extract were produced,

5 A pound

Some Account of the Cortex Winter anus .

A pound of the faid bark in coarfe powder was infufed in a proper quantity
of water for twenty-four hours, and a gallon was carefully drawn off by dif-
dilation. The diftilled water was clear, of a pleafant tafte, and had fomething
of the flavour of cinnamon. There was no efiential oil.

The decoCtion evaporated afforded fix ounces of a foft extract, of a grateful
aromatic tafte.

From thefe experiments, the Cortex Magellanicus appears to be an aftringent
of a particular .kind, and therefore likely to. be of ufe in feveral manufactures.
That water is the proper diffolvent of this bark; though the faline, gummy,
and.refinous parts are fo blended in it, as in faffron and fome other vegetables,
that it parts with them readily in proof and rectified fpirits of wine, though
not in fo great a quantity.

The infufion and decoCtion of this bark were of fo grateful an aromatic
bitter tafte, that it feems likely to be a pleafant vehicle for fome of the nau-
feous drugs. With this view, on fubftituting the powder of this bark for the
• cardamom-feeds in making the infufion of fenna, as directed in the London
Difpenfatory, the naufeous fmell and tafte of that excellent purgative was fo
.effectually covered, as to be fcarcely diftinguifhed by the nic-eft palate. Tinc-
ture of rhubarb alfo, prepared with this bark inftead of cardamoms, feemed far
lefs difagreeable.

It muft not be concealed, that the Canella Alba from Jamaica, which is ge-
nerally fold for the Winter’s Bark in the fhops, was found to have the laft-
mentioned property, but I think not in fo high a degree.

M. MORRIS \

I fhall conclude this account, exprefling a wifh, that this very elegant and not
lefs ufeful tree might fpeedily be made a denizen of Britain. Here it would
moft probably grow luxuriantly, as in a much warmer region than its own : it
would bear our fevereft winters, and be a moft agreeable addition to our ever-
greens ; and, what is ftill of more importance, it would probably furnifh us
with a valuable medicine.

Captain Wallis, though unfuccefsful in his endeavours, has fet an excellent
example ; and if thofe gentlemen who in future may be employed by their
country in thofe parts of the world, take every opportunity of bringing either
ripe feeds or plants to Falkland’s Iflands, or to England if poflible, they
would merit the thanks of the lovers of fuch ornaments, and render an eflen-
tial fervice to the public. I am

Your Friend and Colleague,

J. FOTHERGILL.

OF

I 329 3

O F

A PAINFUL AFFECTION of the FACE *

To the Medical Society in London,

Gentlemen,

WHEN I related to you, at one of our late afiemblies, the purport of the
following narrative, feveral inftances of a fimilar affedtion were then
recoliedted ; cafes, which, though nearly akin in appearance to the tooth-ach,
and that kind of diforder of the jaw which is fometimes called the rheuma-
tifm, fometimes the ague in the head, and which had not given way to thofe
remedies and applications that in fuch complaints are moll commonly fuccefs-
ful in curing them ; you then thought that a more particular account of this
difeafe, and the method of removing it, might not be unacceptable to the pub-
lic : for though it does not every day occur, yet to be able to diflinguifh and
to cure, with fome degree of certainty, a difeafe, that, during the time it lads,
is extremely excruciating, is an addition, however fmall, to the utility of our
profeffion.

In the third volume of the Medical Obfervations, among the remarks on
the efficacy of hemlock in relieving fome anomalous pains, there is one cafe
mentioned of a perfon cured by it of a painful difeafe affecting the facef. It
is a difeafe that has occurred to me feveral times ; it feems to be of a lingular
nature, and, fo far as I know, altogether undefcribed.

This affedtion feems to be peculiar to perfons advancing in years, and to
women more than to men. I never met with it in any one much under forty,
but after this period, no age is exempt from it.

The cafe does not occur very frequently. I can recoiled but about four-
teen inftances in the courfe of my bufinefs,

* Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, fol. v. page 129. anno 1773.

+ See p. 56, & feqq. of this volume.

U u

This

33° Of a painful Affe Elion of the Face.

This laft year I was confulted for two women, one near eighty, the other
about fif ty years of age, both of them in other refpedts healthy.

From imperceptible beginnings, a pain attacks fome part or other of the
face, or the fide of the head : fometimes about the orbit of the eye, fometimes
the ojfa malarum , fometimes the temporal bones, are the parts complained of.
The pain comes fuddenly, and is excruciating; it lafts but a fliort time, per-
haps a quarter or half a minute, and then goes off ; it returns at irregular in-
tervals, fometimes in half an hour, fometimes there are two or three repetitions
in a few minutes.

The kind of pain is defcribed differently by different perfons, as may be rea-
fonably expedted; but one fees enough to excite one’s compaffion, if prefent
during the paroxyfm.

It returns full as often in the day as in the night. Eating will bring it on
fome perfons ; talking, or the leaft motion of the mufcles- of the face, affedts
others ; the gentleft touch of a hand or a handkerchief will fometimes bring on
the pain, whilft a ftrong preffure on the part has no effedt.

It differs from the tooth-ach effentially in many refpedts. . It affedts fome
who, from age, have few or no teeth remaining. It moft commonly feizes
fome part above the fockets of the teeth, yet the teeth are fometimes affedted
with an exquifite fenfibility, upon endeavouring to chew even the fofteft fub-
ftance. The lower jaw is feldom attacked with this difeafe..

It differs likewife from that diforder which has obtained the name of an
ague or rheumatifm in the face, a diforder as painful as it is frequent. This,
though it is often connedted with fome decay in' the teeth and the nerves that
are diftributed to them, yet for the moft part its exacerbations are regular in
refpedt of time, like the fits of an ague ; and at night, as in the rheu-
matifm.

The tooth-ach, arifing from a faulty tooth, does not often indeed afford
much remiffion from pain, till either the inflammation is abated by fome
means, or the nerve is deftroyed, or rendered lefs fenfible.

But when to the ufual caufe of a tooth-ach this rheumatic difpofition is con-
joined, though the pains are never intirely off, yet the night is the time of
their greateft feverity. Befides, the feafon of the tooth-ach and this fpecies of
rheumatifm is generally from the end of adolefcence to the meridian of life, or
later.

The difeafe which is the fubjedt of this eflfay is feldom obferved till between
forty and fifty, and through the later ftages of life. Contrary to what happens
in the preceding complaints, the affedtion I am treating of is moft commonly
feverer in the day than in the night ; fometimes, indeed, it is excited to an
extreme degree of violence by the lighteft touch of the bed-clothes, which can
feareely be avoided in turning, or any other motion in bed.

Some

Of a painful AjfeStion of the Face* 331

Some painful affedions of the head, and which fometimes extend to the face,
likewife occur in pradice, that arife from ancient venereal complaints imper-
fedly cured.

Thefe likewife, as the rheumatifm above mentioned, are always mod fevere
in the night ; they come on infenfibly about bed-time, they increafe till morn-
ing, then abate, fo as to allow a few hours deep, and are little felt in the day.
The pain is defcribed by the patient to be in the bone itfelf, as if bored with
a gimlet, or fome other indrument. From its commencement in the evening
till it abates in the morning, it never is entirely off, nor does it drift from one
part to another of the head and face, as frequently happens in the rheuma-
tifm ; befides, a little enquiry generally affords one fufficient grounds to juitify
the treating of it as a venereal complaint.

One of the firfl cafes I met with was in a widow gentlewoman of about
fixty-five years of age, who in general had enjoyed a good fhare of health, was
in eafy circumdances, and without any apparent caufe of anxiety, or other
latent caufes of difeafe.

In a moment fhe would be feized with the mod acute excruciating pain,
affeding the inner canthus of the eye : it lafted but a few feconds, forced out
the tears, and gradually went off. In a few minutes the fame thing happened,
and in like manner at unequal didances during the day, fo as to occafion a life
of great mifery.

Its appearance was like that of a fevere fpafm : it had been confidered as
fuch, and treated with the mod efficacious antifpadnodics, but to little pur-
pofe i the pain dill continued returning in the fame manner. Opium in con-
fiderable dofes was the only medicine that procured relief ; but the codivenefs
it occafioned, with the third and head-ach, almod made her of opinion, that
the remedy was not lefs difficult to bear than the difeafe. At length, how-
ever, it feemed to decline by the ufe of extrad of hemlock, together with her
drength ; general ill health enfued, and fhe continued a fufferer by it to her
death.

As I was often prefent when thefe exacerbations happened, it was not diffi-
cult to recoiled the difeafe when I met with it in other fubjeds; feveral of
whom I have feen, and always with concern, as the methods I had purfued for
the mod part obtained but a temporary relief, till I made ufe of the extrad of
hemlock in the cafe above mentioned. Since that time I have had recourfe to
it whenever the difeafe occurred, and for the mod part with fuccefs.

One of the lad cafes I met with, was the mod obdinate I had feen. A gen-
tlewoman near fifty, of a full habit, rather drong make, accudomed to plenty,
and ufing much and various exercife, had been feized with a violent pain af-
feding one fide of her head and face, from the upper edge of the temporal
gnufcle down its whole extent, and reaching to the teeth on that fide. Before

U u .2 I had

332 Of a painful AffeBion of the Face .

I had been in the room two minutes, I fufpecded, from the violent contortions
of the face and the whole body, that her complaint was of the kind I have
been deferibing. . Not that thefe contortions are fpafmodic or involuntary, but
fuch as fevere pain often occafions, when we endeavour to abate the fenfe of
pain in one part by a general exertion of force upon fome other, or over the
whole body. Speaking, or chewing, or even dightly touching the fkin or the
fide affected with the fofted handkerchief, would immediately excite the pain,
which, after continuing perhaps a quarter or half a minute, gradually went off,,
till it was again awakened by fome frefli motion. She had been under the care
of feveral perfons of eminence in the profeffon, who had fcarcely left any ra-
tional methods of relieving her unatternpted. She had no fever,, no other in-
clifpofition that pointed out means of relief.

The extract of hemlock was ordered, the quantity gradually increafed to a
full dofe ; and this was continued almod a month before any confiderable
amendment was obferved. So much relief, however, was obtained as to enanK
rage us to proceed. Sometimes, indeed, it returned for a few days with as
much violence a& ever. Still we perfided. It was almofl a year that fhe per-
fevered in this method; and, to her entire fatisfablion, near another year has
elapfed without perceiving any intimation of it. She took no other medicine
during the ufe of the extradc, except fometimes a gentle laxative when occa-
fion required ; nor was her diet altered, only fome cautions given to ufe the
lighted and lead favoury kinds, with fame redriflions in regard to quantity.

In cafes of fingular difficulty and obduracy, it is natural for us to be inquifi-
tive into their caufes and their nature.; unfuccefsful experiments fometimes
lead the way to indnndion ; and we ought never to ceafe invedigating the mod
abdrufe recedes of nature, nor at the fame time forget the narrow limits of our
capacity, and the danger of preemption. What therefore I have to offer upon
the nature of this difeafe, is rather fubmitted to your confideration as matter of
further enquiry, than as opinions diffidently edablifhed.

On reviewing the cafes I have feen of this diforder, I recollebled that the
fubjefls were modly women; that they were for the mod part, if not all, pad the
time of mendruation ; that they were generally of a firm and fbmewhat ro-
bud habit, with black hair, and not fubjebl to any particular difeafes*.
Mod of them had borne children ; and nothing remarkable had occurred
about the ceffation of the menjes ; in general, rather of a codive habit, and in
the middling fituations of life.

In two of thefe cafes, a fmall hard tumour in the bread had occafioned fome
fufpicion of a fchirrhus ; but had never proceeded to give trouble.

Thefe appearances, however, excited my attention, and induced me to fuf-
peCt that the caufe of thefe extreme pains in the face might poffibly be of a

cancerous

Of a 'painful Af'ecUon of the Ftice.

333

, t , . , • . . •> c ' . . v

cancerous nature; the method of cure and other circumftanCes feem to corro-
borate the fufpicion.

The fex, the time of life, two cafes where a tendency to this was obvious, as
well as the kind of pain, which was fudden, frequent, and fevere, and as fud-
denly remitting, were to me further confirmations.

In tracing the hiftory of perfons afflicted with cancers not apparently pro-
ceeding from external caufes, we fhajl find for the. moft part they have been
afflidted with erratic pains in the limbs, often about the loins, foroe,times in the
thighs, and other mufcular parts. Thefe have commonly been confidered by
the patients as merely rheumatic ; but if we enquire more particularly, we fihall
find they are very different. They are not always worfe in the night than the
day. They are not a dull, heavy, aching pain, and continual ; but fharp, lan-
cinating, and remittent. They are not much affietded by the weather, nor by
any obvious caufes; and they frequently difappear for fome time; at lead,
there is a confiderable abatement in their violence.

Thefe pains do not always ceafe when the cancer becomes obvious ; they
are fometimes fevere when the difeafe is making great progrefs externally; and
experienced furgeons well know how little benefit the unhappy patients have to
expedt from removing the bread or other difeafed part, if they have been
long fubjeeded to fuch complaints.

It feems not improbable, but that a, fharp, corrofive, cancerous acrimony may
lone- be pervading, like eledtrical matter, certain feries of vefiels, and, when
colledted in a certain quantity, may create thefe pains; yet without feizing
upon any part with fuch violence as to dedroy its fundions. But if a part that
favours its operations is once injured, thofe we call glandular efpecially, as the
breads, and the fubcutaneous glands in the face, and other parts; if thefe
become incapable of refiding or fubduing the cancerous matter that may be
thrown upon them, the mifehief then becomes evident, and advances in propor-
tion to the combination of thofe caufes which favour its progrefs. An original -
difpofition to form fuch acrimony, bad health, anxiety, external injury, and
extreme fenfibility of pain and danger, feem to conditute a part of thefe

caufes. , L

There are few phyficians, I believe, who may not; on reviewing1 many cafes

which have occurred to them of anomalous pains in different parts of the body,
fo as fometimes to counterfeit gouty, bilious, and other internal affedlions of
the domach and bowels, perceive fome analogy between them and the com-
plaints here pointed out.

Perhaps a cancerous acrimony may have been the bafis of fome of thefe dub-
born evils, and probably a good deal of mifehief might have been prevented
by treating them early as if they were known to be of a cancerous complexion,
by opening a drain, by repeated final! bleedings, by gentle cooling laxatives,
r til*

234 Of a painful Ajfettion of the Face,

the hemlock, a light diet, and the other ufual auxiliaries in fuch complaints. It
is with a view to promote fome attention to this objeft, that I have troubled
you with thefe reflections.

P. S. Since the preceding account was prefented to the Society, I have met
with two more cafes of this painful affeCHon ; and found upon enquiry, that in
both thefe there had been hard, permanent, and painful tumours in the breaft *
that thefe tumours became lefs painful when the face was attacked ; and that
both the one and the other had yielded to the efficacy of this medicine, the
pain and the tumour both abating.

A N

yc. 32>o.

Mimosa ,/ aponica .

- • ■ V

A N

A C C O U N T of the TREE

PRODUCING THE

TERRA JAPONIC

Communicated by Dr. FOTHERGILL -

To the Medical Society in London*

Gentlemen,

YOU will excufe me, I hope, for introducing to your notice, an exa<ft de~
fcription of the tree that produces the Extraft called Terra Japonica .
Hitherto it has rather been guefled at than known, from whence this fub-
ftance derives its origin ; the bell of our writers on the Materia Medica have
given us very little of certainty concerning it.

The figure here exhibited is copied from a drawing taken on the fpot, com-
pared with a good fpecimen tranfmitted with it, of the leaves, flowers, pods, •>
and feeds. The feveral parts of the flower have been examined by the micro-
fcope, and delineated with great accuracy; and every doubt concerning the ori-
gin of this fubftance will hereby be removed. It will give you fome fatisfac-
sion to know, that fome of the feeds have vegetated ; and that perhaps we may
be able to propagate the plant, fo far as to fend it to our Weft India iflands,
where it will probably flourifh, and yield us, by the labour of our o wn people*
an Extradft in greater perfection than can be expected from a procefs attended
with fo little care in the Eaft Indies. If I have trefpafied too much on your
plan, by introducing fo many articles of Natural Hiftory, I muft entreat your
indulgence for the prefent ; it feems to be doing fome benefit to fcience, to re-

* Medical ObfervatLons and Inquiries, vol. r. p. 148, anno 1 773;

move

336 An Account of the Three producing the Terra Japonic a,

move ambiguity, and prevent all poflible miftake. Your works. Gentlemen,
pafs into the hands of many ingenious medical perfons who traverfe the molt
diftant parts, of the globe. Inftances. like-thefe, prompt them to obferve ; and
it is from the labour of fuch, that this part of fcience, a perfect knowledge of
the Materia Medicay has hitherto, and muft hill derive its greateft improve-
ments.

This account was drawn up by an attentive, able naturalift, afiiilant-
fur geo rr to the civil hofpital at Bengal, and tranfmitted by the learned and
worthy Lieutenant-colonel Ironfide to

J. FOTHERGILL.

f r\ 7 ~ - r\ G ' T f rr fj r: »- '<

. A “ * > / y 1 . * ; 1

Extract of a Letter from Mr. James Kerr , to Lieutenant Colonel Ironfide .

Dear Sii*j

J Have endeavoured to fet in a clear light a part of natural hiftory concern-
ing which the learned have wrote many inconfiftencies. I wifh it had been
done by an abler hand ; for a perfon of my obfcurity will hardly be trailed,
when contradifling fo many great men. The defcription was taken from the
living plant, and I carefully attended the procefs of the manufacturer, and re-
peated it myfelf ; fo that however defective the defcriptive part may be, it will
certainly have the merit of being ftrictly true. I am.

Dear Sir,

Your moft obedient fervant,

(Signed) JAMES KERR.

A Defcription of the Plant from which the Terra Japonic a is extracted.

*JpHIS plant is called Coira or Caira by the natives of Bahar Province.

It appears to be the fame as mentioned by Cleyerus, Dale’s Pharmacolo-
gia, p. 271. and by Herbert De Jagur (fee Hill’s Materia Medica, p. 785.)
from which he fays the natives of Pegu prepare this Extract ; they name the
tree Kheir or Khadira.

It is a fpecies of the Mimofa of Linnaeus.

The root is branching and permanent.

The ftem is generally from three to five feet high, and will grow to about
one foot diameter, covered with a thick, fcabrous, dehifcent, brown bark, and
branching into a denfe, fpreading top, feldom above twelve feet high; the

wood

An Account of the Three producing the Terra ‘Japonic a. 337

wood is extremely hard and heavy, the interior part varies from a pale brown
to a dark red, approaching to black in different plants, but always covered with
one or two inches thick of white wood.

The leaves arife from the young branches alternately, at one or two inches
diftance, from four to ten inches long, and doubly winged; the partial wings
are nearly two inches long, and from fifteen to thirty pairs, having fmall um-
bilicated glands on the fuperior part, placed between the infertions of the
wings, and one larger placed below the firff pair ; each wing has about forty
pair of linear lobes three-tenths of an inch long.

At the bafe of each leaf there are two recurved prickles ; in young plants
they are ftrong, in the old plants they are often flexile, and fcarce vifible. Na-
ture thus partially guards the young of feveral Mimofas and other prickly
plants : it is a miftaken opinion that animals will not eat the leaves of the
Mimofa.

From the axilla of the leaf arifes one, fometimes two, denfe fpikes, four or
five inches long ; the flowers are fmall, white, feflile, with a fmall deciduous
fquama under each flower.

The empalement is of one tubulous pubefeent leaf, divided at top into five
acute patent parts.

The petal is of the fame fornp as the calyx, but double its length, and
whiter.

There are a great number of capillary filaments double the length of the
petal, adhering together at the bafe of the germen : the antherae are fmall and
almoft globular.

The germen is oval, with a fhort pedicle, and a filiform flile as long as the
filaments, with a very fmall terminating fligma.

The legumen is about two inches long, lanceolated, brown, fmooth, (not
jointed) and compreffed with an undulated thin margin.

The pod contains fix or eight orbiculated, hard, compreffed, diflant feeds,
producing a naufeous odour when chewed.

It is one of the mofl common trees to be met with on the uncultivated
mountains of Rotas * and Pallamow, and frequent in many other parts of this
country, in various foils.

The leaves and flowers appear in June ; in the day the leaves are expanded,
in the night they collapfe ; and after the procefs of fructification is finifhed,
they fall off, and the aculei decay. The pods remain until April following •,
when a branch is lopped off, the leaves inftantly collapfe.

From the interior coloured wood is produced the Extract erroneoufly called
Terra Japonica.

* Diftrifts of Hindoftan, in the province of Bahar, wcltward of Bengal.

X x Preparation

33®

An Account of the Tree producing the Terra Japonica,

Preparation of the Extraff*

After felling the trees, the manufacturer carefully cuts off all the exterior
white part of the wood. The interior coloured wood is cut into chips, with
which he fills a narrow-mouthed unglazed earthen pot, pouring water upon
them until he fees it among the upper chips ; when this is half evaporated by
boiling, the decoCtion, without ftraining, is poured into a flat earthen pot, and
boiled to one-third part ; this is fet in a cool place for one day, and afterwards
evaporated by the heat of the fun, ftirring it feveral times in the day ; when it
is reduced to a confiderable thicknefs, it is fpread upon a mat or cloth which
has previoufly been covered with the afhes of cow-dung ; this mafs is divided
into fquare or quadrangular pieces by a firing, and completely dried by turn-
ing them frequently in the fun, until they are fit for fale.

This ExtraCt is called Cutt by the natives, by the Englifh Catch, by authors
f" err a Japonica, Catechu, Cadtchu, Cafhow Cachou , Caitchu, Caftjoe, Cachore, Kaath ,
Cate , &c. In making the ExtraCt the pale brown wood is preferred, as it pro-
duces the fine whitifh ExtraCt: the darker the wood is, the blacker the Ex-
tract, and of lefs value. They are very careful in drying their pots upon the
fire before they are ufed j but very negligent in cutting their chips upon the
ground, and not ftraining the decoCtion ; by which, and the dirty afhes they
ufe, there rauft be a confiderable quantity of earth in the ExtraCt, befides what
avarice may prompt them to put into it. This the learned have proved from
their laborious chemical decompofitions. The ExtraCt, thus prepared, is
bought from the manufacturer for twelve or fifteen fhillings the eighty pounds
weight. I could never learn that the Terra Japonica was produced from the
Areca or Betle-nut ; nor is it indeed credible that it fhould, notwithftanding that
this is the general and received opinion ; for the Betle-nut is fcarce ever fo low in
price as the 'Terra Japonica, and was it to be extracted from thence, the price
would be twenty times dearer than the prefent fales. Where the Areca-nut is
in great plenty, they may perhaps join fome of the fruit in making the ExtraCt,
to anfwer a double purpofe, for the mofl frequent ufe of both is in chewing
them together, as Europeans do tobacco j to thefe two fubflances they add a
little fhell lime, and a leaf called Pauw.

Here I am obliged to have recourfe to the natives, whom from experience I
have found to he very fallacious, therefore I will not anfwer for their vera-
city.

The ExtraCt is much ufed in dying and painting chintz, and other cloths j
combined with vitriolic falts, a black colour is produced ; mixed with oil, they
paint the beams and walls of houfes to preferve them, and to defend them from
the destructive white ants j it is fometimes mixed with their wall plaifier.

The

An Account of the Tree producing the Terra Japonic a* 339

The black phyficians of this country divide the difeafes of mankind, as well
as their medicines, into hot and cold; to the cold difeafe they oppofe a hot me-
dicine, and to the hot difeafe a cooling medicine, among which laft this Extract
is fuppofed very powerful. When too profufely ufed it is faid to be a deftroye?
of venereal pleafures.

It is given at the rate of two ounces per day to tame vicious horfes.

The Furnace ufed in making the Extract.

Dig a hole in the earth five or fix feet long, two feet deep, and two feet
wide ; cover this with an arch of clay, leaving one end open to receive fuel,
and take out the allies ; in the arch three or four circular openings are made,
adapted to the bottoms of the pots : the fame ftruCture may be raifed above
ground, made of clay. This furnace is very valuable for its fimplicity, eafy
conllruCtion, and fmall expence of fuel.

The ExtraCt is a principal ingredient in one of their ointments of great re-
pute, compofed of blue vitriol four drachms, Japan earth four ounces, alum nine
drachms, white refin four ounces ; thefe are reduced to a fine powder, and mixed
with the hand, adding olive oil ten ounces, and water fufficient to bring the
mafs to the proper confiftence of an ointment. This ointment is ufed in every
fore, from a frefh wound to a venereal ulcer. A gentleman * of great practice
told me, he ufed this ointment'with fuccefs beyond expectation ; and he re-
marks, that, whether it is owing to the laxity of the folids in this hot climate,
or to fome other caufe, he is clearly of opinion, that our greafy ointments have
not the defired effeCt. Certain it is they avoid that empyreuma which our oint-
ments often receive in boiling, which cannot be a promifing application to a
tender fore. As to the virtues of this Extract in European practice, I muft be
filent, as they are already better defcribed than I can pretend to do.

(Signed) JAMES KERR .

* Mr, Robert Hunter, Surgeon of the Patna Factory,

OF

, V' ' ; . ' a . .

„ - . -

'■ : 01 ' ' ,

_ . . , 1 ... i .

? 1 J >h ■';!./ «r.o:i(r: ,/• • i:.-; . \ - - aJKJVh :•>»' -ult ov . -:i ••

•.P l;t : r-: I irl -:i iani; *({*i*ij'>ra : ji n )j VT ■ ,!oh'..-.v.:q n'.v ;■ ' ' i

• . :t>T ii . r> . ; io

. : ; . srr:-t oi .; ’• :.q ■ - .v ; ? o-./i '1: :;h :^v’p ‘ n

f~ . '. . . 3 a. .. . . . . ..

J . . > . . .

oWt

V 9 , .:C

a ' ;j{ js x :i

l -

■

.. 3 b OV/3 xn<X Si’ .O '. . "> r.v,v;

ora)- ! I * .;iv, .b t: v 3 ;v/

:., ; • ? n?c:i *iO y.* . -r . s .1 ?ffo •.•,!•. .

: " n •'.'••jf; .y a ;. . . ‘ x:

... I • i . jpr. »b

' !,.! ... : ' ‘ • ;•

'• '!■■> t ; . ; ; J. '• ! _• • • b x 3:... -.'a. :i

o; . • . m - . j. . . \ r I. .-jlv t jIcP) J;v ••qx.Oj "
' x1 ' . -• x,:' - .■•;• • ' j r ■: -i'nhir t>iv

y|t.. •' ■ ' i . .... . .II./.! .... . 1 vi-3.il . n.l>' , ; <.,| /’i:."

.... :3;..a : ; 3 y. ii ' ;.aoD- ‘yiij

■ , • 3 ’ :;i v . . >j ]ir 'jv if iflx" k rn: ii ,t i i

.• ir.' ..' 2 . :r: . :.j Liiv vc\ ■

- 03 ; . - -.1 i' t.:.. ;;

• 3 - . (( . > ...■?: a : - - 'i i die

■ .' .'i -;' ' h 'v " ■ ■;

. ) . .

> 1 « . . - ‘ . * ' * • * ~r

• : :. ..J J

. fj '

: ; u ‘f ;.

j.

f 341 1

OF THE

MANAGEMENT

PROPER AT THE

CESSATION of the MENSES*-

To the Medical Society in London.-

Gentlemeny

rnHERE is a period in the life of Females to- which, for the moft par ty,
X they are taught to look with fome degree of anxiety ; as a period on-
which depends their enjoying a good or bad ftate of health during the refidue
of their lives.

The various and abfurd opinions relative to the cealing of the menftrual dis-
charge, and its confequences, propagated through fucceflive ages, have tended
to embitter the hours of many a fenfible woman. Nor have thefe miftaken no-
tions been confined to them only they have occupied the minds of fuch who
ought to have been better informed : fome practitioners, in other refpeCts able
and judicious,, if they have not favoured thefe erroneous and terrifying no-
tions, feem not to have endeavoured to correCt them, with the diligence and
humanity which an objeCt like this requires.

The defign of this effay is to contribute my mite towards fo neceffary a pur—
pofe ; to affift in removing thefe groundlefs apprehenfions, and to fubftitute a
reafonable confidence, that, with very little aid. Nature is fufficient to provide
for her own fecurity on this occafion..

You mud; forget for a moment that I am fubmitting thefe remarks to the
judgment of a Society, every member of which, perhaps, is as capable of this
work, and fome much better than myfelf. I am writing to many fenfible young
men in the profeffion of phyfic, who, though they may have applied themfelveS'

v* Medical Obfervations and. Inquiries, vol. v. p. 160. anno 17 74*

to?

342 Of the Management proper at the Cejfation of the Menfes.

to the general ftudy and practice of our profefiion with diligence and fuccefs,
may not yet, perhaps, know where to look for fuch information on this fub-
je<5t as may be fufficient to fatisfy themfelves and their patients, what manage-
ment is proper when the Menfes are about to ceafe.

To propofe a regimen that fliall fuit all the different cafes that may occur,
would require a volume. To give fome general direction is all I intend, with-
out entering into a minute defcription of the commencement, progrefs, and
termination of the Menfes. I muft fuppofe every thing of this kind is already
known, and that the fingle queftion is, What condudt, what management is
neceffary to be obferved, when the Menfes are about to ceafe, by the patient
who confults her phyfician on the occafion ? We are now fenfible that the
menftrual difcharge is not, what it was too long and too generally believed to
be by many of the fex, an evacuation of peccant matter and morbid humour,
fometimes acrimonious and malignant, whofe retention, from its noxious qua-
lities, never fails to be extremely injurious to the conftitution. What opinion
the ancients entertained concerning it, I need not repeat to you : that its ma-
lignancy was fuch as to affedt even inanimate bodies. But thefe fables are
wholly difbelieved, except by fome of thofe who ought to be undeceived in a
matter that fo much concerns them.

•It is now well known, and the fex cannot be too generally apprized of it,
that the menftrual difcharge poffeffes no fuch injurious or malignant proper-
ties ; that it is folely a redundancy of that pure vital blood, which animates the
whole frame of a healthy perfon ; and that its retention is by no means at-
tended, in general, with effe&s that are not as eafily removed as any diforder to
which they are fubjedt,

. That fome acrimonious morbid humours may be difcharged together with
the Menfes, when any fuch exift, is not improbable. So it happens likewife
to men fubjedt to the piles, or other preternatural excretions.

Women who have unhappily imbibed that prejudice, are naturally alarmed ’
at the confequences they apprehend mull enfue from fuch a change in their
conftitution ; and the more ftrongly they are prepoffeffed with a belief, that by
this channel has been regularly difcharged whatever had a tendency to produce
difeafes, the more they are terrified with apprehenfions of fome of the worft
complaints : and, indeed, it is not feldom that, by fuch anxiety, they bring on
diforders that are not eafily removed, attributing them to the caufe we are
fpeaking of, whilft they principally originate from anxiety.

For the moft part, the menftrual difcharge, as has been mentioned, proceeds
from a redundancy of good and healthy blood : this redundancy is formed for
the moft neceffary purpofes ; continues whilft this necefftty fubfifts ; and ceafes
when, according to the conftitution of the female frame, it is no longer re-
quired.

The

Of the Management proper at the Cejfatkn of the Menfes . 343

The powers communicated to the human fyftem, generally expreffed by the
term Nature, are fuch as fpontaneoufly bring about this ceffation. The pro-
vifion for the Menfes ceafes, an extra quantity of blood is not generated, and
the vefTels provided for its regular difcharge by degrees collapfe ; and in ge-
neral all this -proceeds without any the leaft interruption to the health of the
fubjed in which this alteration happens. Here it might not be improper to
mention at what time this alteration firft begins, and the general period of its
ceffation. Thefe circumftance3, however, may be found elfewhere fo amply
treated of, as to render it as unneceffary as it is foreign to my prefent de-
fign.

There are great numbers of women in whom the menftrual difcharge ceafes,
without their perceiving any alteration in their ufual health. There are fome
who, from being invalids during a part of the feafon which is appropriated to
menftruation, find themfelves by degrees recovering health and vigour, to
which they have been ftrangers during that period, when this difcharge leaves
them entirely. Very tender, delicate, relaxed habits, fubjed to copious dis-
charges, are often much benefited by the ceffation. All, however, are not fo
fortunate. Some alterations frequently fupervene, that render affiftance necef-
farv.

Amongft thefe alterations, the moft frequent are fuch as arife from a redun-
dancy of blood and immoderate difcharges from various caufes.

About the time when this change is to happen, or not long after, many
perfons find the diforders to which they have heretofore been fubjed, more fre-
quent and more troublefome. Some are afflided with the well-known fymp-
toms of plethora, heat, flufhings, reftleft nights, troublefome dreams, and un-
equal fpirits ; others are attacked with inflammations of the bowels, or other
internal parts, fpafmodic affedions of various parts, ftiffnefs in the limbs, fwel-
led ancles, with pain and inflammation, the piles, and other effeds of plenitude.
In thefe cafes it feems as if the organs, which were inflituted with a defign of
providing the natural furplus, continued to produce this effe<5t, whilfl the fize
of the vefTels dellined to difcharge it, was diminifhed, or they were collapfed
entirely.

This cafe is oppofite to the former ; in that the organs of excretion conti-
nued to execute their functions, and actually difcharged a portion of blood
from the common mafs, v/hilfl thofe organs which are formed to provide a fur-
plus in enfeebled habits, were only capable of maintaining the neceffary flock.
And on the difparity in the operations of thefe two different organs, in fad,
depend moft of the complaints incident to the fex at this particular period. In
fome, the provifion ceafes before any change is produced in the excretory vef-
fels. In others, the excretory vefTels become unfit for their office, whilfl the
organs for accumulating blood continue to be efficacious.

From

344 °f Management proper at the CeJJation of the Menfes .

From this view of the fubjedt, it will be lefs difficult for the practitioner to
form a judgment of what is fit to be done on various emergencies : it will be
eafy to difcover how far evacuations are likely to avail ; and when other means
become neceffary. Thofe of full plethoric habits, accuftomed to copious eva-
cuations, will find great relief by bleeding frequently in moderate quantities,
keeping the bowels lax, and moderating their diet. They are, for the moft
part, attacked about the time of menftruation with fudden fluffiing heats, fuc-
ceeded by inftantaneous fweats, continuing for a few feconds, then going off
for a fhort time, and again recurring many times in the day ; they are word: af-
ter eating, in a room much heated, in large affemblies, in bed attended with
reftleffnefs and frightful dreams. Thefe gradually abate for a few weeks, and
as the period approaches again, come on, and fo fucceffively, for a year or two,
or more; terminating fometimes in large immoderate fluxes, fometimes in apo-
plexies, palfies, and other difeafes arifing from plenitude.

If fuch are advifed to lofe four, five, or fix ounces of blood, at the diftance
of two, three, or four months, juft as the vehemence of the fyrnptoms requires,
every thing of this may be happily prevented ; and as the occafion for bleed-
ing daily decreafes, its repetition may be put off to longer intervals.

It happens frequently, that fome circumftances attend the patients, which in-
duce practitioners to omit this operation, or at lead; induce the patients to ob-
ject to it in fuch a manner as to get it poftponed. They allege they are fub-
jeCt to nervous complaints; they never could bear bleeding; it always hurt
them ; and the like. But with a full, hard pulfe, great heat, and the other
fyrnptoms defcribed, one need not fear the increafe of any fuch complaints ; on
the contrary, as they proceed fo evidently from plenitude, they feldom fail to
give way to moderate and repeated evacuations.

It is not unufual in fuch cafes to be informed, that the patient has fwelled
ancles ; and that bleeding would inevitably, at that time of life, bring on a
dropfy. But if this fulnefs appears to be hard, infiamed, and painful, as is
mod: commonly the cafe in fome degree, the lancet and fome gentle laxative
will fcarcely fail of removing, inftead of aggravating, the complaint ; and re-
courfe may be had to the fame remedies, if the like complaints recur.

There is another circumftance often happens at this period, fometimes
owing to the negleCt of evacuations at a proper time, fometimes to the ufe of
improper medicines, fometimes to the peculiar conftitution of the patient ; I
mean an immoderate dux of the Menfes, which often requires the utmoft care
in its reftraint and future regulation.

For the moft part this happens to women of fanguine habits, living well, ac-
cuftomed to copious evacuations, or to the general effedts of plenitude.

If, in' fuch conftitutions, the evacuations are not very confiderable, their
health is often interrupted, either by frequent inflammations of the tonfils, and
% , other

Of the Management proper at the Ce fit ion of the Metifet „ 345

other glandular parts, or they have the rheumatifm, eryfipelas, or the piles ; if
in thefe habits the Menfes ceafe very fuddenly, they are either expofed to the
complaints above mentioned, more frequently, and to a more violent degree,
or to repeated and exceffive floodings. A little attention to thefe circum-
ftances, will often point out the means of effectual prevention. But if it does
happen, it feems much more prudent to reftrain the flux by gentle laxatives,
cooling medicines, reft, anodynes, a moft fparing diet, and this not too liquid,
than by very copious bleeding, and aftringents of any kind.

There is another kind of habit to which fuch immoderate difcharges are too
familiar -to perfons of very irritable conftitutions, and at the fame time not
remarkably plethoric. If in fuch conftitutions the Menfes go off very fuddenly,
it happens fometimes that the impetus of the blood on the uterine fyftem pro-
duces a violent hemorrhage, that enfeebles extremely at the time, and, as it in-
creafes the irritability of that part of the fyftem in particular, fubjeCts the pa-
tient to very frequent and expenfive relapfes.

In thefe cafes, bleeding would undoubtedly increafe the difeafe. Medicines
that allay irritation, anodynes, quiet, a moderate cordial, as wine, and a light
nutritive diet, at once take off the caufe, and enable the patient to fupport the
expence with the lefs difficulty.

It has happened that a regular intermittent has been attended with a regular
and immoderate flux. In feafons when autumnal intermittents are frequent,
fuch circumftances will now and then happen to patients who have fuffered con-
siderable lofs about the time of ceffation. In fuch cafes the bark, given with
the fame freedom as in curing the ague, fafely cures both the flux and the in-
termittent.

Sometimes thefe immoderate fluxes proceed from feme irritating caufe refl-
dent in the uterus, or the parts contiguous to it. And amongft thefe none is
more common, than that depofition of acrimony which precedes a cancer of
the parts.

In fuch cafes the moft appoflte remedies are often ineffectual. The flux is
attended with pain and heat darting acrofs the pubes, from hip to hip, and
down to the middle of the thigh. Large clots of blood are frequently dif-
charged, that give exquifite pain in paffing, and at the fame time the flux is
increafed by the ftimulus.

It is not uncommon in fuch cafes to fee the bark adminiftered very freely,
and I am afraid to no good purpofe. Indeed it requires the hand of a mafter
to give this medicine properly in uterine difcharges. In cafes of plenitude it
is injurious ; it feems to be fo likewife in this cafe juft defcribed. In fuch as
proceed from mere debility and relaxation, it may ftand a much better chance
of being ufeful ; but it is to be feared, that incipient fchirrhous and other ob-
ftruCtions have been much aggravated, by the injudicious exhibition to reftrain

Y y a difcharge.

346 Of the Management proper at the Ceffation of the Menfes .

a difcharge, which depended on caufes not in the power of this great medicine
to fubdue.

To enter into all the particulars that attend this event, will be unneceffary.
Permit me, however, to make fome remarks upon the kind of purgatives that
are much in ufe upon thefe occafions, and to fome of which there are very juft

objections.

An opinion generally prevails among thefex, that purgatives are particularly
neceffary at this jundure; and is affented to by the generality of praditioners,
who, had they made a proper choice, would have aded more prudently. Va-
rious preparations of aloes, the tinttura Jacra , piL Rif, elixir proprietatis, and
other compofitions of this kind, are recommended, from one to another, as
proper purgatives to be ufed on the ceffation of the Menfes.

But if we refled a little upon the known effeds of this drug, in all its pre-
parations, we fhall find it almoft uniformly producing the piles,, if taken long
together, and in confiderable dofes.

From its effed in ftimulating the hemorrhoidal veins and contiguous parts, it
has long been adopted as the bafis of moft medicines exhibited with a view to
promote the menftrual difcharge in young females, where it does not appear at
the ufual time, or in a proper quantity, and often with fuccefs. It can fear cely
then be rational to give that medicine, which is' found to be efficacious, from
its power of irritating the hemorrhoidal and contiguous veffels, and determinr
ing the blood with a due degree of force on the uterus, to produce the. Menfes,
at a time when we are endeavouring to abate this impetus, rather than increafe
it: in ffiort, it feems highly abfurd to. make ufe of thofe medicines when the
Menfes are about to ceafe, and ought fo to do, which are given to provoke
and promote this evacuation. Inftead, therefore, of countenancing a treat-
ment which is not only unreafonable in theory, but injurious in pradice, every
convenient opportunity ought to be embraced, to expofe and coined a popular
error, than which perhaps there are few in the circle of medicine, that are
more mifehievous.

Repeated inftances have occurred to me, of grievous inconveniences arifing
from thefe heating medicines ; the piles, ftrangury, immoderate difeharges of
the Menfes, racking pains in the loins reprefenting labour-pains,, and other
limiiar complaints.

There are many perfons, it is true, who cannot eafily bear the more cooling
purgatives; very tender delicate habits are moftly affeded by them:. but it is
not difficult to contrive cathartics, neither heating like the aloes, and other
gummy refinous medicines, nor yet chilling as . the- falts. Rhubarb, fena,
rnagnefia, fulphur medicines, fin all dofes of jalap, and various combinations of
them, will fupply fufficient variety to the preferiber and the patient.

It will be of more efficacy in curing of complaints, arifing from the. caulks

wc

Of the Management prop er at the Ceffaiion of the Menfes. 347

we are treating of, to contrive fame eafy method of preventing coftivenefs, than
to be dealing often and freely with purgatives of any kind. It happens in
fome conftitutions, that the menftrual difcharge is protrafted much beyond the
ufual period of its ceffation in others. Whilft it proceeds regularly, comes at
the proper time, and in due quantity, the patient in the mean time perceiving
no inconveniency, no perceptions of declining health, buffers it to keep its
courfe, without attempting to reftrain it. Should the health in general buffer
by it, the fame means that fucceed in leffening immoderate difcharges, may
properly be applied in this cafe.

When the Menfes are about to go off, for the mod: part they appear irregu-
larly, both in time and quantity ; once in a fortnight, three, five, or fix weeks,
fometimes very fparingly, at other times in immoderate quantities.

Great Ioffes of this kind are often prevented by taking away four or five
ounces of blood, a few days after the firft menftrual fupprefiion. This pre-
vents the accumulated blood from rufhing with force upon the uterine veffels
at the enfuing period, and producing pain or a too copious hemorrhage. By
degrees the occafion for fuch artificial evacuation diminifhes, and the patient’s
health becomes firmly eftablifhed.

An opinion in favour of iffues at this period of life, has occupied the minds
of many patients ; fome with the hopes of preventing all future evils capable
of proceeding from this caufe others with the terror of carrying about with
them for life a drain which they think of with extreme difguft. Perhaps the
ufe of thefe outlets deferves fome confideration. When a patient has in early
life been fubjedt to cutaneous eruptions, fore eyes, glandular dwellings, or
other obvious marks of morbid humour fubfifting in the conftitution, and all
which may have difappeared about the time the Menfes became regular, if no
invincible oppofition is made to it, a drain is now certainly advifeable, and may
prevent many inconveniences.

Should any cutaneous foulneffes, any ulcerations, any fugitive pains of
the cancerous or rheumatic kind, hardneffes in the breaft, or other parts, be
evident, all fuch complaints would probably be in part relieved by iffues. But
when none of thefe circumftances appear, or have appeared, it feems fcarcely
reafonable either to propofe or permit a certain inconveniency, to call it by no
harlher a term, in order to cure a difeafe that has no exiftence.

It is neceffary to enjoin, in many cafes, a moft ftritft attention to diet and ex- -
ercife, to the full and plethoric efpecially. Meat fuppers fhould be avoided as
much as poffible, and likewife much animal food, by thofe who are liable to
immoderate evacuations. If they could fubfift two or three days in a week on
pudding, vegetables, and things prepared from them, fuch a method would
contribute greatly to prevent not only thefe copious difcharges, but various

Y y 2 accidents

34-8 Of the Management proper at the Cejfation of the Menfes,

accidents that arife from plenitude, fuch as palfies, apoplexies, fevers, and in-
flammations. Their liquors Should be regulated likewife by a fimilar fcale.

They Should avoid all heating exercife, frequenting large aflemblies, or hot
clofe rooms, near the approach of the ufual period. In the intervals, exercife
will be extremely necefiary.

It will not be altogether foreign to this fubjedt, to mention two cafes which
now and then occur in practice, and fometimes cofl: both the patient and phy-
fician fome perplexity.

A woman enjoying very good health, fometimes is feized with a total fup-
preffion of the Menfes, much fooner than they ought to difappear, perhaps
foon after thirty years of age. A fever, furprize, anxiety, fudden and violent
cold, especially if it happens at the time, will put a total Stop to the dif-
charge.

For many months, fometimes a year or two, fhe feels very little effedt upon
her health by this fuppreflion, perhaps grows plump, and feems difpofed to cor-
pulency ; by degrees, however, fhe perceives herfelf not to be fo well as ufual ;
fhe is liable to colds, inflammations of the tonfils, eryfipelatous eruptions,
rheumatifmSj but molt commonly fevere affedtions of the bowels, either inflam-
matory, bilious, or fpafmodic : one or other of thefe return frequently, and of-
ten violently, in fix weeks, two months, or longer, but at no very regular
periods ; and in this manner continue to harrafs the constitution (if the perfon
furvives the fevere attacks of the colic or other diforders incident to this
State) till about the time when the Menfes. Should ceafe fpontaneoufly.

An attention to the caufe of thefe diforders, fupplies us with a natural and
efficacious remedy. Substitute at convenient distances artificial evacuations,
inStead of the natural one that is fuppreffed, and, if poffible, previous to the
diforders to which the fuppreflion has given rife ; bleeding in fmall quantities
two or three times a year ; moderate purgatives frequently exhibited ; and,
particularly, attention to their diet, which ought to be moderate and mild. At
the firft fenfations of ficknefs, or great heat and reStleifnefs, or pains beginning
to affedt the Stomach or bowels, or any of thofe fymptoms wdiich have ufually
been the forerunners of the diforders above mentioned, then is the feafon for
preventing thofe difficulties which arife from this preternatural fuppreflion.

Another cafe likewife fometimes occurs in pradtice, which it may not per-
haps be improper to mention.

Women of an apparently healthy, fanguine constitution, difpofed to corpu-
lency, ufing little exercife, accuftomed to live plentifully, perceive a fuddea
fuppreflion of the Menfes, at a time of life when there is reaSbn to expedt
many years continuance ; from thirty-five years of age and upwards : in a little
time they grow full, the belly feems to fwell, with tenfive pains, pain in the

breaft,.

Of the Management proper at the Ce fat ion of the Menfes. 349

breaft, fome enlargement of them likewife, fome little ficknefs in the morn-
ings, diflike to particular foods, and other fymptoms fimilar to thofe of preg-
nancy ; and married women are fo fully fatisfied of it, as to believe themfelves
in this fituation, and that they actually perceive the motions of the child.

This circumftance happens molt commonly to thofe women who have been
married rather late in life, viz. between thirty and forty. Their inexperience
leads them to take up with the opinions of thofe about them, and they are
fometimes not undeceived till the time of geftation is much exceeded.

Women alfo who have been long married and had children, feveral years
after the Menfes flop, fuddenly grow bigger, fufpedt pregnancy, and treat them-
felves accordingly ; abftaining from exercife, they eat what their appetites, of-
ten craving and depraved, require, till they haye exceeded their reckoning fo
long, as to be fure they have been miftaken.

The like complaint happens now and then likewife to fingle women about
the age of forty, or near the time when this evacuation ought to flop. The
belly grows large, they become unwieldy, their legs fwell, and the apprehen-
fion of a dropfy brings on a variety of complaints. The hemorrhoids are con>
monly the attendants of all thefe fubjedts. Sometimes one may trace out fome
probable caufes from which this preternatural ftate may probably be derived,
but not always clearly. The proper treatment is, however, not difficult to dif-
cover. The general turgefcence, though it proceeds primarily from a reten-
tion of the Menfes, does not appear to be confined to the uterine veffiels alone ;
all the venous fyftem of the lower belly is affedted ; the lymphatics alfo, in
confequence of the general oppreffion. The legs often fwell,- the piles are al~
moft: always troublefome, the patients are generally coftive, the urine in fmall
quantities and often difcharged, and all the thinner fecretions diminifhed. Yet
the countenance and appearance of the whole habit denote a general pleni-
tude, but very different from the bloated body of an hydropic. Repeated
bleeding in fmall quantities always gives relief. Sulphur and magnefia, or
other eafy laxatives given conffantiy, prevent the piles, and keep the belly
gently open. Regular exercife on horfeback, or in a carriage, is quite necef-
fary to effedt a cure, which is for the moft: part flow and tedious, but in general
certain. Purgatives approaching to the draftic kind are often injurious, and
fo are copious evacuations by bleeding, though fmall ones are effentially ne-
ceffary. Their diet fhould be light, but not too liquid. By means like thefe
the general fulnef3 gradually fubftdes; they feldom have any return of the
Menfes, except now and then fome flight intimations.

Permit me to mention another cafe, which, though it does not abfolutely
relate to the prefent fubjedl, is not quite foreign to it. Nothing, perhaps, is
more excruciating to the patients, nor in common more difficult to cure,
than painful menftruation •, it impairs their health at prefent, and fee ms to ren-
7 d er

350 Of the Management proper at the CeJJation of the Menfes .

der them lefs prolific in future : to the fufferers it is a moft ferious evil. By
the following fhort procefs I have been happy enough to relieve feveral. Let
the patient have by her a few pills, confuting of extr. theb. gr. j. each, made
foft with a little of any kind of conferve. She is to take one of thefe pills the
moment die finds the pain attending this difcharge coming on. A pill may be
taken every hour till the pain goes off : they feldom require more than two of
thefe pills ; one is often fufficient, if given early ; and it ought to be a con-
flant rule obfc-rved in adminiflering anodynes, to give them, when they are
plainly indicated, early. It requires much lefs of an opiate to obviate pain,
than to quiet it when acute.

Let the patient keep either in or upon the bed, at leafl in a recumbent
poflure j let her drink moderately of any diluting liquor, and of the herb teas,
weak whey, thin broth, or what elfe her conftitution may particularly require.

When the time is paft, a courfe of chalybeate bitters, in fmall dofes, may be
continued till within a few days of the return ; and the belly fhould be kept
open by fome proper laxative two or three grains o { cathart. extract, with half
the quantity of calx antimonii illota , fallen every night, will often fucceed per-
fectly well. The anodyne muft ftill be in readinefs to take when the pain
comes on, and to be taken to fuch a quantity as to mitigate the pain, let the
dofe be what it may.

This excruciating pain feems to be fpafmodic, and to proceed from the ex-
treme irritability of the uterine fyftem : the blood naturally determined hither,
in order to its being difeharged, by diftending the very irritable veffels, occa-
fions the fpafm ; this produces a conftriclion of the veffels ■, they become im-
pervious, and .the nifus to the difcharge continuing, the pain becomes exqui-
fite and general, till the patient, worn out with the ftruggle, is debilitated and
funk j the fluids are then difmifled, fome eafe fucceeds, but the patient is often
fo reduced as not to recover her ufual ffrength before fine has another conflict
to undergo.

The fluor albus is frequently the confequence of this itruggle, and it would
feem as . if the uterus itfelf was fo far a fufterer as to be rendered by degrees lefs
flt for fecundation. I think it has been obferved by other phyficians, as well
as myfelf, that .few of thofe who have fuifered much in 'the manner here de-
feribed, have borne children.

THE

t 351 ]

THE

CASE of a HYDROPHOBIA*.

J SHALL introduce what I have to fay upon this Cafe, by an account of
what happened before I faw the patient, as it was drawn up by W. French,
his apothecary.

* This paper, which was originally publifhed in the Med. Olf.13 Inq. vol. v. p. 195. an. 1774,
was afterwards reprinted in the form of a pamphlet, with the following Introduction, and Addi-
tional Obfervations. Editor.

“ I HAVE been folicited to reprint the following Cafe, that it might pafs into many hands
“ where the work in which it was firft inferted may never come. I yielded to this folicitation
“ the more eafily, when I found that neither the Society to which it was prefented, nor the Book-
“ feller whofe property it is, had any objection to its being publifhed in this manner.

“ The reader mufl not expeCt to find in it a cure for the Canine Madnefs. He will find, per-
" haps, nothing more of certainty in this refpect than that all the remedies hitherto pro-
“ pofed, either as preventives or cures, are found by experience to be altogether ineffectual.

“ To rely on any popular means of preventing the fatal effeCls of' this poifon, whether known
“ and generally divulged, or preferved as fecrets, which, as the Tonauin medicine, are found
“ to be incompetent and ineffectual, is a dangerous deception.

“ Were it only to give one incontrovertible faCt in evidence againfl fuch pretenfions, and of
“ courfe to flimulate the faculty to make a farther fearch after more effectual relief in this dif-
“ temper, it would be doing fome fervice to fociety.

Dr. Vaughan of Leicefter has lately publifhed fome cafes of the Hydrophobia, which in
“ divers refpeCts confirm the intimations given in the cure referred to. And the very rational,
“ though unfuccefsful, efforts he made to aflid .his patients under this, calamity, are proofs of
“ his attention, and of the hitherto untameable nature of this fingular poifon.

•' Let not, however, thefe difficulties difeourage us from obferving every cafe that occurs with
“ attention, and faithfully noting every incident that arifes in the progrefs of the difeafe :
perhaps the united labours of the faculty. Providence permitting, may, at length, difeover
“ fome effectual remedy. ,

“ To this Cafe are fubjoined fome ReinaiKs on the Canine Madnefs and -Hydrophobia, with
a view to affilt thofe who are called in upon thefe occafions, to perform their duty with fa-
*s tisfattion to themfelyes, and advantage to their patients.”

iri

352

The Cafe of a Hydrophobia .

44 Mr. CHARLES BELLAMY, of Holborn, aged forty years, on the
44 14th of February 1774, was bit by a cat, which was killed the fame morn-
44 ing.

44 The day after, viz. February 15th, he took the celebrated Qrmfkirk medi-
44 cine, fold by Hill and Berry, in Hill-ftreet, Berkley-fquare, and conformed
44 to the dire<5tions given by the vender in every refpeCt.

44 A fervant-maid, who was bit in the leg by the fame cat, juft before her
44 mafter was bitten, took the fame remedy.

44 About the middle of April he complained of a pain in his right knee,
44 which he fuppofed was affeCled with the rheumatifm ; he had felt the like
44 pain at' times during the laft two years, and had procured himfelf eafe by
44 pumping cold water on the part. On the 7th of June, this complaint in-
44 creafing, he defired me to attempt fomething for his relief. I accordingly
44 fent him a box of pills, two of which were to be taken every night, contain-
44 ing about one grain of calomel, of camph. ipecac, and pill.fapon. two grains
44 each, and two tea-fpoonfuls of Huxham’s tinCture of the bark in buck-
44 bean-tea twice a day.

44 After having taken thefe medicines about fix days, he difcovered an un-
44 ufual titillation in the urethra , a contraction of the fcrotum and penis to a de-
44 gree of pain, and an emiffion of Jemen after making water, to which he had
44 frequent calls.

44 Alarmed at thefe fymptoms, which he attributed to his medicines, he was
44 defired to difcontinue them, and to live as temperately in every refpeCt as
44 pofiible.

44 On Thurfday the 16th of June, he fent for me in the morning, com-
44 plained much of having had a reftlefs night, and told me, though he had eat
44 lome bread and butter as ufual for his breakfaft, yet he found he could not
44 fwallow his tea without difficulty; he attempted it before me, and threw a
44 little into his mouth, but with the utmoft agitation.

44 RecolleCling the accident of the bite, and apprehending the moft ferious
44 confequences, but without difcovering my apprehenfions to the patient, I
44 propofed a phyfician might be fent for. Dr. Fothergill was mentioned by
44 the patient. I met the DoCtor in a few minutes after, and informed him of
44 the preceding circumftances, and attended him to the place.

W. FRENC H ”

Theobald’s-Road,

June 20, 1774.

I SAW

The Cafe of a Hydrophobia »

isi-

I SAW the patient above mentioned the 16th in the morning: he was fitting
In his dining-room, without any other appearance of indifpofition than a little
palenefs ; his countenance chearful ; nothing that difcovered uneafinefs or
anxiety. He recited very diftin&ly the complaints which he called rheumatic,
and which had induced him to apply for help 3 mentioned his opinion, that his
diforder had been increafed by the pills, &c. but upon being informed, they
could have no fuch effeds, he readily gave up the point. <c I have had (fays
<f he) a very reltlefs night; my head has been much out of order; I have
ft fweated a great deal, was very faint with it, and have had little or no fleep :
(( I was extremely thirfty in the night, and intended to have regaled myfelf
(C this morning with a large draught of baum-tea, which Hands there ready
<c made ; but you fhall fee the difficulty I am under, and which induces me to
<e alk your affiftance.” He then took up a tea-cupful of common green tea
with milk in it, as he drank it commonly for breakfaft, and brought it within a
few inches of his lips with great compofure : he then threw the liquor into his
mouth, and fwallowed it with uncommon hafte and perturbation. “ You fee
tc (fays he) I can force it down: fhall I do this very frequently, or will you al-
<c low me to omit it a while ?”

It may be proper in this place to mention, that our patient was a perfon of a
good underftanding, aCtive, diligent, and fenfible, much efteemed for his pro-
bity ; and during his illnefs he gave proofs of a capacity and refolution fupe-
rior to moll men in the middle ftations of life.

I defired him to forbear the attempt, while it continued to affeCt him with
extreme uneafinefs, but to endeavour to get down bread moiftened with any
liquor he chofe as often as poffible. The thought pleafed him, and he got down
bits of bread moiftened with wine without much difficulty, whilft I ftaid, and
continued fo to do frequently during the day ; and this was the only kind of
nourifhment he got down.

He had naturally a lively, penetrating eye ; but his afpeCl varied frequently
and remarkably during our converfation, His pulfe was generally about
ninety, and rather hard, but changed almoft every minute,- both in frequency
and hardnefs. His fleffi felt moderate, his tongue dry; he made very little
urine, and complained much of the contraction of the Jcrotum ; the emiffions
had almoft ceafed, and his bowels had been fufficiently emptied the preceding
morning.

He took not the leaft notice of his having been bit to me, nor did he appear
to have recollected it during the courfe of his illnefs.

We forbore, on this account, to inquire after the ftate of the wounded part,
or to fay any thing that might lead him to fufpeCt his prefent complaints arofe
from that fatal accident.

Z z

To

354 2^* Ca/? °f a Hydrophobia,

To gain a little time for reflexion on a cafe fo fudden and fo dangerous, and’
that nothing which feemed reafonable to be done might in the mean time be
omitted, I ordered fix ounces of blood to be taken from the arm ; that a fcruple:
of native cinnabar, and half a fcruple of mufk made into a bolus, might be
given every four hours; and that as much nourifhment, fruit, or any thing he
chofe, might be get down, as poffible.

The family were apprifed of the dangerous fituation he was in, and a con-
fultation requefted as early in the evening as might be convenient. Dr^Wat-
fon was pitched upon; we met at five in the evening, the 16th, and received
the following, account :

He had taken two of the bolufes,. had got down feveral bits of bread moif-
tened with wine, fome drawberries, a few bits of pudding, but had not at-
tempted to drink any liquor.. We requefted he would then,, for our fatisfac-
tion, endeavour to fwallow a little liquor : he readily afTented ; it was brought,
to him ; he threw it haftily into his mouth,, and fwallowed it with difficulty and,
extreme perturbation ;. the moment the liquor touched the gula, all the mufcles .
concerned in deglutition appearing to be convulfed.

He repeated to Dr. Watfon, very intelligibly and fully, the account which he
had given me in the morning. His countenance was: pale, and he feemed much
agitated and. didreffed ; complained of extreme third, and of the impoffibility
of fwallowing any liquid.. His tongue was white, but did not appear dry. He
was perpetually endeavouring, with great efforts, to bring up and difeharge the
vifeid tenacious phlegm, which lined the fauces.

The heat of his flefh was moderate ; but his pulfe was quick, hard, and irre-
gular ; ftrong palpitations of the heart, which he made us feel by preffing our
hands to the part.

He was .perfectly fenfible ; and, when his endeavours to difeharge the vifeid
phlegm would allow him to fpeak, gave us pertinent anfwers. He had made
but little urine fince the morning ; the dragging, as he. called it, of th t Jcrotum
dill continued, and the uneafy fenfation and emiffion..

The blood which was taken away in the morning, had fome flight appearance
of inflammation, the crajfamentum firm, with flight, traces of dze, but the Jerum'
remarkably yellow. No evacuation by dool to-day. Upon the whole, it was
evident, that the diforder had increafed fince morning.

Upon maturely confidering this very hazardous date of things, we agreed
upon the following procefs :

To procure a dool or two by means of a clyder :

That he fhould then be carried to the warm bath, and remain in it fo longi
and to fuch a degree of heat, as was mod agreeable to himfelf:

That at his return a clyder fhould be given of a pint of milk and water, and
this to be repeated as often as it could be conveniently adminidered ;

That

tf/je Cafe of a Hydrophobia . 355

That in the laft of thefe clyfters a drachm of Dover’s powder fhould be ex-
hibited :

That two drachms of ftrong mercurial undtion fhould be rubbed by himfelf
on his legs and thighs as foon as he returned from the bath, and that he fhould
endeavour to get down all the fuftenance he could.

We faw him early next morning, the 17th, when we received the following
account:

The laxative clyfter had produced a proper effedt.

The warm bath relieved him greatly whilft he was in it, fo that for a time,
as he exprefled it, his fufferings were fufpended. They returned, and with
more violence, during the night. The clyfters had been repeated feveral times,
and the undtion applied.

We found he had paflfed a molt reftlefs night, totally without deep, and in
much agitation, not being able to lie ftill a moment.

His countenance befpoke much diftrefs, though accompanied with endeavours
to conceal it; fometimes he was calm, then agitated; talked much, but fenfibly.
He had now a copious flow of faliva lefs vifcid ; his tongue white and moift,
but foul. His pulfe was very quick, fmall, hard, and irregular ; his hands ra-
ther cold than hot. He had made water in the night with lefs difficulty, and
without its ufual confequences; the dragging pain, or fpafmodic affedtion of the
cremafier , was gone off. In general, his ftrength and faculties feemed lefs im-
paired than might have been expedted, where fo little fuftenance had been
taken in ; and there was conftant reftleffnefs, and no fleep.

On confidering thefe circumftances, and obferving there was a more copious
flow of faliva, the tongue more moift, the thirft lefs, the fpafm of the cremafier
gone, yet that the difficulty in fwallowing was not lefs, and ftill no fleep, though
.his head was clear :

That his pulfe continued hard and quick ; that there were fome appearances
of an inflammatory denfity yefterday ; and that lie had found relief from the
-bath, at leaft a temporary fufpenfion : We agreed.

That he fhould be blooded Handing, according as his ftrength would bear :

That he fhould be conveyed to the warm bath, and remain in it as long as he
found it agreeable to himfelf :

That a clyfter of milk and water fhould be thrown up at his return from
the bath, with a drachm of Dover’s powder ; and

That half an ounce of mercurial undtion fhould be rubbed on his legs and
thighs as foon after as might be done conveniently.

One fcruple of thebaic, extr . was ordered to be made into twenty pills, three
of thefe to be given when he came out of the bath, and two every hour, till he
feemed difpc fed to fleep. : r • -

At five in the evening we viflted him again, when he received us with the

Z z 2 utmoft

The Cafe of a Hydrophobia*

utmoft tranfport and joy ; and defcribed in very ftrong terms the pleafure and
the benefit he received from the warm bath, and the hopes he now conceived
of a fpeedy recovery.

A vaft quantity of vifcid phlegm was continually flowing into his mouth,
which he was as conftantly employed in difcharging; for it feemed to have the
fame effeCt upon the organs of deglutition, as if he attempted to fwallow any
other liquor, and gave him extreme uneafinefs. To get rid of this defluxion,
the moment he felt it in the fauces , he exerted a fudden and vehement expira-
tion, as if it was with a defign to blow away the moifture fo offenflve to him,
with the utmoft force and expedition. This occafloned a found, which did not
feem very remote from the hollow barking of a dog.

When he was not employed in thefe efforts, he was talking conftantly but
coherently. His eyes had a particular keennefs, and all his motions were*
quick and vehement. His pulfe was alfo quick, hard, fometimes trembling and
irregular. His hands were rather cold and clammy, but the general heat of his
body not intemperate.

He told us he had taken a great deal of nourifhment during the day. On
inquiry, we found it amounted to no more than on the preceding ; a few bits
of bread moiftened with wine, a little pudding, two or three pieces of china,
orange, which pleafed him much. He had taken none of the pills.

Previous to his going into the bath, he defired to be fhaved ; it was readily
affented to, but proved a more troublefome operation than be was aware of.
The moment the lather touched his face, he fell back with furprize ; but the
part being once wetted, he bore the repetition eaflly ; every frefh part that was
lathered gave him conflderable emotion ; the application of the razor had in a
degree a flmilar effeCt : in fhort, every new movement about him gave him
fome frefh alarm, fame degree of agitation and anxiety. He took notice of this-
himfelf; “ but (fays he) I am naturally hafly and choleric > and when I arm
sc got better of thefe complaints, I hope you will aflifl me in correcting it.”

Whilft he was in the bath, the perfon who attended him, without any parti-
cular intention, took up fome of the warm water in his hand, and poured it.
©n the patient’s head and facet this confufed him. much; he defcribed to us
the diftrefs it gave him at the time very emphatically ; and added, with much
apparent fatisfa&ion, that he had fo far conquered his averfion to it, that he
had poured water on himfelf with his own hand in the lame manner.

It was in fpeaking of this affair he mentioned the term Hydrophobia ; obferv-
ing, that his complaints refembled it; "yet without giving us any reafon to ap-
prehend he had the leaft idea of his actually labouring under this fatal diftem-
per.

He had not flept a moment from the time he was feized with the dread of
liquids. He repeatedly exprefied the fatisfaClion he received from the bath,

and

^Tbe Cafe of a Hydrophobia . 3 ST

and wlffied to go into it again. We confented, and defired that he might be
carried thither again, and to ftay in it as long as he chofe.

Every new operation now became an extreme difficulty to him; dreffing, un~
dreffing at the bath, going into the water, which he now did with much in-
treaty, putting one foot in, and haftily withdrawing it. He was at length pre-
vailed on to go into it. A recolleClion of the eafe he had enjoyed in it before,
aided by a manly refolution that never forfook him, fubdued his fears, and he
remained in it near half an hour. He was brought home about nine o’clock.
He refufed to take the pills, and every other medicine. He grew fretful and
reftlefs, foon became delirious, but offered no violence.

After remaining in this condition about two hours, the powers of nature
funk, he reclined his head gently on the pillow, and expired at half paft
twelve. ,

Endeavours were ufed to obferve the condition of the part that was bit, when
he was dreffing after bathing, as far as could be done without alarming him 5
but ineffectually. After death it was examined with attention, but without per-
ceiving the leaf! morbid appearance.

For this account of his laft hours, and his behaviour at the bath, I am
obliged to my friend, William French, his apothecary, who attended him with
the utmoft conftancy and humanity.

During our attendance, we learned that this accident happened in the follow-
ing manner :

The fervant-maid having occafion to wafh, rofe earlier than was ufual : upon
her entering the waffi-houfe, a cat attacked her, and fixed upon her leg. Her
fcreams brought her mafter to her affiftance ; he aimed a blow at the cat, but
miffed it ; the cat then feized his leg, but he foon difengaged himfelf from her ,
a chairman paffing by was called in, who foon killed her.

Both the mafter and maid took the Ormfkirk medicine as fpeedily as pof-
fible, and obferved the directions given with it. The mafter’s leg foon healed,
and he feems to have thought no more of it. Perhaps fortunately for the girl,
her leg did not heal ; it grew worfe, and baffled the {kill of a young furgeou to
whom fhe applied. We were told ffie afterwards got into one of the city hof-
pitals on this account, and we have no doubt but ffie is ftill living. Our en-
deavours to find her out, and to know in what fituation ffie is, have not yet
been fuccefsful *.

It is here worth obferving, that two perfons are bit by a mad cat, at the
fame time : the firft who was bit, and the moft feverely, efcapes ; the fecond
lofes his life. The wounds of one healed prefently the other, became a fore,

* I have fince learned that her leg continued long in a fere flats, but that flie is now perfe&ly
well, Aug* 29, 1774,

notwithftanding

eTbe Cafe of a "Hydrophobia .

notwithftanding endeavours to the contrary. Both ufed the fame preventive

means.

May not then the happy efcape of the girl be owing to the fore which fol-
lowed from the bite ? It feems probable ; and affords a very forcible argument
for enlarging the wounds made by the bite of mad animals, and promoting a
difeharge from them as long as poffible. Perhaps this is the only fure prefer-
vative againft the direful effeCts of this malignant venom we are yet ac-
quainted with.

It is with fome repugnance we point out the inefficacy of a medicine, which
In this country has eftabliffied a reputation of its being an infallible preferva-
tive. Perhaps it has had its ufe in being fo efteemed by the generality ; for it
is undoubtedly true, that many perfons have fuffered almoft as much as they
could have done from the moft poifonous bite, by reprefenting to themfelves
the miferies they were expofed to. A medicine that could powerfully affuage
thefe apprehenfions, from a general opinion of its falutary effects, has certainly
been beneficial to many ; and fo have a multitude of other famed prophy-
laCticks.

But as this medicine, which has furvived the reputation of many others, has
in this inftance been found to be ineffectual ; it feems to be abfolutely neceffary
to apprize the public of the faCt, which, as far as one evidence can extend to,
is decifive : The fame medicine procured by an unexceptionable hand (the
apothecary, who urged its being given, from a thorough perfuafion of its af-
fording pexfeCt fecurity) from the place authorifed to fell it 3 and given pre-
clfely according to the preferiber’s directions, to two perfons bit by the fame
animal, and at the fame time ; the perfon firft bitten efcapes, the fecond dies of
the Hydrophobia.

Was it not of the 'laft confequence to thofe who may become the unhappy
objects of fuch applications, to be informed that even this medicine had failed
of fuccefs, we ffiould not endeavour to bereave them of the comfort which the
unfortunate might derive from an opinion that it was infallible; but when there
is fuch evidence to the contrary, it becomes neceffary, for the public benefit, to
endeavour to remove prejudices that may be fatal to the real fafety of indivi-
duals.

To inquire farther into the merits of this, or any other prefervative againft
the poifonous bite of mad animals, would take up too much room in your col-
lection. This, however, would be no unprofitable employment for a perfon of
fuitable leifure and abilities ; and we are not lefs in doubt about the efficacy of
all thofe remedies which have been urged by the feveral propofers, as ex-
tremely beneficial in the cure of this diftemper, even in its laft ftages. We are
confident that divers have been mentioned as being cured of the effeCts of fuch
bites, who never had one genuine fymptom of the difeafe thence arifing.

The Cafe of a Hydrophobia . 359

At the fame time that we fuggeft opinions which may tend to deftroy that
happy confidence which has prevented much fuffering to individuals ; and
whilft we own our apprehenfions that none of the celebrated medicines hitherto
propofed to the public can fafely be confided in, either as prophvladticks or as
curatives; we would earneftly recommend one means of prefervation, which not
only the prefent inftance before us, but extenfive experience feems to eftablilh
upon a folid foundation ; that is, after having wafhed the part, and cleanfed
the lurface as quickly as pofTible from the poifon, to enlarge the wound imme-
diately by actual cautery, the knife, or any other fpeedy and effectual method 5
and to promote the difcharge as long as is pofTible. This being effedtually
done, affords the fureft ground for a proper confidence and fecurity againft fu-
ture mifchief.

Two circumftances we take the liberty to fuggeft, as deferving fome attention.

The firft is, In cafe of a bite from a mad animal, to recoiled! what part was
bit, and, if through any, through what kind of covering. A bite through
thick garments, or leather, as the teeth of the animal v/ould probably be wiped
quite clean from the venom, ought to give lefs uneafinefs than when it hap-
pens to the naked fkin.

Second, Not to kill the animals, if it can be avoided, till it is paft a doubt
they were mad. On both thefe circumftances may depend confiderable fatfft-
faftion to the perfon bit ; and it may not be improper to add, that there is abun-
dant reafon to fufpedt that very few of thofe who are bit by mad animals are
liable to be affefted by the Hydrophobia , or other fatal effects of the bite. Thisj
however, is not intended to abate the care that is due on thefe occafions, but
as a proper antidote to that defpondency which is often the confequence of this
accident. . fit ■ . > : 1

In refpedl to our conduct in the prefent cafe, it is fubmitted to your eenfure.
We acknowledge we defpaired of our patient’s recovery. If we kept partly ift
the track our predeceffors had recommended, as circumftances admitted, fo fa?
we were juftified : but we went further, we purfued fuch means as we thought
moft likely to have one of thefe defirable effedts ; to keep up the forces of life,
by conveying into the habit every kind of nourishment by the paffages left
open, viz. the bowels and the fkin, and thereby enabling Nature to fupport the
conteft longer ; or elfe, to calm and relax, and render the conflidt at laft lefs
terrible to the affiftants, and lefs painful to the fufferer.

We thought ourfelves juftified, from confidering the ftate of the pulfe, and
other circumftances, to take away fome blood, and repeatedly. That we might
not reduce the ftrength beyond what appeared neceffary, we chofe to order it
to be taken from the patient (landing ; becaufe, we were fatisfted, he could nos
lofe fo much blood in that fituation as would be detrimental without fainting*
much fooner than he would haye done in a fitting or decumbent pofture.

ADDITION. AX,

[ 36° 1

ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS

FOR THE TREATMENT OF

& PERSONS BIT BY MAD ANIMALS.

ift, RE VENT the animal fuppofed to be mad from being killed, if pof-

JT fible, till it is pall a doubt, that by refufing fuftenance in any form,
and other circumflances ufually accompanying this (late, it is evident the crea-
ture is mad. Let all pofiible care, however, be taken, in the mean time, that
he be confined in fuch a manner as to injure no other animal. This attention,
though it does not contribute to the cure, it may to the comfort of the pa-
tient.

ad, Obferve whether the wound is made through any covering, and of what
kind ; as much fatisfadlion may be afforded to the patient, if the wound was
made through thick clothing or leather.

3d, Remove the Havered cloths as foon as poffible, and wafh the wounded
or bruifed parts with water j in which if a little fait is diffolved, it can do no
harm.

4th, Confider in what manner the wounded part may be treated, fo as to keep
it difcharging as long as poffible. If in a flefhy part, and the patient will fub-
mit to it, excifion of the wounded part is the belt fecurity from danger.

Where this operation cannot be admitted, the actual cautery, the lunar
cauflic, a veficatory, may be applied with advantage, according as the part, the
age of the patient, and the fituation may dire<5t. In every cafe let the wound
be kept open as long as it can be done conveniently. A fmall quantity of gun-
powder, a little moiftened, fpread upon the part, if only fcratched by the
teeth of the animal, or put into the wound if large enough to receive but a
little, and then kindled with a lighted paper, will, perhaps, as fuddenly, as
eafily, yet fafely nlarge the wound, as can be effefled by any other means, and
occafion fuch a kind of wound as will not inftantly be clofed.

5

The

Directions for the treatment of Perfons bit by Mad Animals. 361

The choice of thefe feveral methods muft be left to the operator. Wounds
in the hands, feet, or face, will not admit of the injured parts being cut out fo
fsfely, as may be done on the mufcular parts of the arms and legs.

The time, likewife, of keeping the wounds open, mull in fome refpeCt de-
pend on their fituation. To keep open a running fore for a long time on the
face and hands, would be difficult, and productive of various inconveniences.

Of all the prophylactics yet offered to the public, experience has proved
there is not one to be depended on ; it may, perhaps, be worth while to conft-
der in this place the means of prevention principally in vogue.

When a perfon is bit by a mad animal, the firff thing ufuaily thought of is.
Sea Bathing. The party is fent to fome bathing-place, where there are com-
monly perfons employed in this bufinefs, who, by keeping the patient long un-
der water, and dipping him repeatedly, reduce him almoft to a date of fuffoca-
tion. Some of the fait water gets into the trachea , mere into the -ftomach, and
proves fometimes a brifle purgative. Here the procefs ends, and the patient is
deemed to be fecure from any future accidents on account of the bite.

The reader will have obferved in the preceding cafe, that the whole of this
procefs is founded on miftake; and it is certain that divers who have undergone
the utmoft feverity of this difeipline, have died of the Hydrophobia.

The Pulvis Atitiiyjfus of Dr. Mead has had no better fuccefs, and is now al-
moft wholly forgot.

No medicine, as a preventive, feems to have maintained its credit fo long as
that called the Ormlkirk remedy. It is called fo from the name of a town in
Lancaffiire, near which the gentleman lived in whofe family the fecret has
been long preferved, and from thence diftributed with fuch apparent fuccefs, as
to be generally deemed infallible for preventing the Canine Madnefs. I am
forry there are more inftances to the contrary, than that which is related in the
preceding account.

The Tonquin medicine, compofed of Mufk and Cinnabar, has been equally
unfuccefsful. All thefe different medicines .have been employed by practi-
tioners, and all of them have failed.

Dr. James, who had great credit amongft fportfmen, and great opportunities
of obfervation, thought Turbith emetics and mercurials certain antidotes; but
thefe, likewife, have had the fame fate with others ; they have been negleCted,
not becaufe their promoters were no jmore, but becaufe they were found to be
infufficient.

His praClice, however, and lbme other publications, turned the attention of
phyficians to mercurials, and they have of late been confidered as the moft cer-
tain antidotes to the Canine Madnefs : we gave them a ftiort, though inef-
fectual trial. Others have been more bold, but not more fuccelsfuh There

3 A

is

-62 Directions’' for the 'Treatment of Perfons bit by Mad Animals »

is too much reafon to diftruft their efficacy in preventing^ or curing die Hydro-

phobia.

Notwithstanding thefe difcouragements, there is one thing which ought to
afford the fufferers fome confolation; which is, that it appears very evident, that
if no means of prevention were ufed, many of thofe who are bit by mad ani-
mals, would never be liable to the fatal confequences of Canine Madnefs.

On the other hand, it is more than probable, from divers accounts which
have been publifhed, that perfons of timid and anxious difpofitions, who have
been bit by fome animal, even without any proof of its being mad, have ima-
gined themfelves affefted with every fymptom of Canine Madnefs they have
heard of, defcribed their complaints as fuch, were treated accordingly, and cured
of a difeafe that had no real exiftence.

It is, therefore, a matter of no fmall moment to the praftitioner, as well as to
the patient, to have all thefe circumftances in contemplation ; and whilft the
former is neglecting no means, which either the experience of others, or his
own judgment, have induced him to think are conducive to fecurity, die pa-
tient ffiould be confirmed, by every juft and reafonable argument,, in an opinion
of their efficacy.

After taking this fhort view of the means recommended to us as preferva-
tives againft the fatal effects of this poifonous bite, and having feen too much
reafon to conclude them ineffectual, it is with regret I acknowledge myfelf un-
acquainted with any method of treating the Hydrophobia more fuccefsfully, or
even of leffening the diftrefs with which it is accompanied farther than has been
already propofed.

The firft fymptom of the Hydrophobia, which is a dread of all liquids, cuts
off in an inftant a great part of the means of relief by internal remedies. It
is with great difficulty that medicines of any kind, or in any form, after a day
or two have elapfed, can be got down.

The cafe which Dr. Watfon and myfelf attended, concluded, like all the in-
ftances of the genuine Hydrophobia on record, fatally. Had we the fame
ground to go over again, for my own part, I confefs I know not of a more rea-
fonable plan. I would not, however, difcourage others from purfuing their
own ideas : fome fortunate event may, at length, make us better acquainted'
with the nature of this poifon, and point out a fpecific remedy.

Should another accident of the like nature occur, until we are directed to a
more rational and fuccefsful method, I ffiould ftill be inclined to purfue a plan
fimilar to that which we laid down in our treatment of the cafe before de-
fcribed. Its bafis was, to prevent the lofs of ftrength as much as poffible, in
order to gain time, and afford the beft chance of relieving the patient. In
this difeafe we are early precluded from the ufual means of effecting this pur-

pofe.

J)ire£iions for the 'Treatment of Perfons bit by Mad Animals . 363

pofe, as the patient foon finds himfelf incapable of fwallowing any hind of nu-
triment in a proper quantity, as hath been already mentioned.

Two methods, however, ftill remain of affifling the patient, though imper-
fectly. Firft, by clyfters. By this means, a large quantity of aliment may be
fupplied. Broth, milk, eggs, in various ffiapes, may be exhibited in finall
quantities that they may be retained, whilft larger promote their own re-
jection. 1 .

Secondly, by baths. It is probable that by this method large fupplies of
fluids may be introduced into the habit, by means of the abforbent veffiels,
placed on the furface of the body every where.

Whether any ufeful additions can be made to warm water, can be deter-
mined only by experience. Perhaps broth moderately faked, with the addition
■of aromatic herbs, might be ufed alternately with warm water; to which may
be added a handful or two of that compofition fold by the perfumers under the
name of Pot Pourrie , and a proportion of Bay Salt, fufficient to make it nearly
equal to fait water, or about twelve ounces to every four gallons.

Whatever bath is made choice of, the patient fhould continue in it as long as
it is eafy to him, and in a degree of heat that he bears with pleafure, perhaps
from 80 to 86 degrees of Fahrenheit’s thermometer. The patient mav be
wiped dry, put into a warm bed, a clyfter given of half a pint of broth, with a
raw egg beat up in it; and both this and bathing be moft induftrioufly re-
peated.

From the trials made with opium, it does not appear, that this drug has
had any beneficial effeCts. It is difficult to get it down in any quantity at the
time we moft want it, in any ffiape. By clyfters it may be given, had we any
reafon to conclude it would be beneficial. In regard to its external applica-
tion, I am perfuaded from experiments, that if the fkin is whole, opium never
produces any foporific effeCts.

Applied as a plafter, or a cataplafm, it will produce the fame effeCl as any
fimilar plaftic femi-refinous fubftance, and no more. In tinClure, it will aCt as
fpirit would aCt, impregnated with fuch a kind of fubftance, void of all ano-
dyne quality, and in no other way. Half an ounce of opium foftened into the
form of a poultice, and applied to the belly of a healthy new-born infant, did
not produce the leaft anodyne effeCt. The like trial has been made with Mi-
thridate, Venice Treacle, and Laudanum, and with the like refult. In a difeafe
lb fwift in its progrefs, it is of confequence to know what will not be efficacious.

It compels us to look around for other auxiliaries.

If mercurials can be of ufe, it would feem that the fleam of cinnabar would
be worth a trial. By this means it would be pradticable to impregnate the air
in which the patient breathes, fhould he be incapable of admitting the fume

3 A 2 in

^6 4 Directions for the Treatment of Perfons hit by Mad Animals*

in the ufual mode into the fauces , fo as to produce the effeCts of mercury ore-
the parts affeCted the moft fpeedily.

When the patient comes out of the warm bath, the mercurial ointment may
be applied liberally. I am afraid it will be found as ineffectual- as the other
means hitherto made ufe of ; but in cafes like this, it is better to try a medi-
cine of whofe efficacy there may be fome doubt, than none at all.-

In refpeCt to bleeding, I have only one thing to obferve. If the patient i&
bled ftanding, till he ffiews a difpofition to faint, it may be done without
hazard j it may abate a little of that inflammatory difpofition, which is the Gom--
fequence of continued irritation.

It would, perhaps, at length contribute to remove this uncertainty, if thofe
who are applied to on thefe interefting emergencies, would confider themfelves •
as obliged by the honour of their profefiion, and the ties of humanity, to note
with all poffible precifion and impartiality every incident in the progrefs of this,
difeafe ; and, whether they purfue the hints here fuggefted, or take up more ra~
tional ones from their own (lore, would communicate the refult to the public.-
By this method the field of conjecture would be contracted, and our fucceffors
direCled to new objeCts of inveftigation. The refult would be not lefs honour-^
able to thofe who engage in the fearch, than beneficial to mankind in general*

CASE

I 36J 3

CASE OF AN ANGINA PECTORIS,

WITH REMARKS*.

r—1HT— *

IN the autumn of 1773, I vifited R. M. Efq; ta gentleman aged about fifty-
eight, of a fize above the middling, his complexion rather fair and fan-
guine than fxvarthy, plump and full, difpofed to corpulency, but not fo as to
render him unfit for any kind of exercife.

For the molt part he had enjoyed very good health during 'the greateft part
of his life, which was adftive, regular in common, temperate as to liquors, a
good appetite, and accuftomed to a plain but plentiful table, as I was informed
by my friend and neighbour W. Fowle, who attended him as his -apothecary,
and gave me the following account :

“ He was feized about the year 1770 with a remarkable giddinefs, which
was at times extremely troublefome to him, and never left him entirely, though
the intervals of the feverer attacks were frequently pretty long. For this com-
plaint he had at firft a blifter on his head, which was kept open feveral months-';
and afterwards had one upon his back, which was alfo kept open a good while.
He took at different^ times valerian, with fait of hartfhorn, lac ammoniacum, de»-
coftion of the bark with valerian ; but, excepting the Millers, nothing appeared
to give him any material relief.

cc In July 1773 he was attacked with a fpafm in the bread:, which at firft afi-
fedted him only when he ufed exercife, and chiefly when he walked up hill. I
defired him to apply a fm all blifter to his ftomach, and to take a quarter of a
pint of buckbean-tea twice a day. The blifter gave him great pain, and he
was obliged to let it heal very foon. The buckbean-tea did him no good. I
then gave him the gum-pill and guaiacum, mixed up with Balf. Peruv. He
took the pills morning and evening, and walked them down with the -campho-
rated julep, to which was added fome Ample tindlure of valerian.- Thefe me~

* Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. v- p. 233. ann. 1774..

dicines* .

366 Cafe of an Angina Pefforis.

dicines at ftrft appeared to do him feme good ; but the difeafe ffiortly after re-
turned with greater violence, when you was confulted ; and he died the 10th of
May following.”

1 foon found there was too muchreafon to fufped this difeafe was of that kind,
which is fo fully and judicioufly defcribed by Dr. Heberden, in the fecond vo-
lume of the Medical Tranfadions ; a difeafe which I had too often met with as
it terminated fot the moft part fatally, and without its being in my power in
one Angle inftance to learn from diffedion the feat of it, or to acquire any fatif-
fadory information of its nature, from the moft attentive recolledion of the fe-
veral fymptoms.

It was in the evening when I faw the patient; and at that time he was free
from any complaint, as he fat ftill. His heat was moderate ; his pulfe fuffi-
ciently full, but for the moil part irregular; his appetite good; and the dif-
charges as they. ought to be, only rather difpofed to coftivenefs.

He complained that his giddinefs was ftill troublefome at times; but that a
diforder, which frequently affeded his breaft, efpecially on motion, and occa-
fioned much difficulty in breathing, gave him the greateft uneafinefs.

That in walking, if he either went up the flighted: acclivity, or endeavoured
to walk Fafter than a certain pace ; or if the wind was high, and met him as he
walked even moderately ; he was obliged to ftop. He defcribed it as a kind
of ftridure furrounding his cheft, principally in a line with the mammee, in fuch
a manner as to render it impoffible to take a ftep further without the hazard of
immediate fuffocation ; a ffiarp pungent pain moft particularly 'affeding the
parts under the left breaft, extending itfelf upwards on that fide, and down the
inner part of the left arm to the elbow. Thefe fymptoms, on turning from
the wind, and Handing ftill a few feconds, went off, leaving only the remem-
brance of their feverity, and a caution to proceed more deliberately.

The weather feerned to have fome little effed upon him ; a fliarp keen aii;,
or a high wind, or an extreme of any kind, affeding him very fenfibly.

Going up ftairs, and getting into bed, were great difficulties to him-: nor
did the ftridure always ceafe upon lying, or rather fitting down in bed ; it
would fometimes continue to harrafs him for an hour or two, and frequently re-
turned about one or two o’clock in the morning, or at day-break.

He had felt occaftonally a fmart and fudden fit of pain in one foot, with
fome fmall fwelling, apparently of the gouty kind. His age, his manner of
living, his general habit, feerned to favour an opinion, that his diforder might
partake of this malady. He had found too, that erudations often terminated
his pains ; and that nothing facilitated thefe difcharges fo much as Ample pep-
permint-water: it was always by him in the night, and gave him eafe even
when a reafonable dofe of a paregoric had been given without beneftt.

Willing to hope that this cafe might partake confiderably of a gouty nature,
7 and

Cafe of an Angina Pefforis. 367

and confequently that there was fome chance of relieving it, I propofed fuch a
plan, both of diet and medicine, as might tend to enable the conftitution either
to difcharge the gouty matter through the emundtories, or to throw it upon the
extremities: I advifed him to abftain from every thing heating, not however to
drink much lefs wine than ufual, and to obferve caution in refpedt to quantity
of proper food. Sometimes the diforder feemed to be lefs fevere ; but no laft-
ing advantages were gained : at length recourfe was had to an anodyne at night,
which was repeated either in the night, or towards morning, as the conilridtive
exacerbations required. Twenty-five drops of tinEl. theb. with a like quantity
of vin. antim. at night, and ten drops of the fame tindlure in a little draught
early in the morning, procured for a confiderable time the appearance of much
benefit. This however was not tailing •, upon any little exertion of mufcular
force, the diforder Hill difcovered itfelf, and with as much violence as at firll.

With a view to afiilt his general health, which feemed now, to be much
affedled by the continuance of thefe complaints, he drank the Bath-water at
Bath feveral weeks. Some more pain was obferved in one foot whilft at Bath,
and a fwelling fufficient to fhew it was the gout. His health was fomewhat
improved by the journey and the waters j but they did not alleviate the origi-
nal pain in his breall, which fometimes came fo fuddenly and violently, towards
the mornings efpecially, as to alarm thofe about him with fears of his immediate
death, and which at length happened very fuddenly, in the morning of the 10th
of May.

The family condefcended to have him opened, which was performed by my
ingenious friends the Langleys, father and fon, judicious burgeons in the neigh-
bourhood ; from whom I received the following account, not being able,
through fome prior engagements, to be prefent at the difledtion.

Cf On infpedling the body of R. M. Efq; the parts were as follows :

In the Thorax.— The mediaflinum much loaded with fat ; a quantity of
water under the lungs, about a quart on each fide, thin and tranfparent, nearly
refembling urine. The lungs in good condition, except on the upper part of
the right fide there was an adhefion to the pleura, of about an inch, but without
inflammation. The pericardium , on the outfide, loaded with a targe quantity of
fuety fat, but more fo on the lower fide, next the diaphragm. The lymph in
the infide about the ufual quantity.. The heart of the ufual fize. The auricles
and ventricles with all the veflels and valves perfect ; not the leaft oflification
or appearance of difeafe, except on the outward mufcular part, near the apex, a
fmall white fpot, as big as a fixpence, refembling a cicatrix.

In the Abdomen.— The peritoneum perfedt.

The omentum much enlarged and thickened, at leaf; fix times its natural
thicknefs. The fat of a yellow appearance, and much firmer than ufual, very
heavy, and the lower part adhering to the peritoneum.

The

Cafe of an Angina Pe&oris . '

The Stomach.— In the inner coat a good deal of inflammation, particularly
about the valve in the pylorus.

The Liver i — rather more florid without than ufual;-on the back convex
part of it was an unufual prominency, near the fize of an egg; but on opening
it, no appearance of difeafe.

The Gall-Bladder;— full, and much diftended, but no Hones.”

The firfb cafe apparently of this nature that occurred to me, was above
twenty years ago ; and the perfon is now, or lately was, living, and in good
health, not having of late years, fo far as I have heard, been attacked with this
complaint. He was at that time about thirty years of age, and the youngeft
fubjeft I have ever feen affeCted with this diforder, which is fo ftrongly marked,
as cannot eafily be miftaken for any other.

He was rather of a low ftature than tall, a fhort neck, ftrong, temperate,
and accuftomed to regular, but not violent, exercile. Without any perceptible
caufe, he found himfelf fometimes obliged to Hop fuddenly, if he was either
walking up hill,, or. a little fafter than ordinary, or if he was riding a very briflc
trot. .Moderate motion of any kind did not affetft him. Finding the difeafe
increafing, he applied to me for afiiftance. He lodged at a relation’s in Can-
non-ftreet; from the end of it in Gracechurch-ftreet to White Hart Court,
where I then . lived, is a very gentle afcent ; but in that fhort fpace he was
obliged to Hand flill feveral times, to recover from a kind of ftriCture about
his cheft, as he defcribed it, that threatened him with death, if he had been
forced to go forward. He had juft dined, and this had added to his difficulty,
having himfelf obferved, that he fuffered lefs in motion when his ftomach was
empty. From the defcription of the pain, its courfe, which was acrofs the
breaft, and down both arms to the elbows, I could not forbear fufpedting the
fixth pair of nerves and their numerous connections were the feat of this dif-
eafe ; that fome irritating caufe, excited by motion, affeCted them ; and that the
parts they were principally diftributed to, fuffered in confequence. The lungs
did. not appear to be affeCted ; no preceding cough or fymptoms of inflamma-
tion, no catarrhal defluxion, no appearance of a dropfy of the thorax, nor any
•fugitive acrimony, that feemed capable of producing fuch fenfations, had
taken place.

I recommended a fparing diet, to keep the bowels open, to ufe moderate
exercife on horfeback ; but not to take long or fatiguing walks. He took fome
pills of foap, pil. gummoj. cinnab. nativ. and a light chalybeate bitter for fome
months. After this, he went to Bath feveral fucceffive.feafons, and acquired his
:iifual health.

This is the only inftance that has occurred to me of a perfeCt recovery from
this obfcure, and too often fatal malady. Some have been much relieved for

, a confiderable

Cafe of an Angina FeEtoris . 369

a confiderable time, and I have heard nothing farther concerning them ; but for
the moft part, if the difeafe attacks them late in life, the prognoftic is unfa-
vourable.

Perhaps it will be difficult to account for the fymptoms attending this dif-
eafe fatisfaftorily, from the appearances on diffeftion. In a cafe not altogether
diffimilar in that diftinguifhing char after, the conftriftion which the thorax fuf-
fers upon accelerated motion, and where there was reafon to fuppofe, from the
fymptoms, that moft of the thoracick and abdominal vifcera were in a morbid
ftate, nothing of this kind appeared on diffeftion but a fmall offification in one
of the mitral valves of the heart, fome additional quantity of moifture in the
pericardium, fome in the cavity of the thorax, and of the abdomen ; but the
whole furface of the body was drenched, as it were in water, a general anafarcct
covering both the trunk and limbs, with an utter inability to move without
feeling a very fharp ftrifture about the thorax.

This circumftance induced me to requeft the gentlemen, who opened the
body, to attend to the condition of the heart, with all poffible accuracy; and it
appears from the preceding account, that nothing preternatural was therein ob-
ferved, except, on the outward mufcular part near the apex, a fmall white fpot
as big as a fixpence, refembling a cicatrix.

Another circumftance likewife induced me to inquire more particularly after
the condition of the heart, which is, that I have very feldom met with this dif-
eafe, but it was attended with an irregular and intermittent pulfe, not only
during the exacerbations, but often when the patient was free from pain and
at reft..

No doubt, as there are no two human bodies precifely alike, fo there will be
a great diverfity of fymptoms ; but there is one in this Angular diltemper, that,
fo far as I have feen, always marks it diftinftly, which is, that fharp con-
ftriftive pain acrofs the breaft, which always fupervenes a certain degree of
mufcular motion, or whatever agitates the nervous fyftem.

For the moft part, the patient can walk a certain pace ; if he exceeds this, he
is flopped : if he rides on horfeback, it is the fame ; he can bear the horfe to
walk,, or trot ; but if he quickens this motion beyond a certain point, he is
obliged to flop. This is a conftant attendant of all the cafes I have feen.

If we confider the appearances of the prefent cafe on diffeftion, ; we may per-
ceive there are three which are evidently preternatural :

1. The quantity of fluid in the thorax ;

2. The unufual quantity of fat on the mediajlinum, the pericardium, and omen-
tum ; and,

3. The fcar-like appearance on the heart. The inflammatory appearance in
the ftomach, the little protuberance on the liver, do not amount to any thing
like caufes produftive of fuch effefts.

The

37® Cafe of an Angina Pefloris.

The confequences of the increafed quantity of a watery fluid and fat in the
bread:, would doubtlefs be a more laborious breathing, from the lungs being
confined within narrower bounds ; but as thefe are permanent caufes, the ef-
fects would be uniform.

It is very probable likewife, that a heavy pendulous omentum , fo much in-
creafed by fat, would affeft the aftion of the diaphragm very confiderably, efpe-
cially in an upright and decumbent podure, and would fometimes impede,,
fometimes accelerate the motion of the blood through the heart and lungs-
confiderably.

This preternatural fulnefs of the thorax and appendage to the diaphragm,
though they aflid us in part to account for the difeafe, yet feem not to be the
only caufes of this diftemper. Time and future opportunities mud inform us of
the red.

However, the fafts difcovered on the diffeftion of this body, evidently fug-
ged to us a nearer approach to reafonable indications of cure. On reviewing
feveral of thefe cafes which have fallen under my obfervation, I think they have
generally attended perfons who were difpofed to be corpulent ; it is therefore
not unreafonable to fuppofe, that a part of their diforder has arifen from a de-
podtion of fatty matter in fome parts of the thorax , which, by hindering the ex-
pandon of the lungs, interrupting the natural free aftion of the heart, and per-
haps by prefling too much on fome branches of nerves, didributed to thefe
parts for the mod neceflary purpofes of life, if they are not the principal, yet
are they among the caufes of this difeafe. The colleftion of water in the thorax,
contributes to the fame end; and it is not improbable, but that in future dif-
feftions thefe three preternatural appearances will be found : the fubdance of the
heart itfelf affefted ; water in the thorax ; and an increafe of fat both in the
thorax and abdomen.

In attempting to cure this difeafe, therefore, it would feem not an unreafon-
able plan, to endeavour to increafe the thinner fecretions, by the feveral means
employed for this purpofe, of the urine efpecially :

And to prevent the accumulation of fat. This lad may be a difficult talk,
and requires great circumfpedlion, confidering the time of life to which this
difeafe is mod peculiar.

The cafe which I fird faw, was in a perfon of that time of life, which would
have admitted of fuch a regimen as mod commonly reduces the very corpulent
to a competent fize. Pad the meridian of life, to conquer this tendency, might
be both difficult and hazardous. An exaft temperance in diet and in liquors*,
feems abfolutely neceflary towards the cure of this difeafe, not fo far as to
weaken, but fo as to cut off all fuperfluity of nourifhment, as the redundancy
would mod probably increafe the didemper.

A drift

Cafe of an Angina Peftoris. 371

A ftri£t vegetable diet reduces exuberant fat more certainly than any other
means I know. A cafe or two of this kind may not perhaps be wholly foreign
to our fubjedt.

A country tradefman, aged about thirty, of a fhort ftature, and naturally of
a frefh fanguine complexion, and very fat, applied to me for afftftance. He
complained of perpetual drowfinefs and inactivity. His countenance was
almoft livid ; and fuch a degree of fomnolency attended him, that he could
fcarce keep awake whilft he defcribed his fituation. In other refpects he
was well.

I advifed him immediately to quit all animal food, to live folely on vege-
tables, and every thing prepared from them ; and allowed him a glafs of wine
or a little beer occafionally, but chiefly to confine himfelf to water. He pur-
fued the plan very fcrupuloufiy, loft his redundant fat, and grew active as ufual in
about fix months. I recommended a perfeverance for a few months longer ;
then to allow himfelf light animal food once or twice a week, and gradually to
fall into his ufual way of living. He grew well, and continued fo.

A young unmarried woman, about twenty-three years of age, of a low fta-
ture, and very fat, applied to me for afliftance in a great difficulty of breathing,
fomnolency, and incapacity for any exercife. It was a hardffiip to be obliged
to go up flairs, and at laft to crofs the floor of her apartment.

It feemed to me that mere obefity was her principal malady : indeed fhe had
no other complaint but fuch as apparently might be accounted for from this
luppofition. She was ordered to purfue a vegetable diet, and in the fummer to
drink the waters at Scarborough. She conformed to thefe diredlions, became
more agile, lefs fleepy, lefs averfe to exercife. She walked up the fteps at Scar-
borough from the fpaw, a talk of no little difficulty to people much lefs en-
cumbered. I urged a continuance of the fame diet: fhe was difluaded from it
by her friends, and died of fat in the twenty-feventh year of her age. She left
permiflion with her After, to be opened, if it was deflrcd ; the cafe was too An-
gular to be neglecfted : all the vifcera were perfectly found, but larded with
fat beyond apprehenfion. In dividing the external teguments, we cut through
2f inches of fat. She died fuddenly.

Some inftances of a Amilar nature, in which a vegetable diet has fafely con-
tributed to reduce immoderate corpulency, induces me to think that a prudent
trial in the cafe I am treating of would be advifeable. Perhaps a reafonable
ufe of wine, not a generous one, ffiould here be allowed, left the ftrength
fhould be diminifhed too much in proportion ; and if the power of abforption
fhould by this means fail, we may probably lofe more ground, by the increafe
of the feroja colluvies in the cavity of the thorax , than what we gain by fub-
tradling the fat.

3 B 2

All

372 Cafe of an Angina P efforts.

All the means of increafing the thinner fecretions, are evidently pointed out
as neceffary, from this difleftion j and if to thefe we join fmall dofes of chaly-
beates, or other medicines, and an abftinence from animal food, fo far as the
patient’s health, fituation, and manner of life will admit of it, we are perhaps
rendering all the reafonable afliftance we can, till future difcoveries make us
better acquainted with the real caufes of this fingular diftemper.

FURTHER

[ 373 ]

FURTHER ACCOUNT

OF THE

ANGINA PECTORIS*.

SINCE my former paper on this fubjefr was delivered to the Society, I have
had another opportunity of being informed by diffedtion of fome circum-
ftances relative to this difeafe, which are here fubmitted to your confideration.

H. R. Efq. aged 63, a gentleman rather inclined to corpulency, but aftive,
and of a very irritable habit, middling ftature, and frefli complexion, employed
in affairs that often required attention and confinement, writing efpecially,
complained to me three or four years before his death, that he often found a
difficulty, or rather an incapacity to walk up a moderate afcent, efpecially if
he attempted to do it haflily. I foon perceived that this obfcure difeafe, which
had hitherto for the moft part baffled all my endeavours to remove it, was tak-
ing place. I advifed great temperance and moderation in diet, in drinking,
and application j to ride frequently, pafs his fummers in the country, to fflun
every thing that would agitate his fpirits, or deprefs them : a gentle laxative
medicine, and ftomach bitter, to be continued for a fortnight, and occafionally
to be repeated, promoted his general health ; and his own care contributed
greatly to prevent the increafe of this malady. In the fummer of 1774, he
fpent a few weeks at Buxton, where he bathed and drank the water, and re-
turned to town in better health than he had enjoyed fome years before. Being
much difpofed to flatulency, he now and then took a warm cardiac draught,
which he found relieved him, and pretty often fome aloetic pills, to prevent
coftivenefs ; but purfued no other plan of medicine, contenting himfelf with ob-
ferving, and with fome degree of attention, the general regulations I had pre-
ferred to him j and though it did not appear that much ground was hereby

* From the Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. v. p. 252. an. 1774.

gained,

374 Further Account of the Angina Pe&oris.

gained, the fame conftridtion returning if he atte'mpted any exercife beyond a
certain point, which his own experience had taught him, yet he perceived no
increafe of the difeafe. He occafionally confulted me, but rather with a view
to be confirmed in the plan propofed to him, than with a hope of obtaining ef-
fectual relief, as he was very apprehenfive that he laboured under the difeafe
which Dr. Heberden had fo fully defcribed.

On the 1 3th' of March 1775, in the evening, in a fudden and violent tranf-
port of anger, he fell down and expired immediately. His family were pre-
vailed upon to allow the body to be opened, which was done the next day, by
that very fkilful and accurate anatomift, John Hunter, F. R. S. whofe ac-
count is as follows :

The Appearances upon opening the Body of H. R. E/quire.

<c The blood had fettled very generally on the fkin, appearing in dark
purple fpots.

In opening the cheft, I found die cartilages of the ribs very much offified.

In the cavity of the chefl I found a full quart of bloody ferum.

The lungs were to all appearance found.

The heart to external appearance was alfo found ; but, upon examination, I
found that its fubftance was paler than common, more of a ligamentous con-
fiftence, and in many parts of the left ventricle it was become almoft white
and hard, having juft the appearance of a beginning offification.

The valvulee mitrales had a vaft number of fuch appearances in them, and
-were lefs pliant than in a natural ftate; but did not appear to be unfit
For ufe.

The femilunar valves of the aorta were thicker thtih common, but very rea-
dily filled the area of the artery.

The aorta had leveral fmall offifications on it, and feveral white parts, which
are generally the beginnings of offifications, and which were fimilar to thofe
found in the heart and valves.

The two coronary arteries, from their origin to many of their ramifications
upon the heart, were become one piece of bone.

The abdominal vifcera appeared found, excepting a few fmall ftones in the
gall-bladder.

On opening the fkull, I found it very thick in many parts. Upon the fore-
part of the falciform ligament was a confiderable offification, which lay be-
tween the anterior parts of the two hemifpheres of the brain.

The fubftance of the brain appeared to be very found.

There was rather more water in the ventricles than is common at that age
and in general, there was more water about the brain than is ufually found.

.1 The

Further Account of the Angina P efforts. 375

The plexus-choroides had feveral pretty large hydatids in them, fome as large
as a pea.

The internal carotid and bafilary artery were beginning to oflify.

There was rather more blood about the brain than ufual ; but perhaps not
more than what is common to thofe who may be faid to die in health.

The blood had not in the leaft coagulated in any part of the body, nor did
it coagulate upon being expofed, which is another caufe for the appearance of
more blood than ufual, and alfo perhaps for its fettling fo much on the
fkin.”

This very accurate difleftion throws much light on the nature of the difeafe ;
and though perhaps it may not affilt us in curing it, yet will enable phyficians
to give fuch afliftance and advice, as may contribute much to the cure of fuch
as are afflidted with this malady, and promote the continuance of their ex-
igence.

The ftate of the parts about the heart fully {hews, that under fuch circum-
llances it is impoflible to bear with impunity the effects of fudden and violent
agitations, whether they arife from gulfs of paflion, or fuddenly accelerated
mufcular motion.

To propofe fuch a kind of diet as may be the molt likely to prevent fuch
irritability ; to recommend likewife attention to quantity ; to be particularly
abftemious in refpedt to every thing heating, fpices, fpirits, wines, and all fer-
mented liquors ; to guard mod: fcrupuloufly againft paflion, or any vehement
emotions ; and to make ufe of all the ufual means of eftablilhing and preferv-
ing general health ; to mitigate excefles of irritability, by anodynes j or pains,
if they quicken the circulation ; to difperfe flatulencies when they diftend the
ftomach, by moderate dofes of carminatives, amongfl: which, perhaps, Ample
peppermint-water may be one of the fafefl: ; will perhaps be the means of con-
tinuing many a valuable life to his family.

And it is not improbable, but that on the firfl: appearance of this ftridture,
cfpecially in an age not too far advanced, the plan propofed might greatly re-
tard the progrefs of this diforder, by aflifting to reftrain excefles of paflion and
anxiety, which perhaps contribute more to the increafe of this difeafe, than a
combination of all the other caufes.

OBSERVATIONS

£ 377 1

OBSERVATIONS on DISORDERS

TO WHICH

PAINTERS in WATER-COLOURS are expofed *

■ ... »i.— — aWWBWB— ■ '

To the Medical Society.

Gentlemen,

I Have met with divers inftances of perfons employed in painting with water-
colours, who have been violently afflicted with that difeafe, which is fo
generally known by the name of colica Piffonum, or the dry belly-ach ; and
who have been feized with that train of fymptoms which ufuaily attends this
difeafe, and even with that fpecies of paralyfis which is often the companion of
the raoft violent and advanced ftages of it.

As fome of the firft cafes that occurred to me happened in autumn, I attri-
buted them to the ufual effects of the feafon ; a difpofition to bilious diforders
in every degree.

Reflecting on thefe cafes, I found that feveral of the inftances I had met
with, who were fo affeCted, both men and women, employed themfelves in
painting with water-colours ; and were likewife ftudious, and eminent in the
refpedtive branches of their profeflion.

This led me to confider their occupation more attentively, in order to difco-
ver, if pofiible, the caufe of thefe complaints, and the means of preventing or
curing them with more certainty and expedition.

The pigments they make ufe of are, for the moft part, prepared from mine-
rals, and many of them of a poifonous nature : white lead, red lead, vermilion,
verdigrife, orpiment, calcined fmelts, and other fubftances of a deleterious
‘kind, form the bafis of moft of their colours.

It is not an unufual thing, nay, it is too frequently the practice of many of

* Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. v. p. 394. an. 1775.

3 c

thefe

378 Obfervations on Diforders of Painters in Water-Colours.

thefe artifts, whilft they are ftudying their fubjeX, to have the point of the
pencil between their lips, and whilft they are fafhioning it to their purpofe, are
infenfibly fwallowing, though in a flow unheeded manner, the noxious particles
of mineral poifons, whofe effects will be proportioned to the quantity thus in-
fenfibly taken in, and the delicacy of the conftitution. It is feldom that the
robuft apply themfelves to this fedentary occupation,

A young ingenious female artift, about 19 years of age, had frequent at-
tacks of this difeafe. She ftudied much, ufed very little exercife, and by thefe
means became more difpofed to fuffer by this unheeded poifon.

At length fhe had a violent putrid fever, attended with the moft Angular ap-
pearances I ever met with; one of which v/as, a kind of defipentia .that con-
tinued for weeks after the fever left her, with total lofs of fpeech ; infomuch
that when fhe had recovered her faculties fo far as to know her wants, flie was
long unable to exprefs them but by writing. To this was added a moft ex-
quifite pain in the foies of her feet, for many weeks, which prevented all exer-
cife, and thereby retarded her recovery.

At length Ihe grew better, fat down to her favourite employment, and was
frequently feized with a violent bilious colic, with its ufual confequences.
Emetics, purgatives, and the common procefs in. thefe cafes, removed thefe
complaints ; but her hands grew feeble fhe became irregular, leuco-
phlegmatic, and unable to purfue the employment fhe was devoted to. At
length, however, fhe recovered a moderate fhare of health, and being made fen-
fible of the probable caufe of her indifpofition, flie fcrupuloufiy avoids tho
practice that brought on thefe complaints, and enjoys better health.

This and fome other inftances that happened about the fame time, to perfons
in the fame occupation, induced me to think thefe diforders were principally
owing to their fwallowing, without thinking of the confequence, fo much of the
deleterious colours, as thofe unavoidably mud do who accuftom. themfelves to
fafhion the point of the pencil between their lips.

In confequence of thefe reflexions, I have defired fucft artifts as I have been
acquainted with, to find fome other means of performing this operation ; as the
colours, being many of them of a poifonous quality, would, fooner or later,
fubjed them to very grievous fufferings, and perhaps, in time, to the. total lofs
of the ufe of their hands.

I do not prefume to propofe any better method of curing this, difeafe, than
that which has been propofed by the writers on the colica Pittionwn. But when,
the vomitings are abated, copious difcharges by ftool procured, and the func-
tions of all the bowels, in degree, reftored to. their ufual ftate, I know of
nothing that fo effectually contributes to reftore the ufe of the limbs, when im-
paired by thefe caufes, as the liberal and conftant ufe of the tinttura guaicina
yolatilis. It may be given to fuch a quantity as may be fufficient to keep the-

10 belly

Ohfer nations on Diforders of Painters in Water-Colours, ^79

belly gently open, mixed with a little common fugar or honey, and then diluted
with any weaker mucilaginous liquor, as thin gruel, or barley-water, or marfh-
mallow-tea.

Being fully convinced that many perfons have fuffered, and are (till liable to
ifuffer, from this unfufpeded caufe, I need not fuggeft to you, that could thefe
ingenious artifts be, by any means, apprized of the danger they are expofed to
by fuch practices, it might fave them much trouble and expence, and continue
-them longer in a condition to ferve themfelves, their families, and the public.

I mentioned that the patient, whofe cafe I briefly defcribed, fuffered greatly
from a fevere and unremitting pain in the foies of her feet, after the fever had
left her. I thought myfelf happy that I had direded no applications to be
made to the feet, neither blifters, warm plafters, nor cataplafms, though the
nature of her complaints often induced me to confider how far they might
afford a profped of relief. I fhould perhaps have attributed her fufferings to
thefe applications.

I almoft fufped they were the effeds of fome poifonous quality of the paint,
and efpecially of the arfenical kind, from the following circumftance :

When that celebrated medicine called Flunked % was in ufe, about 15 or 20
years agu, fui the cAiiipaiiun of cancers, I met with the like pains in the feet,
where that medicine had been plentifully and repeatedly applied for the extir-
pation of cancerous tumours; and it was generally apprehended that white
arfenic was a principal ingredient in this compoiition. It is certain, however,
that many of the pigments are of an arfenical origin, that others are prepara-
tions of lead and copper, all of them noxious in a high degree, and never fail
to produce the word of confequences, when they are received into the human
body for a long time together, even in the minuted: quantities.

There is indeed a pain in the foies of the feet, which I do not recoiled ever
to have feen remarked by any writer. It is almoft the conftant companion of
dram-drinking, and in women efpecially. Having met with it in too many in-
ftances of this kind, it affords me but too juft apprehenfions of the nature of
the malady, when a conftant burning heat in the foies of the feet makes a part
of the patient’s complaints.

It is not improbable but that many difeafes affeding very young children,
may be aferibed to a caufe which I am obliged to Dr. Heberden for fuggefting
to me. Many of their play-things are coated with paint, a great part whereof
is white lead, covered with a flight varnifh. Children are feldom content with
holding thefe painted poifonous toys in their hands; they often thruft them into
their mouths, and the varnifh being eafily worn off, moft probably fo much of
the paint is fwallowed as to become the fource of complaints, vhhich prove the
.more obftinate, as the caufe is, in general, fo little fufpeded.

Accidentally mentioning this fubjed to Baron Dimfdale, he informed me of

3 C 2 a cafe

3 So Obfer vat ions on Dforders of Painters in Water- Colour H

a cafe that had fallen under his own notice, and of which, at my requeft, hft
drew up the following defcription :

In November laft I was called to a boy of about eight years old, fmall of
his age, but naturally lively and healthy. The account I received was, that he
had for fome time pall been evidently declining in his health, complaining of
pains in his belly and ftomach. His apothecary had treated it as a worm cafe,
and had given him a variety of evacuating medicines, particularly of the mer-
curial kind, without gaining any ground ; on' the contrary, the boy grew indo-*
lent and feeble, and had an obllinate coftivenefs : on being defired to ufe exer-
cife, he complained of weaknefs and pain in his knees and ancles-; his appetite,
which ufed to be very keen, was almoil gone ; and his whole appearance was
languid and declining ; his belly was rather large and tenfe, but not to a very
remarkable degree.

<f Particular inquiry was made refpe&ing his diet s but nothings appeared, in
this refpeCt, improper or unufual.

“ Conlidering it, therefore, as an obllinate- nbflruCtion in the bowels, a va-
riety of medicines were tried, to keep the body moderately lax and open ; but
no ground was gained by thefe means; on the contrary, he declined vifibly,
though flowly.

“ Whilll he was in this Hate of danger and uncertainty, a relation of the
family alked me, whether he might not be injured by fucking the pencils with
which he painted. I inllantly took the alarm, and, on enquiry, found that he
had been extremely fond of colouring little pi&ures, and, for that purpole,
was furnilhed with ihells of paint, and pencils, with which he amufed himfelf
frequently; and his friends deeming it an inoffenfive amufement, had not menT
tioned it to me. On examining further, I found alfo that he had got a trick of
being almoil continually wetting his pencils in his mouth, while there, was paint
on them. •

« On this difcovery, all the pernicious implements were taken from him, and
by giving occafionally a purging medicine, taking care that he had llools regu-
larly, and perfiiling in a proper diet, he foon began to mend, and in a ihort
fpace of time recovered his ufual health and vivacity.”

If your own obfervations correfpond with thefe remarks, by giving them a
place in your collection, the knowledge of them will foon be extenlively difj-
fufed, and thofe who are liable to fuffer by thefe accidents will be apprized of
their danger.

Perhaps the following account, which I received from a-perfon of good un*
demanding, juft obfervation, and veracity, now living in Cornwall, may not-be
altogether without its ufe, and feems not wholly foreign to this fubjeCl :

A few years ago, two perfons in the fame neighbourhood purchafed between
them a hogfnead of cyder, for the ufe of the people, they employed in harveft.

Thofe

Qbfervations on D [[orders of Painters in Water-Colours, 381

Thofe in the fervice of my friend had no complaints, and enjoyed their
health as ufual.

His neighbour’s work-people had, moll of them, fome degree of the colica
Pittonum, and divers of them feverely.

The cyder was the fame, and given in like quantities ; the people worked in
the fame neighbourhood, and at the fame feafon.

On inquiring into the caufe of this fingular difference, it was found that my
acquaintance had always fent his cyder to the field in a fmall barrel ; and that
his neighbour had as conftantly made ufe of a glazed earthen pitcher for this
purpofe. The cyder was thin and fharpj the glazing was almofl diffolved, and
molt probably was the caufe of the complaints. This inftance may ferve as a
very ufeful leffon to many people under the like circumflances ; and to corro-
borate the evidence refpedting the noxious effedls of lead, already fubmitted to
the Public by Drs. Baker, Percival, and other fenfible writers*

t

EXTRACTS

X'V U-. • . > • ' -V

{ . 1 'lit J - ill. 1, >

l w

. ji ex

■ v ■'

is ;

■ ' :

. . . t ' .

— v ! - • - • ■ 7 :n i. ' :

,7

V : • 1 ' 'r:

- } : ;:^J f ; A rri t : . ■' Ot \ ■ : ' ;•

■

i ; 'y.\ '.•( 7<: uj... >.v :t. :i-- -t : o . . . :

r !i) v.;rn 7?; i-.'V r. . . ...’-I •• : '.-V ' i '7' • •• tMft

■j 03 i- / ~i • ' > ’ ■ < • ■ -■ ' -> 3 .

< jj j nri ' ' ■ to/j n . . ’ : •

s^> i 7 1 7 ' "i " , r<j ' n \f’i 7 71

V Its

•v;

bl

; V ■■

-J J.i to-.-

" - i

s

)ffee, &c.

. S. &c.

c OFFEA Arafoca

Y

PlttteV

I

j£#//*rSc

EXTRACTS

FROM

An Hiftorical Account of Coffee, &c.

By J O H N ELLIS, F. R. S. &>c.

J Cannot give a letter explanation of the origin of the following hijlorical ac-
count of Coffee, than in the words of Dr. Fothergill himfelf, which I J, hall extract
from a letter he wrote to me *. C{ Laft Summer, before I went out of town , J. Ellis
“ defined me to put down fome remarks on Coffee in writing, which he had repeatedly
C! heard from me in converfation. I. threw out upon .paper whilft in -Chejhire what
cc occurred to me on the fubjeCt, in a letter to himfelf. His daughter draws very pret-
ff tily, and from a performance of hers the annexed plate was engraved. Dr. So -
ef lander has corrected the botanical part of the defcription: the author propofes to
“ preface all this with an account of the introduction of this liquor into Turkey and
<c Europe. A paper put into my hands by Governor Melville , points out the time
Cf of the plant's introduction into the Weft . Indies. The point in view is, to engage

“ the Legiftature to lower the duties, and encourage the produce and confumption of
“ Coffee , for the mutual benefit of this nation and her colonies."

From a work, in the compilation of which Dr. Fothergill had fo conftderable a
fto are, I thought it not improper to preferve, with his letter , fuch extracts as might
explain the general hiftory of this dietetic and elegant vegetable, which flourijhes
luxuriantly in the hot-houfes about London. The largeft tree which was in the
Doctor's poffeffton, is about fifteen feet high, which is the full fze of this exotic, as I
have obferved it in its natural foil : this tree is now in my Garden at Grove-hill, in
full berry. Editor,

* Dated Harpur-Street, Feb, i, 1774,

A BOTANICAL

t 38J ]

A

• * . .* ’ i

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

OF THE .*.!(

Flower and Fruit of the COFFEE-TREE.

THE chara&ers of that genus of plants called Coffea by Linnaeus, who
places it in the firft order of his fifth clafs, that is, among the Pentandria
Monogynia , or plants that have five male organs and one female organ, are as
follow :

Calix. Perianthium quadridentatum,
minimum, germini infidens.

Corolla. Petalum infundibuliforme.
Tubus cylindraceus, tenuis, calyce
multoties longior. Limbus planus,
quinque partitus, tubo longior j
laciniis lanceolatisj lateribus revolu-
tis.

Stamina. Filamenta quinque, fubu-
lata, tubo corolla impofita Anthera
lineares, incumbentes, longitudine
filamentorum.

The Flower Cup, whofe brim has four
very fmall indentations, and is placed
upon the germen or embryo feedvef-
fel.

The Flower confifts of one funnel-
fhaped petal, with a flender tube
nearly cylindrical, much longer than
the flower cup. Its brim is expanded
and divided into five fegments. Thefe
are longer than the tube, are fharp-
pointed, and reflexed on the fides.

The Chives confift of five awl-fhaped
filaments fixed on the tube of the
flower. On thefe are placed the li-
near-fhaped fummits, containing the
male dull. Thefe are of the fame
length with the filaments,

3 D

PlSTILLUM.

The

A Botanical Defcription of the Coffee-Tree.

3«6

PisTiLLUM. GtfTWizfubrotundum. Sty-
lus fimplex, longitudine corollae.
Stigmata duo, reflexa, fubulata craf-
liufcujla.

Pericarpium. ZWrafubrotunda, punc-
to umbilicata.

Semina. Bina, elliptico-hemifphasrica,
hinc gibba, inde plana, ariUo invo-

luta.

The Pijlil confifts of a roundifh ger-
men, or embryo feed veflel. The ftyle
is ftraight and even, of the length of
the flower, and ends in two flender,
reflexed, fpungy tops.

The Fruit is a roundilh berry, marked
at the top with a pun&ure like a na-
vel.

I't has two feeds, of an oblong hemif-
pherical form, convex on the one
fide, and flat on the other ; each of
which is enclofed in a membrane,
commonly called the parchment.

*#* Linnaeus has omitted taking notice of the feptum or membrane that divides the feeds into
two cells or loculaments j and alfo the little furrow on the flat fide of each feed. — It frequently
happens, that in the Mocha Coffee only one feed is- to be found, the other being defective*

A fort Defcription of the COFFEE -TREE,
'Taken from Linnaeus’s Amoenitat. Academ.. Vol.. VI. p. 169.

Arbor fimplex, eredla, minus altaj Ra-
mis longis, fimplicibus, laxis & fere
nutantibus, veftitis Foliis oppofitis,
laurinis, fempervirentibus, ornata
Floribus albis feflilibus, fere Jafmini
corolla, quibusfforr^ ceraforum facie
rubicundae fuccedunt, pulpa pallida,
fubmucilaginofa, fatua intus gerentes
femina duo, dura, hinc convexa, inde
plana, arillo cartilagineo vefty:a.

This Tree is a native of Arabia Felix,

The Tree grows eredl, with a Angle fern,
is but low \_from eight to twelve feet
highj ] has long undivided, {lender
branches, bending downwards. Thefe
are furnifhed with evergreen oppofite
leaves, not unlike thofe of the bay-
tree, and adorned with white Jafmine
flowers fitting on fhort foot-ftalks,
which are fucceeded by red berries,
like thofe of the cherry, having a
pale, infipid, glutinous pulp, con-
taining two hard-feeds, convex on the
one fide, and flat on the other, which
are covered with a cartilaginous
membrane or parchment.

and of ^Ethiopia.

A Botanical Defcription of the Cojfee-% ne.

387

The SYNONYMS, or Names given to this Tree by different Authors *

Coffea \_Arabicaf\ floribus quinquefidis difpermis. Linn. Spec, plant. Ed. II.
:p. 245-

Jafminum Arabicum , lauri folio, cujus femen apud nos Coffe dicitur. Juflf. aft.
Gall. 1713, p. 388, t. 7.

Jafminum Arabicum , caftanese folio, flore albo odoratiflimo. Till. Prif. 87. t. 32.
Euonymo fimilis /Egyptica, fruftu baccis lauri fimili. Bauh. Pin. 498.
Pluk. Phyt. 272. f. l.

Bon. Alp. ./Egypt . 36. t. 36.

EXPLANATION of the Letters in the Plate , which have a Reference to
the Diffeblion of the Flower and Fruit.

A. The flower, cut open to fhew the fituation of the five filaments, with

their fummits lying upon them.

B. Reprefents the flower cup, with its four fmall indentations, inclofing

the germen, or embryo feed vefiel; from the middle of which arifes
the ftyle, terminated by the two reflexed fpungy tops.

C. The fruit intire ; marked at the top with a punfture, like a navel.

D. The fruit open, to fhew that it confifts of two feeds, which are fur-

rounded by the pulp.

E. The fruit cut horizontally, to fhew the feeds as they are placed ereft>

with their flat fides together.

F. One of the feeds taken out, with the membrane or parchment upon it.

G. The fame, with the parchment torn open, to give a view of the feed.

H. The feed without the parchment.

[ 388 ]

——

THE

HISTORY of COFFEE.

THE earlieft account we have of Coffee is taken from an Arabian manu-
script in the King of France’s library, N° 944, and is as follows :

Schehabeddin Ben, an Arabian author of the1 ninth century of the Hegira^ or
fifteenth of the Chriftians, attributes to Gemaleddin, Mufti of Aden, a city of
Arabia Felix, who- was nearly his cotemporary, the firft introdudtion into that
country of drinking Coffee. He tells us, that Gemaleddin, having occafion- to
travel into- Perfia, during his abode there faw fome of his countrymen drinking
Coffee, which at that time he did not much attend to but,, on his return to
Aden, finding himfelf indifpofed, and remembering that he had feen his coun-
trymen drinking Coffee in Perfia, in hopes of receiving fbme benefit from it, he
determined to try it on himfelf; and, after making' the experiment, not only
recovered his: health, but perceived other ufeful qualities in that liquor; fuch
as relieving the head-ach, enlivening the fpirits, , and, without prejudice tathe
conftitution, preventing drowfinefs. This laft quality he refolved to turn to the
advantage of his profeffion : he took it himfelf, and recommended it to the Der-
vifes, or religious Mahometans, to enable them to pafs the night in prayer., and
other exercifes of their religion, with greater zeal and attention. The example
and authority of the Mufti gave reputation to Coffee. Soon men of letters,
and perfons belonging to the law, adopted the ufe of it. Thefe were followed
by the tradefmen, and artifans that were under a neceflity of working in the
night, and fuch as were obliged to travel late after fun-fet. At length the cuf-
tom became general in Aden ; and it was not only drank in the night by thofe
who were defirous of being kept awake, but in the day for the fake of its other
agreeable qualities.

The

The Hijiory of Coffee, 389

The Arabian author adds, that they found themfelves fo well by drinking
Coffee, that they entirely left off the ufe of an infufion of an herb, called in
their language Cat , which poffibly might be Tea, though the Arabian author
gives us no particular reafon to think fo.

Before this time Coffee was fcarce known in Perfia, and very little ufed in
Arabia, where the tree grew ; but, according to Schehabeddin, it had been
drank in /Ethiopia from time immemorial.

Coffee being thus received at Aden, where it has continued in ufe ever fince
without interruption, paffed by degrees to many neighbouring towns ; and not
long after reached Mecca, where it was introduced, as at Aden, by the Der--
viles, and for the fame purpofes of religion.

The inhabitants of Mecca were at laft fo fond of this liquor, that, without
regarding the intention of the religious, and other ftudious perfons, they at
length drank it publicly in coffee-houfes, where they affembled in crowds to
pafs the time agreeably, making that the pretence : here they played at chefs,
and fuch other kind of games, and that even for money. In thefe houfes .the.y
amufed themfelves likewife with finging, dancing, and mufic, contrary to the
manners of the rigid Mahometans, which afterwards was the occafion of fome
difturbances. From hence the cuftom extended itfelf to many other towns of
Arabia, and particularly to Medina, and then to Grand Cairo in Egypt j where
the Dervifes of the province of Yemen, who lived in a diftriCt by themfelves,,
drank Coffee the nights they intended to fpend in devotion. They kept it in
a large red earthen veffel, and received it refpedtfully from the hand of their
fuperior, who poured it out into cups for them himfelf. He was foon imitated
by many devout people of Cairo, and their example followed by the ftu-
dious ; and afterwards by fo many people, that Coffee became as common a
drink in that great city, as at Aden, Mecca, and Medina, and other cities of
Arabia.

But at length the rigid Mahometans began to difapprove the ufe of Coffee^
as occafioning frequent diforders, and too nearly refembling wine in its effecfts ;
the drinking of which is contrary to the tenets of their religion. Government
was therefore obliged to interfere, and at times reftrain.the ufe of ft. How-
ever, it had become fo univerfally liked, that it was found afterwards neceffary
to take off all reftraint for the future.

Coffee continued its progrefs through. Syria,, and was received at Damafcus
and Aleppo without oppofition : and in the year 1554, under. the reign of the
great Soliman, one hundred years, after its. introduction by the Mufti of Aden,
it. became known to the inhabitants of Conftantinople ; when two private per-
fons, whofe names were Schems and Hekin, the one coming from Damafcus,
and the other from Aleppo, each opened a Coftee-houfe in Conftantinople,

and

' 39° Hi/lory of Coffee.

and fold Cpjffee publicly, in rooms fitted up in an elegant manner ; which were
prefently frequented by men of learning, and particularly poets and other per-
fons, who' came to amufe themfelves with a game of chefs or draughts, or to
make acquaintance, and pafs their time agreeably at a fmall expence.

Thefe houfes and affembfies infenfibly became fo much in vogue, that they
were frequented by people of all profefiions, and even by the officers of the fe-
raglio, the pachas, and perfons of the firft rank about the court i However,
when they feemed to be the moft firmly eftablifhed, the imans, or officers of
the mofques, complained loudly of their .being deferted, while the Coffee-
houfes were full of company. The dervifes and the religious orders murmured,
and the preachers declaimed againft them,, afferting that it was a lefs fin to go
to a Tavern than to a Coffee-houfe.

After much wrangling, the devotees united their intereffs to obtain an au-
thentic condemnation of Coffee, and determined to prefent to the mufti a peti-
tion for that purpofe ; in which they advanced, that roafted Coffee was a kind
of coal, and that what had any relation to coal was forbid by law. They de-
fired him to determine on this matter according to the duty of his office.

The chief of the law, without entering much into the queftion, gave fuch a
decifion as they wiffied for, .and pronounced that the drinking of Coffee was
contrary to the law of Mahomet.

So refpedtable is the authority of the mufti, that nobody dared to find
fault with his fentence. Immediately all the Coffee-houfes were fhut, and the
officers of the police were commanded to prevent any one from drinking
Coffee. However, the habit was become fo ftrong, and the ufe of it fo gene-
rally agreeable, that the people continued, notwithstanding all prohibitions, to
drink it in their own houfes. The officers of the police, feeing they could not
_dupprefs the ufe of it, allowed of the felling it on paying a tax, and of the
drinking it, provided it was not done openly ; fo that it was drunk in particular
places with the doors fhut, or in the back room of fome of the fhopkeepers
houfes.

Under colour of this, Coffee-houfes by little and little were re-eftabliffied ; .
and a new mufti, lefs fcrupulous and more enlightened than his predeceffor,
having declared publicly, that Coffee had no relation to coal, and that the in-
fufion of it was not contrary to the law of Mahomet, the number of Coffee-
koufes became greater than before. After this declaration, the religious orders,
the preachers, the lawyers, and even the mufti himfelf, drank Coffee and their
example was followed univerfally by the court and city.

The grand viziers, having poffeffed themfelves of a fpecial authority over the
houfes in which it was permitted to be drunk publicly, took advantage of this
opportunity of raifing a confiderable tax on the licences they granted for that

purpofe,

*F£t H iftory of Coffee . 392

purpofe, obliging each matter of a Coffee-houfe to pay a fequin per day, limit-
ing however the price at an afper a difh *.

THUS far the Arabian manufcript in the King of France’s library, as tranf-
lated by Mr. Galand ; who proceeds to inform us of the occafion of a total fup-
prefiion of public Coffee-houfes during the war in Candia, when the Ottoman
affairs were in a criticalfituation.

The liberty which the politicians who frequented thefe houfes took, in fpeak-
ing too freely of public affairs, was carried to that length, that the Grand Vizier
Kupruli, father of the two famous brothers of the fame name, who afterwards
fucceeded him, fuppreffed them all, during the minority of Mahomet the
Fourth, with a difintereftednefs hereditary in his family, without regarding the
lofs of fo confiderable a revenue, of which he reaped the advantage himfelf.
Before he came to that determination, he vifited, incognito, the feveral Coffee-
houfes, where he obferved fenffble grave perfons difcourfing ferioufly of the af-
fairs of the empire, blaming adminiftration, and deciding with confidence on
the mott important concerns. He had before been in the taverns, where he only
met with gay young fellows, moftly foldiers, who were diverting themfelves with
finging, or talking of nothing but gallantry and feats of war. Thefe he took no
further notice of. '

After the fiutting up of the Coffee-houfes, no lels Coffee was . drunk, for it
was carried about in large copper veflels, with fire under them, through the
great ftreets and markets. This was only done at Conftantinople ; for in all
other towns of the empire, and even in the fmalleft villages, the Coffee-houfes
continued open as before.

Notwithttanding this precaution of fuppreffing the public meetings at Coffee-
houfes, the confumption of Coffee increafed ; for there was no houfe or family,
rich or poor, Turk or Jew, Greek or Armenian, who are very numerous in that
city, where it was not drank at leaft twice a day, and many people drank it of-
tener, for it became a cuftom in every houfe to offer it to all vifitors ; and it
was reckoned an incivility to refufe it; fo that many people drank twenty dilhes
a day, and that without any inconvenience, which is fuppofed by this author an
extraordinary advantage : and another great ufe of Coffee, according to him, is
its uniting men in fociety in ftridler ties of amity than any other liquor; and he
obferves, that fuc.h proteftations of friendfhip as are made at fuch times, are far

* The Turkifh fequin (according to Chambers) is of the value of about nine (hillings (terllng %
and the afper is a very fraall filver coin,, of the value of fomething more than an Englilh half-
penny. The prefent value is nearly feven (hillings ; that is, two (hillings and three-pence three-
farthings for a dollar, or eighty afpers ; confequently three afpers are worth fomething more than
a penny fterling, but they are generally reckoned at an halfpenny each. Two hundred and forty-
three afpers go to a fequin,

7

more

39 2 Hijlory of Coffee.

more to be depended upon than when the mind is intoxicated with inebriating
liquors. He computes, that as much is fpent in private families in the article
of Coffee at Conftantinople, as in wine at Paris ; and relates, that it is cufto-
mary there to afk for money to drink Coffee, as in Europe for money to drink
your health in wine or beer. . f ,

Another curious particular we find mentioned here, is, that the refufing to
fupply a wife with Coffee is reckoned among the legal caufes of a divorce.

The Turks drink their Coffee very hot and ftrong, and without fugar. Now
and then they put in, when it is boiling, a clove or two bruifed, according to
the quantity; or a little of the Jemen badian , called ftarry annifeed, or fome of
the leffer cardamums, or a drop of effence of amber.

It is not eafy to determine at what time, or upon what occafion, the ufe of
Coffee paffed from Conftantinople to the weftern parts of Europe. It is how-
ever likely that the Venetians, .upon account of the proximity of their domi-
nions, and their great trade to the Levant, were the firft acquainted with it ;
which appears from part of a letter wrote by Peter della Valle, a Venetian, in
1615, from Conftantinople ; in which he tells his friend, that, upon his return
he ftiould bring with him fome Coffee, which he believed was a thing unknown
in his country.

Mr. Galand tells us he was informed by Mr. de la Croix, the king’s inter-
preter, that Mr. Thevenot, who had travelled through the Eaft, at his return
in 1657, brought with him ,to Paris fome Coffee for his own ufe, and often
treated his friends with it, amongft which number Monfieur de la Croix was
one ; and that from that time he had continued to drink it, being fupplied by
fome Armenians who fettled at Paris, and by degrees brought it into reputa-
tion in that city.

it was known fome years fooner at Marfeilles ; for in 1644 fome gentlemen,
who accompanied Monfieur de la Haye to Conftantinople, brought back with
them on their return, not only fome Coffee, but the proper veffels and appara-
tus for making and drinking it, which were particularly magnificent, and very
different from what are now ufed amongft us. However, until the year 1660
Coffee was drank only by fuch as had been accuftomed to it in the Levant, and
their friends : but that year fome bales were imported from Egypt, which gave
a great number .of perfons an opportunity of trying it, and contributed very
much to bringing it into general ufe; and in 1671 certain private perfons at
Marfeilles determined for the firft time to open a Coffee-houfe in the neigh-
bourhood of the Exchange, which fucceeded extremely well ; people met there
to fmoke, talk of bufinels, and divert themfelves with play; it was foon crouded,
particularly by the Turky merchants and traders to the Levant. Thefe places
were found very convenient for difcourftng on and .fettling matters relating to
commerce ; and fiiortly after the number of Coffee-houfes incr-eafed amazingly :

- - notwithftanding.

The Hijiory of Coffee . 393

notwithflanding which there was not lefs drank in private houfes, but a much
greater quantity; fo that it became univerlaliy in ufe at Marfeilles, and the
neighbouring cities.

Before the year 1669 Coffee had not been feen at Paris, except at Mr. Theve-
not’s, and forae of his friends ; nor fcarce heard of but from the account of
travellers. That year was diflinguifhed by the arrival of Soliman Aga, ambaf-
fador from Sultan Mahomet the Fourth. This mull be looked upon as the true
period of the introduction of Coffee into Paris ; for that minifter and his reti-
nue brought a confiderable quantity with them, which they prefented to fo
many perfons of the court and city, that many became accuftomed to drink it,
-with the addition of a little fugar ; and fome, who had found benefit by it, did
not chufe to be without it. The ambaffador flaid at Paris from July 1669 to
May 1670, which was a fufficient time to eftablifh the cuftom he had intro-
duced.

Two years afterwards, an Armenian, of the name of Pafcal, fet up a Coffee-
houfe, but meeting with little encouragement, left Paris, and came to London :
he was fucceeded by other Armenians and Perfians, but not with much fuccefs,
for want of addrefs and proper places to difpofe of it, genteel people not caring
to be feen in thofe places where it was fold. However, not long after, when
fome Frenchmen had fitted up for the purpofe fpacious apartments in an ele-
gant manner, ornamented with tapeflry, large looking-glaffes, pictures, and
magnificent luftres, and began to fell Coffee, with tea, chocolate, and other re-
frefhments, they foon became frequented by people of fafhion and men of let-
ters, fo that in a fhort time the number in Paris increafed to three hundred.

For this account of the introduction of the ufe of Coffee into Paris, we are
indebted to La Roque’s Voyage into Arabia Felix. We now come to trace its
firft appearance in London.

It appears from Anderfon’s Chronological Hiftory of Commerce, that the ufe
of Coffee was introduced into London fome years earlier than into Paris ; for in
1652 one Mr. Edwards, a Turky merchant, brought home with him a Greek
fervant, whofe name was Pafqua, who underflood the reading and making of
Coffee, till then unknown in England. This fervant was the firft who fold
Coffee, and kept a houfe for that purpofe in George-yard, Lombard-flreet.

The firlt mention of Coffee in our flatute books, is anno 1660 (12 Car. II.
cap. 24.) when a duty of four-pence was laid upon every gallon of Coffee
made and fold, to be paid by the maker.

The flatute of the 15 Car. II. cap. xi. § 15. ann. 1663, direCts that all Coffee-
houfes fhould be licenfed at the general quarter fefTions of the peace for the
county within which they are to be kept.

In 1675 King Charles iifued a proclamation to fhut up the Cbffee-houfes, but

3 E in

They were charged

3H

Tut Hifory of Coffee.

in a few days fufpended that proclamation by a fecond. They were charged
with being feminaries of fedition*.

The firft European author who has made any mention of Coffee is Rauwolfusj
who was in the Levant in 1573 ; but the firft who has particularly defcribed it
is- Profper Alpinus, in bis Hiftory of the Egyptian Plants, published at Venice
in 1591, who ft defcription we have in Parkinfon’s Theatre: ©f Plants, p. 1622,
chap. 79. as follows 1

Arlor Bon, cum fruftu Juo buna , the Turk’s berry drink. Alpinus, rn his book
of Egyptian plants, gives 11s the defcription of this tree,, which he fays he faw in
the garden of a captain of the janiffaries, which was brought out of Arabia
Felix:, and there planted, as a rarity never, feen growing in thofe places before.
Tlie tree,, faith Alpinus, is fomewhat like the Euonymus, or Spindle tree, but
the leaves of it were thicker, harder,, and greener, and always abiding on the
tree. The fruit is called Buna, and is fomewhat bigger than a hazel nut, and
longer; round alio, and' pointed at one end ^ furrowed likewiie on both fides,
yet on one fide more confpicuous than the other, that it might be parted into
two; in each fide whereof lieth a fmall. oblong white kernel, flat on that fide
they join together, covered with a.yellowifh fkin, of an acid tafte, and fome-
what bitter, and contained in a thin fhell f of a darkifh afh colour. With thefe
berries, in Arabia and Egypt, and other parts of the Turkifh dominions, they
generally make a decodtion or drink, which is in the ftead of wine to them, and
commonly fold in their, tap-houfes or taverns, called, by the name of Caovai

* This proclamation' was iffued about a month after the king- had dined with the corporation,'
of London, at Guildhall, on their Lord Mayor’s Day, OS. 29, 1675. At this fealt the king
afforded the citizens abundant matter for animadverfion, in which they indulged themfelves fa
much to his diffatisfadlion, and that of his cabal miniflry, that a proclamation was iffued
Dec. 20, for (hutting up and fuppreffing all Coffee-houfes, “ becaufe in fuch houfes, and by
“ occafion of the meeting of difaffefted perfons in them, divers falfe> malicious, and fcandalous
“ reports were devifed and read abroad, to the defamation of his majefty’s government, and to
«* the dillurbance of the quiet and peace of the realm.” The opinions of the judges were taken
on this great point of (lopping people’s tongues ; when they fagely refolved, “ That retailing of
“ Coffee and Tea might be an innocent trade; but as it was ufed to nouri(h fedition, fpread
“ lies, and fcandalize great men, it might alfo be a common nuifance.” On a petition of the
merchants and retailers of Coffee and Tea, permiffion was granted to keep open the Coffee-houfes
until the 24th of June following, under an admonition, that the mailers of them lhould prevent all
fcandalous papers,, books,, and libels, from, being read, in them, and hinder every perfon from de-
claring, uttering, or divulging all manner of falfe and fcandalous reports againll government, or
the minifters thereof. Thus by a refinement of policy, adds Noorthouck in his Hiilory of London, ,
the fimple manufafturer of a dilh' of Coffee or Tea was conftituted licenfer of books, correftor of
manners, and arbiter of the truth or falfehood of political intelligence, over every company he en-
tertained ! And here the matter ended. Editor.

f This defcription is evidently taken from a dried berry,, and not front the ripe fruit.

Paludamus,

T 'he Hijlory of Coffee. 395

Paludamus fays Choava , and Rauwolfus Chauke. This drink has many good
phyfical properties : it (Lengthens a weak ftomach, helping digeftion, and the
tumours and obftruftions of the liver and fpleen, being drank failing for fome
time together. It is held in great ellimation among the Egyptian and Arabian
women, in common feminine cafes, in which they find it does them eminent
fervice.

Lord Chancellor Bacon likewife makes mention of it in 1624: he fays, that
the Turks have a drink called Coffee, made with boiling water, of a berry re-
duced into powder, which makes the water as black as foot, and is of a pun-
o-ent and aromatic fmell, and is drank warm.

The celebrated John Ray, in his Hiftory of Plants, publifhed in 1690, fpeak-
ing of it as a drink very much in ufe, fays, that this tree grows only within the
tropics, and fuppofes that the Arabs deftroy the vegetable quality of the feeds,
in order to confine among themfelves the great fhare of wealth, which is
brought thither from the whole world for this commodity; from whence he ob-
ferves, that this part of Arabia might be truly ftyled the mod happy, and that
it was almofi: incredible how many millions of bufhels were exported from
thence into Turky, Barbary, and Europe. Lie fays, he was aflonifhed that one
particular nation fhould pofiefs fo great a treafure, and that within the narrow
limits of one province; and that he wondered the neighbouring nations did
not contrive to bring away fome of the found feeds or living plants, in order to
{hare in the advantages of fo lucrative a trade.

We now come to fhew by what means this valuable tree was firil introduced
into Europe, and from thence into America.

The firft account of this tree being brought into Europe we have from Boer-
haave, in his Index of the Leyden Garden, part II. page 217, which is as fol-
lows : Nicholas Witfen, burgomafter of Amflerdam, and governor of the Eaft
India Company, by his letters often advifed and defired Van Hoorn, governor
of Batavia, to procure from Mocha, in Arabia Felix, fome berries of the Cof-
fee-tree, to be fown at Batavia ; which he having accordingly done, and by
that means, about the year 1690, raifed many plants from feeds, he fent one
over to Governor Witfen, who immediately prefented it to the garden at Am-
flerdam, of which, he was the founder and fupporter : it there bore fruit, which
in a fhort time produced many young plants from the feeds. Boerhaave then
concludes, that the merit of introducing this rare tree into Europe, is due to the
care and liberality of Witfen alone.

In the year 1714 the magifbrates of Amfterdam, in order to pay a particular
compliment to Lewis XIV. king of France, prefented to him an elegant plant
of this rare tree, carefully and judicioufiy packed up to go by water, and de-
fended from the weather by a curious machine covered with glafs. The plant
was about five feet high, and an inch in diameter in the flem, and was in full

3 E 2 foliage.

396 The Hiftory- of Coffer,

foliage, with both green and ripe fruit. It was viewed in the river, with great
attention and curioftty, by feveral members cf the academy of fciences, and
was afterwards conducted to the royal garden at Marly, under the care of Mon-
fieur de Juftieu, the king’s profeffor of botany,, who had the year before written
a Memoir, printed in the Hiftory of the Academy of Sciences of Paris in the
year 1713,. defcribing the characters of this genus, together with an elegant
figure of it, taken from a fmaller plant, which he had received that year from
Monfteur Pancras,. burgom after of Amfterdam, and direftor of the botanical
garden there.

In 1718 the Dutch colony at Surinam began firft to plant Coffee; and in 1722
Monfteur de la Motte Aigr.on, governor of Cayenne, having buftnefs at Suri-
nam, contrived,, by an artifice, to bring away a plant from thence, which, in the
year 17 25, had produced many thoufands.

In 1727 the French, perceiving that this acquifttion might be of great ad-
vantage in their other colonies, conveyed to Martinico fome of the plants ;
from whence it moft probably fpread to the neighbouring iflands ; for in the
year 17 32 it was cultivated in Jamaica, and an atl paffed to encourage its
growth in that ifland. — Thus was laid the foundation of a moft extenfive and
beneficial trade to the European fettlements in the Weft Indies-

/

The Hijiory of Coffee .

397

An ACCOUNT of the Culture of the COFFEE-TREE in Arabia Felix,

ex trailed from La Roque1 s Voyage*

HE relates, that the Coffee-tree is there raifed from feed, which they fow in
nurferies, and plant them out as they have gc cation. They chufe for their
plantations a moift, fhady fituation, on feme eminence, or at the foot of the
mountains, and take great care to condudt from the mountains little rills of wa-
ter, in final! gutters or channels, to the roots of the trees; for it is abfolutely
neceffary they fhould be conftantly watered, in order to produce and ripen the
fruit. For that purpofe, when they remove or tranfplant the tree, they make a
trench three feet wide, and five feet deep, which they line or cover with
ftones, that the water may the more readily fink deep into the earth with which
the trench is filled, in order to preferve the moifture from evaporating. When
they obferve that there is a good deal of fruit upon the tree, and that it is nearly
ripe, they turn off the water from the roots, to leffen that fucculency in the fruit
which too much moifture would occafion.

In places much expofed to the fouth they plant their Coffee-trees in regular
lines, fheltered by a kind of Poplar-tree, which extends its branches on every
fide to a great diftance, and affords a very thick fhade. Without fuch precau-
tion, they fuppofe the exceftive heat of the fun would parch and dry the blof-
foms fo, that they would not be fucceeded by any fruit.

In fituations not fo much expofed to the fun, this defence is not neceffary.
When they perceive the fruit come to maturity, they fpread cloths under the
trees, which they fbake, and the ripe fruit drops readily*; they afterwards
fpread the berries upon mats, and expofe them to the fun until they are per-
fectly dry; after which they break the hulk with large heavy rollers,, made either
of wood or ftone. When the Coffee is thus cleared of its hulk, it is again dried
in the fun; for,, unlefs it is thoroughly dried, there is danger of its heating on
board the fhip. It is then winnowed with a large fan; for if it is not well
cleaned and dried, it fells for a much, lower price,

* This cireumftante deferves the particular attention of the Weft India planter, who, I am told,
is accuftomed to gather his Coffee as foon as it turns red, before it changes to a dark red colour,
and begins to fhrivel ; whereas the Arabians wait for thofe tokens, which fhew the full maturity
of the fruit. Mr. Miller in his Dictionary mentions, that in fome ftoves in England Coffee is
raifed of a better quality than the bell Mocha Coffee that can be procured in this country ; which
may likewife be owing to gathering the fruit only when it is thoroughly ripe.

393

The Hiftory of Coffee .

The Manner of preparing and drinking Coffee among the Arabians ,

From the fame Author.

The Arabians, when they take their Coffee off the fire, immediately wrap the
veffel in a wet cloth, which fines the liquor inflantly, makes it cream at top,
and occafions a more pungent fleam, which they take great pleafure in fnufnng
up as the Coffee is pouring into the cups. They, like all other nations of the
Eaft, .drink their Coffee without fugar.

People of the firft fafhion ufe nothing but Sultana Coffee, which is prepared
in the following manner: — They bruife the outward hufk, or dried pulp, and
put it into an iron or earthen pan, which is placed upon a charcoal fire ; they
then keep flirring it to and fro until it becomes a little brown, but not of fo
deep a-colour as common Coffee;. they then throw it into boiling water, adding
at leafl the fourth part of the inward hulks, which is then boiled all together in
.the manner of other Coffee : the colour of this liquor has fome refemblance to
.the btft Englifh beer. The hufks muft be kept in a very dry place, and packed
.up very clofe; for the leafl humidity fpoils the flavour. They efleem the li-
quor prepared in this manner preferable to any other. The French, when they
were at the court of the King of Yemen, faw no other Coffee drank, and they
found the flavour of it very delicate and agreeable ; there was no occaflon to
ufe fugar, as it had no bitter tafle to correct. In all probability this Sultana
Coffee can only be made where the tree grows; for, as the hufks have little
fubflance, if they are too much dried, in order to fend them to other countries*
the agreeable flavour they had when frefh is greatly impaired.

It may perhaps be worth while for our Well India planters to make a trial of
drying the outward and inner hufk of Coffee feparately, in the manner the Chi-
nefe do their tea, upon a broad fliallow iron pan, turned upwards at the brim,
placed upon a ftove. They fhould be kept continually turning, to prevent
burning ; and when they are become too hot to be handled, they fhould be
taken off with a kind of lhovel, and laid upon a mat* on a low table, and
fhifted about until they cool, fanning them at .the fame time, to difperfe the
moifture. The pan muft be frequently wiped, and kept clean from any clammy
matter flicking to it, and the procefs repeated while any moifture is perceived.
They muft afterwards be packed clofe in dry jars,- cannifters, or chefts lined
with .lead, fuch as the tea is fent over in. It will be proper to turn out thefe
hufks, after they have lain fome days, to examine whether they are thoroughly
drv ; and if the leafl damp is felt, it will be neceffary to dry them ftill more,
otherwife they will become mouldy and lofe their flavour : for it appears from
the Arabian account, that they are not acquainted with a proper method of dry-

! T’h e Hijlery of Cofee . 399

mg thefe hulks, and packing them fo as to be conveyed to any confiderable dif-
tance, without prejudicing this agreeable flavour.

The Chinefe are very careful not to leave their tea-leaves in heaps before they
are dried, which would occafion them to heat and fpoil : they likewife gather no
more at a time than they can dry in lefs than twenty-four hours, as they find,
when they have been kept longer, they turn black. Thefe obfervations may pof-
fibly be of fome ufe to thofe who may be induced to attempt drying the pulp of
the berry, for the purpofe- of making Sultana Coffee.

Ext reft

4^0

The Hijlory of Coffee.

Ext raff of a Letter from Dr. Fothergill to J. Ellis, Efquire, F. R. S.
Agent for Dominica. Containing fome Remarks on the Culture and life
of Coffee.

Sept. 2, 1773.

J T is doing a very ufeful piece of fervice, and I believe an acceptable one to
the public, to make them a little better acquainted with Coffee, which now
conftitutes fo confiderable a part of their entertainment, if not fuftenance. I
am pleafed with the engraving of this very elegant plant*; it is executed in the
beft manner of this able artift f, and exactly after the finifhed drawing he re-
ceived.

I have not time to collect, or relate with fufficient accuracy, the hiftory of
this berry, fo far as it might be traced in the Afiatic hiflories : it has been ufed
for ages. By the account which is fubjoined to the refle&ions I am going to
make on this fubftance, it will appear, that it was introduced by the French,
into Martinico in the Weft Indies no longer ago than the year 1727 ; that it has
been fince that time propagated in almoft all the Weft India iflands, Englifh,
French, and Dutch ; though it has not been cultivated by us with the attention
it deferves.

The greateft part of the Coffee now made ufe of in Europe is, I believe, the
produce of the Weft Indies; at leaft, the confumption of Mocha Coffee amongft
us feems to be greatly reduced. Several years ago two fhips were fent out an-
nually by the Eaft India Company ; they now only fend one every two years for
this article, if I am fghtly informed; though at the fame time it may be pre-
fumed a much larger quantity is confumed than at any time heretofore.

The French, and other nations, who have pofTeftions in the Weft Indies, fup-
ply us clandeftinely with large quantities. It is true, we import a great deal of
raw Coffee from our own iflands ; but the beft is of foreign growth. The
French in particular cultivate it with great attention ; much likewife is brought
from their Eaft India fettlements. Thofe who are accuftomed to drink Coffee
frequently, are fenflble of a very manifeft difference between the Afiatic, the
French, and American Coffee. The refrefliing odour of the firft, and its grate-
ful tafte, much furpafs the beft Weft India Coffee I have ever feen imported.
There is fomething in the fmelk a ranknels in the tafte, and difgufting return,

• As Dr. Fothergill fpeaks fo favourably of this engraving, I have on that account procured the
original plate alluded to; ;t exhibits the only impreflion that has not been purpofely executed for
this edition of the Doitor’s Works. Editor.
q J. S. Miller.

9 efpecially

The Hijlory of Coffee . 4c r

efpecially- of that from the Englifh iflands, which makes it very unpleafant to
thofe who have been accuitomed to the befc Mocha Coffee.

The tree that was firft carried to Martinico, was a defcendant of one from
Batavia. The Dutch rnoft probably brought the plants to their colony from
Mocha, and there feems no doubt but it is the true Arabian Coffee which is
now cultivated in the Weft Indies : but if we reflect upon the courfe it has
taken, we may perhaps fee caule to apprehend that it may have degenerated
eonfiderably.

That part of Arabia from whence the Afiatic Coffee is brought, is for the
moft part extremely fandy, dry, and hot.

At Batavia the foil is in general rich and deep ; and though, like other eaftern
climates, there is a dry feafom yet in the rainy periods the quantity of wet that
falls is exceftive. The rich luxuriant ftate of vegetation in the iftand of Java,
on which Batavia is fituated, is a proof of this affertion j and one may fafely
Infer, that a plant brought from a dry, fterile, fandy foil, will affume not only a
very different appearance, but its fruit will have a very different quality, from
that which is the produce of a fertile, moift foil, fubjecfted to equal heat. It is
not therefore improbable, but from this circumftance the plant brought from
Batavia to the royal garden in France, and its iffue tranfported to a climate
much more abounding with moifture than that of which it was a native, may fo
far have affumed another nature, as not eafily to be brought back to its original
excellence.

I wifh this circumftance, however, only to be confidered as a fuggeftion,
which, though not without the appearance of probability, may not be fuffi-
ciently warranted by experience: but fhould it prove true, it may lead us to one
practicable method of meliorating Coffee. Let the Coffee be planted in a foil
as fimilar to its natural one as poffrble. Indeed the fhort account which is an-
nexed to this letter confirms my apprehenfions. The drier the foil on which the
Coffee grows,. the fmaller is its. fruit,, and its quality more excellent. There are
fome kinds of trees, perhaps the greateft part, whofe fruit, while the trees are
young, is either more infipid,. or the tafte of it lefs refined, than at a more ad-
vanced age. The fruit of young walnut-trees is large, but it is watery and in-
fipid ; as the tree grows older the nuts decreafe in fize, but their tafte is more
agreeable. A fimilar progrefs may be obferved in many other fpecies ; and it is
not improbable but the Coffee-tree may be another inftance of the like proper-
ties. It is certain, that in old Coffee-trees the fruit is fmaller ; perhaps an ac-
curate tafte would difcover that its flavour is improved in proportion. The ex-
periment may be recommended to thofe who cultivate the Coffee-tree in our
iflands. But I have not time to trace all the circumftances that have a proba-
ble tendency to leffen the value of our own plantation Coffee.

I haften to another point, which would foon put our planters upon over-

3 F coming’.

40 2

The Hijlory of Coffee,

coining every difficulty, and would oblige them to ftudy the culture of the
plant, the curing of the fruit, and fending it to us in the higheft perfedtion pof-
fible. By what means can we make it the Weft India planters intereft to culti-
vate Coffee in fuch a manner, as to approach in tafte and flavour as near to the
Afiatic as poflible ? Perhaps the fhorteft anfwer to this would be. Make it their
intereft j that is, to encourage its importation.

I am well informed, by a perfon intelligent in thefe matters, that the duties
and excife on Coffee from the plantations are as follow ;

£• d>

The duty on Coffee of the growth of the Britiffi plantations, fori

home confumption, is il. 13s. 6 J^d. per hundred weightj which/* 004
is per lb. about — — - — — J

Excife on Ditto is, per lb. — — 016

Total per lb. is o 1 10

When fuch an exceffive load of expences, and fo many difficulties arife to the
grower, importer, and of confequence to the confumer of Weft India Coffee, it
is no wonder that the planters give themfelves very little concern about its cuD
tivation. At prefent there is very little difference in the produce, and confe-
quently in the price ; the high duties are a bar to its ufe amongft us, the Coffee
is in general bad, and the price in proportion.

This difcouragement renders them lefs folicitous about it : bad as it may be
produced, it finds confumers abroad, and to vend it with certainty anfwers their
purpofe better than a more attentive cultivation of a commodity clogged with
fuch duties.

Thofe who know the tafte of Mocha Coffee, and are defirous of ufing our
Weft Indian, loon quit it with difguft. Better Coffee than our own, the pro-
duce of the French ifles, finds its way into fome of the out-ports clandeftinely,
is much ufed, and thought to be equal to the Turky. Tafte is perhaps more
the effedt of habit than is generally admitted ; of this, tobacco is the ftrongeft
and firft inftance that occurs to me : to a perfon unaccuftomed to it, the fineft is
fcarcely tolerable.

If the duties and excife upon Coffee were leffened, the confumption would be
increafed : tafte would grow more refined, the beft would be fought for, and
the price would be in proportion. The prefent duties are almoft prohibitory.
It may be worth one’s while to view the effedts of thefe high duties in a poli-
tical light — I mean in refpedt to this article.

For a century to come, it is perhaps more than probable, that the. people of
this country will, for one meal at leaft, make ufe of either Tea, Coffee, or Cho-
colate i

Htjtory of Coffee, 403

colate ; I fpeak of the generality. Tea at prefent takes the lead; whence it
comes, its hiftory, properties, and ufes, have been fo fully explained, that I fhall
fay nothing here upon the fubjedt*.

.It is a question often propofed to phyficians, Which is beft, Tea or Coffee ?
The folution of this point would perhaps be a difficult one. We neither find
the Chinefe or Turks fubjedted to any fuch difcriminating effects, as enable the
faculty to fay, with precifion, that one is more injurious than the other. For
my own part, I leave it to the experience of individuals. To fome people Cof-
fee is difagreeable ; they charge it with producing nervous complaints. Tea is
not without fimilar accufations. Jt feems as if the human frame was, however,
fo happily conftrudled, that it is lefs in the power of fuch things to affect it than
might at firft fight be imagined. The animal powers are apparently fuch, as
can convert almoffi oppofite principles to its benefit, if ufed in any degree of
moderation: fome drink Coffee almoft to excefs, and condemn Tea as inju-
rious ; and fo Coffee is treated in its turn. Thefe are proofs, however, how few
people are capable of making proper inferences from experiment.

I think neither Coffee nor Tea afford any very material fupport; that is, con-
tain very little nutriment : they are rather the vehicles of nourifhment than nu-
tritious of themfelves : the mod that can be expedited from them in general is,
that they are grateful, and very little injurious. Cuftom has adopted them
both, and it becomes us to make them as ufeful to ourfelves, and as fubfervient
to public good, as may be in our power. China, that fupplies us with Tea, is
remote; the navigation long and dangerous ; the climate not always favour-
able to our feamen ; indeed, all long voyages are injurious, and the hotter the
climate the worfe. As a nation, a commercial nation, whofe accommodations
depend on this ufeful race of people, we cannot, as friends to humanity, wifii to
promote the conlumption of thofe articles, which are introduced at fo great an
expence of ufeful lives. Coffee from our own plantations is in this refpedt
much preferable to Tea ; the voyage is fhorter, the rifque is lefs. Suppofing
then, that Tea and Coffee are alike in refpedt to real ufefulnefs ; that one is not
inferior to the other in refpedt to the health of the. confirmers r fuppofe, like-
wife, that the difadvantage with refpedt to the lives of the feamen were equal,
which however is not the cafe, there is one material difference that ought to
turn the lcale in favour of the more general ufe of Coffee — it is raifed by our
fellow-fubjedts, and paid for with our manufactures.. Tea, on the contrary, is
paid for principally with money. The quantities of Britifh goods which the
Chinefe take from us is inconfiderahle, when compared with the quantities we
pay for in bullion.

The Chinefe take from us every article which they can turn to national be-

* See Dr. Lettfom on the Tea Plant.

3 F 2 nefit*

4°4 Tfo- ffiftory of Coffee,

nefit, and whatever enables them to improve their manufactures. Befides raw
filk, and a few other articles of fome little ufe in our own manufactures., mod:
other things imported from thence we can do without, efpecially if the con- •
fumption of our Coffee was encouraged. Were the duties and' excife upon
Coffee, -for inftance, reduced to a quarter part, more than double the quantity
would be confumed; was the confumptioii greater, the planters would find it
their intereft to cultivate the trees with more attention : increafed demand
would increafe the price ; and as more came to market, the beft would fell
dearer than an inferior kind. Thefe muff be the certain effeCls of increafed de-
mand.

There is another confideration of fome moment like wife ; which is, that the
.cultivation of Coffee might be carried on in fuch manner, as the leffer planters
might fubfift by it, and a few fimilar articles, cotton particularly, with little
flock, and without much expence for negroes. No little planter can make fu-
gar to advantage ; the expence of negroes, cattle, mills, and other requifites of
a fugar plantation, are beyond his reach : if He has any landed property, by
one means or another, he is often obliged to fell it to his richer neighbour, and
to remove to fome other country, lefs unfavourable to contracted circumftances.
Thus the iflands are gradually thinned of the white inhabitants; they become
lefs able to quell the infurretlions of their negroes, or to oppofe any hoftile in-
vafion.

The annexed account of Coffee anticipates fome remarks I meaned to have
fpoke to more fully, which had often occurred to me. The writer of that fhort
account has not, however, wholly exhaufted the fubjedt : he very juftly de-
fcribes many circumftances which tend to make Weft India Coffee of lefs value
than the European ; he is very right in his obfervations on the difference of
quantity produced in different foils and fituations ; he moft pertinently cen-
fures the Englifh for want of care in Ihipping it home ; the French exceed us
vaftly in this refpedt ; and the greater price it fetches, is owing in a great de-
gree to fuperior care and management. One would hardly fufpecft the mer-
chants and planters could be capable of fo much inattention as to fhip Coffee in
veffels loaded with rum and coarfe fugars ; articles capable of communicating a
tafte fcarce to be driven off by fire; fo penetrating are the fleams arifing from
rum and fugars confined in a fhip’s hold. So much Coffee ought to be col-
lected together at one place as to load a veffel. It is objected likewife, that the
Coffee in the Weft India iflands cannot eafily be dried in a proper manner,
from the great moifture of the air: but there are in all the iflands high grounds,
to which the Coffee might be brought and dried fufficiently.

Another point ought not to be omitted, which is,: that our plantation Coffee
is made ufe of too foon. Perhaps one part of the excellence of Mocha Coffee
arifes from this circumftance — The Eaft India company fend a fhip once in two

years :

¥hs Hijloty of Coffee. 405

years: it' is moft probable a part of the loading has been kept in that hot dry
country above a year; it is fix months before it arrives in England; and it may
be fix or twelve months more before it comes into the confumer’s hands.
Thus, between two and three years muft inevitably intervene between its
growth and confumption.

Much of that mucilage, which mod probably in roafting is the bafis of its
flavour, is changed by this delay; and indeed experience confirms it.

Befides many inftances that might be given from credible witneffes (and
efpecially from Governor Scott’s account of this fubjeCt hereunto annexed) the
following paffed under my own obfervation, and, as far as it reaches, may be
conclufive :

I had a prefent made of feveral kinds of raw Coffee from the Weft India
iflands ; it being known that I wifhed to encourage the culture of this plant, for
the reafons I have alleged. Some of this Coffee, which a year ago was fo ill
tailed as to be unfit for ufe, was laid in a very dry clofet: this year it was again
tried, and found to be greatly amended ; in another it will probably be little
inferior to the Afiatic, if it amends in proportion. It is of much confequence
whether the Coffee is imported with other goods, or alone ; whether it is kept
in moift, damp warehoufes, or in dry, airy places; whether it is ufed imme>
diately, or not till after it has been kept a confiderable time. It would be well
worth the planter’s labour and expence, to keep his Coffee in the iffand from
year to year, till he has got fuch a quantity, either of his own, or bought from
his neighbours, fufficient to load a fmall veffel ; marking the different ages.
But the whole of this depends entirely on government. Leffening the duty
would increafe the confumption, prevent fmuggling, enable many whites to
gain a comfortable fupport, and to pay for our manufactures. As it is raifed by
our own people, imported with lefs rifque of feamen’s health and lives, in a po-
litical light it muft certainly deferve the deliberate attention of the legifla-
ture.

Coffee made in the following manner is pleafing to moft people, and is
much preferable to Tea, or to Coffee made in the ufual manner, for break-
faft : — Let Coffee be made in the ufual manner, only a third part ftronger ; let
as much boiling milk be added to the Coffee, before it is taken from the fire, as
there is water ; let it fettle ; drink it with cream, or without, as may be moft
agreeable. And were the poor and middling people enabled to procure this, it
would be much more nourifhing and beneficial than the wretched beverage they
indulge themfelves with of the moft ordinary Teas. Very little fugar ought to
be ufed with Coffee ; on weak ftomachs it is too apt to become acid, if made
fweet : and this is one reafon why many people forbear drinking Coffee. I do
not prefume to fettle this important queftion. Which is preferable, Tea or

Coffee ?

9

406 ^The Hijiory of Coffee .

Coffee ? This muff be left to the experience of individuals. So far as con-
cerns myfelf, I may be permitted to become evidence.

Though I like Tea, I found it not quite favourable to my health, from fome
circumftances : I tried Coffee, made in the manner above mentioned, and have
drank it almoft conftantly many years, without receiving any inconvenience
from it.

It may require a good deal of phyfical fagacity to determine, how far the
French cuftom of drinking Coffee immediately after dinner, is right; but I
think it can admit of no difpute, whether a difti of Coffee, or a bottle of wine,
may then be lefs prejudicial to health.

I think, however, it is lefs injurious to drink Coffee immediately after din-
ner, than later in the evening ; and at lead: for one very obvious reafon :

Coffee moll certainly promotes watchfulnefs ; or, in other words, it fufpends
the inclination to deep. To thofe therefore who wifh not to be too fubjedt to
this inclination. Coffee is undoubtedly preferable to wine, or perhaps to any
other liquor we know.

The inftances of perfons to whom Coffee has this antifoporific effedl, are
very numerous; and the inftances are almoft as numerous of fuch to whom wine
has the oppofite effedt.

To attribute the livelinefs of the French, after their repafts, to this beverage,
would be highly hypothetical : but I think it muft be acknowledged, that after
a full meal, perhaps of grofs animal food, even a mere diluent is much pre-
ferable to wine ; which, whilft it gives a temporary flow of animal fpirits, rather
oppofes that neceffary aflimilation which nature aims at in the offices of di-
geftion.

Was Coffee fubftituted inftead of the bottle immediately after dinner, it feems
more than probable that many advantages would flow from it, both to the
health of individuals, and general ceconomy ; and it feems not improbable, but
by deferring Coffee or Tea fo late as is ufually pradtifed, we interrupt digeftion,
and add a new load of matter to that already in the ftomach, which, after a full
meal, is not a matter of indifference.

On the contrary, ever fince I was capable of forming an opinion on fubjedts
of this nature, I could not forbear thinking, that the ufe of Tea in an after-
noon, at the time and in the manner it has generally been pradtifed, is exceed-
ingly prejudicial to many perlons ; and if many have efcaped without feeling
any prejudicial effedts, they may juftly afcribe it to the firmnefs of their confti-
tution; I was almoft tempted to fay, to their good fortune. This matter, I
own, is capable of much difpute ; and the more lo, as minute diftindlions muft
be called to the aid of both parties.

1 cannot however conclude thefe remarks, without repeating the fubftance of

what

*The Bijlory of Coffee, 407

what I could wifli to inculcate ; that in refpeft to real ufe, and as a part of our
food, I have no evidence to induce me to think that Coffee is inferior to
Tea.

That in refpedt to national ceconomy, the benefit of our colonies, and the
lives of the feamen, every circumftance concurs to give Coffee the preference.
It is raifed by cur fellow fubjedts, paid for by our manufactures, and the pro-
duce ultimately brought to Great Britain.

That the great obftacle to a more general ufe of Coffee, is the very high duty
and excife.

That leffening the duty would not leffen the revenue ; fmuggling would be
difeouraged, and an increafed confumption would make up the deficiency to
the treafury.

That the planters would be induced to cultivate Coffee with more care, was
there a better market for it.

That, as little planters might be enabled to fubfifl by raifing Coffee, See.
their numbers would increafe, and add to the flrength of the feveral iflands; as
Europeans might endure the labour requifite for the cultivation of Coffee.

I have fubjoined the tranflation of a paper communicated to me bv Governor
Melville, whofe unwearied endeavours to promote the interefl of Great Britain
and her colonies deferves every grateful acknowledgment; and likewife the copy
of a letter I received long fince from the late Governor Scott of Dominica : I
petfu ad e myfelf, that evidences like thefe will have fome weight with the

Should any part of thefe remarks afford my friend reafon to think they may
contribute to the benefit of the community, he is at liberty to make ufe of them
in what manner he pleafes.

J. Fothergill.

A{

Obfervation.o

Hijiory of Coffee.

Obfervatlons- on COFFEE , by a learned and experienced Planter at the
Grenades, communicated to Debtor FothergUl by Governor Melville .

— , ' ' \ ; • v * ; ■ : ’ • !*,*.*•; *'w- *•'■>; i . * * » . / ♦ • . , » . •

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.

gEVER-AL perfons in Europe imagine, that a much better kind of Coffee

might be gathered in our iflands than that which is ufually- brought from
thence. There is no doubt of this, and our inhabitants are very fenfible of it;
but the ever-powerful motive of intereft: prevents them from endeavouring to
improve the produce of this plant.

They learn from experience, that a light foil, dry and elevated Hopes, pro-
duce Coffee of a fmaller berry and more delicate flavour ; and that all the Cof-
fee which grows in a low, fertile, and moift foil, is bad, the berry large and
flat, and almoft inflpid.

Experience alfo teaches them, that trees planted in thefe foils yield commonly
from twelve to- fixteen ounces of Coffee per plant ; in the other foils they
fcarcely furnifh more than from fix to eight ounces ; this makes an immediate-
differenGeof one half in the weight.. Now in France, England,, and all the Eu-
ropean markets, the only ftated difference in. the price of the fmall- well-
prepared Coffee, and that which is larger and of the worft kind,* is from fifteen:
to twenty per cent. The inhabitants therefore would neceffarily find it their
advantage to plant their Coffee-trees in the richeft foil; and thole perfons only
will have the fmall and fine Coffee, who have no other than bad grounds, and
have not a fufficient number of Negroes to manure and improve them.

The calculation is eafily made : with an equal number of plants double the-
weight is produced ; and by the difference of price no more is loft than from:
fifteen to twenty per cent. Intereft hath therefore prevented our inhabitants
from applying themfelves to the culture of that kind of Coffee which is moft
valued in Europe. To excite a proper emulation among them, the difference
of price between the various forts of Coffee lliould be as confiderable as it is be-
tween the feveral kinds of fugar.

To thefe confiderations we may add, that the trees laft a much longer time
in the fertile grounds, and that they need not be tranfplanted fo frequently.

Some fkilful perfons have advifed to follow the method of the Arabs, with-
refpedt to the preparation of Coffee, in two particulars ; firft, never to gather it
till it is perfectly ripe ; fecondly,.to dry it in the fhade, when feparated from the
pulp-

The laft of thefe is fcarce poflible ; becaufe, although the air is very hot in
thefe climates, it is always fo damp, that we know from experience the Coffee
could never be dried in the fhade fufficiently for. exportation into Europe.

The

5 the Htjiory of Coffee. 409

The firft would be very ufeful, and even pofllble, if other perfons were em-
ployed in the bufinefs than Negroes, who, being lazy, ignorant, and generally
ill-difpofed, either cannot or will not attend properly to this particular, and
have no other wifh but to finifh their work as fait as poffible, either to get rid
of the talk impofed upon them, or to avoid punilhment : befides, the leafon for
gathering the Coffee being near the winter, the rains, which are then very fre-
quent, often make the berries fall before they are perfeftly ripe.

As to the hiftory of our Coffee, it certainly comes originally from Babd
Mandel. The firft tree that was brought to Martinico in 1727, or 1728, by
w- Delieu, came from the gardens of his Moft Chriftian Majefty, and was of
the fame fpecies as that which is at Batavia. This tree was planted near to Port
Royal, in a fertile moift foil, and almofl level with the fea, fo that the fpecies
mull neceffarily have degenerated.

All the lower clafs of people in Martinico before this time cultivated the
Cocoa; but by a contagion, as difficult to account for as the effedt of it was ge-
neral, all the Cocoa-trees perifhed in 1727. The inhabitants, half ruined, after
having tried feveral fchemes, refolved at laft to plant Coffee; and the French
Eaft India Company having lowered the duties, this cultivation was much en-
couraged.

The French are in general more cautious in the exportation of their Coffee
than the Englifh ; they put it into cafks that are very dry : in the Windward
Ifiands, where the befl Coffee is made, the veffel is neither laden with raw fu-
gars, nor with rum ; clayed fugars only are exported with it, which are of little
detriment to this berry : the captains take care alfo to place it between decks,
or in fome other very dry part of the fhip. The Englifh, on the contrary, flow
raw fugars and rum in almoft every part of the veffel : thefe do a confiderable
injury to the Coffee that lies near them.

There is another more diflant caufe, that few people have noticed, but which
contributes greatly to the badnefs of the Coffee exported into England :

Moft of the Englifh fhips are hired for the freight; the captains flow the
goods as they receive them, and the owners are fatisfied if the veffel is but well
filled : it is a matter of little concern to them, whether the feveral kinds of
goods have been properly difpofed, or whether they have received any detri-
ment by lying near each other. The French fhips are generally laden for the
proprietors own ufe ; the captains buy the goods themfelves ; and, that they
may be able to give a proper account of their management, and to fhew that
they have adled with prudence and caution, they are obliged to pay great atten-
tion to the ftowage of their veffel, and to the prefervation of their cargoes.
Hence it follows, that the Coffee which is carried to France, is better than that
which is brought to England.

3 G

Extract

*rhe H.ijlory of Coffee,

410

’Extract of a Letter from George Scott > Eft; late Lieutenant Governor of

Dominica, to Dr . Fothergilk

S I R,

Government Houfe, Ifland Dominica*
November 21, 17 65.

TV/T R. I , a confiderable planter of' Grenada, touched at this ifland on

his way thither j and, in the courfe of his intelligence^ having made me
acquainted with your patriotic efforts for encouraging the growth and produce
of the infant colonies lately ceded to us by France ; and being very defirous of
throwing in my mite towards forwarding your very laudable labours, I have
therefore taken the liberty of putting on board the fhip Neptune, Edmund Ste*
venfon mailer, under the care of Mr. Beats, of London, in a box directed for
yourfelf, three fmall bags of Coffee, which you will do me the favour to accept,
trifling as they are, though ! have not the honour of your acquaintance, as they
are only intended for whatever experiments you may think, proper to make of

them..

The little bag, marked N° 1,. was gathered in the year 17 60 ; that marked
N° 2, in 1763; and N° 3, lafl year: all the growth of this ifland, which is
-looked upoa to make the befl Coffee in the Weft Indies, excepting that of the
ifland of Mary Gallant j and on the weft fide of the ifland of Martinique, on the
mountains oppofite the Diamond Rock j which Coffee the French always gave
the preference to, though the inhabitants of this ifland. prefer their own, which
they always make ufe of for their breakfaft, taking equal quantities of it and
boiled milk (or, more properly fpeaking, milk that is fcalded) and. after their
dinner they commonly drink a cup of Coffee without milk ; and they have in
general excellent health, and a fine flow of fpirits, for this part of the world :
whereas the Englifh fubje&s, whom it is difficult to wean from prejudices, ftili
perfift in the ufe of Tea j and, though they enjoy a good ftate of health, do not
appear to have half the vivacity or livelinefs with the French in the fame ifland
with us.

1 am told, that in England they ftamp a value upon Coffee in proportion to
the fmallnefs and greennefs of the grain ; here they regard neither the fize nor
colour of it for their own ufe, but efteem. it in proportion, to. the time it has,
been gathered, and for having been kept in a dry warm place, and expofed to
the air three or four times a year; and the greater number of years it is kept Im
this manner, the better it is, they fay. They alfo afcribe a great deal of its ex-
cellence to the method of preparing it for ufe : if it is over roafted, it has a flat,

bitter,.

'The Hijiory of Cojj ee. 41 1

bitter, and burnt tafte ; and if it is not roafted enough, though the Coffee
fhould be five or fix years old, it will tafte as if it had been gathered this year :
but if it is old and well roafted, and immediately covered up fmoaking hot in a
bowl or cup, to prevent the fine volatile particles and flavour from going off" ; if
then, when cold, it is ground, and made properly with boiling good water, it is
looked upon to be in its higheft perfection. The better fort of French, in all
the iflands, make a practice of taking a cup of equal parts, Coffee and fcalded
milk, with a cruft of bread, almoft as foon as they get out of bed in a morn-
ing; and the reafons they give for this cuftom are, that it clears the brain, enli-
vens the fenfes, cleanfes the ftomach, throws off" any rheum or fortuitous matter
that may be lodged about the head, ftomach, or lungs, from foul air or putrid
vapours : and they likewife fay, that it prevents, and even cures, the gravel.
The Turks alfo fet the higheft value upon good Coffee, on account of its exhi-
larating qualities, and brightening the animal fpirits. Surely then it muft be
preferable to Tea, which has quite contrary effeCts in moft fhapes whatever;
and it muft, in my humble opinion, be one of the beft breakfafts in the world
for the honeft brave people of the foggy ifland of Great Britain, where fuch a
multitude of melancholy accidents happen from a lownefs of fpirits. But what
effeCts Coffee or Tea have upon the body or mind, you, Sir, muft be the beft
iudge, as it is your principal ftudy and profeflion to know the oeconomy of the
human frame ; mine having been ever that of arms, and at prefent to prefide
over this ifland ; from whence I will with pleafure fend you annually as much
Coffee, of whatever fort you like, as you may want for your own ufe, while I
remain here ; being very much (though unknown)

Sir,

Your moft obedient

humble fervant,

Georce Scott.

P. S. The method of curing Coffee through the Weft Indies is, by paffing it
through a mill after it is ripe and gathered ; and after this operation it is put
into cifterns, and covered with water for ten or twelve hours, until the pulp be-
comes loofe, when it is wafhed, and the Coffee, being in its hulks, is thrown in
heaos to iweat, and that the water may drain off, for two or three days more,
when it is fpread abroad and dried in the fun ; and when dry, is put into
troughs, and pounded with rammers, until all the huiks (or parchment, as they
call it) are beat off, when it is v/innowed in the air, and expofed in the fun
until it is perfectly dry, and then carried to market. The Coffee I fend you, in
the little bag marked N° 3, is fome of a fmall quantity I got one of the plan-
ters to make for me after the method of Mocha ; which, as I am informed, is
by fweating and drying it in the fhade after it is paffed through the mill, and

3 G 2 muft,

/

412 rfhe Hiflory of Coffee*

muft, in my opinion, be infinitely preferable to foaking it in water, and dryings
it in the fun, which certainly mull extract abundance of its virtues ■> particu-
larly that fine flavour good Coffee has* which is fo. grateful to the fmell when it
is firfl poured out. This little bag, I believe, you will find very good, though
it has not been cured above ten months ; and if there was enough of it to keep
for three or four years, I imagine it would be perfedtly excellent; for this me-
thod muft certainly be the beft, and I have endeavoured to perfuade many of
the planters to come into it ; but the great expence they muft be at to ereft
buildings to cover it from the fun and rain while it would be curing, the great
labour and time it takes to cure it after the manner of Arabia, and the fmall
price it bears at prefent, will no.t as yet permit them to come into it ; though I
am fully perfuaded that the Coffee of this ifland is full as good, when pulled off
the tree, as any in Arabia, was it but cured after the fame method ; which f
doubt not the planters will adopt, fhould the price of Coffee rife, fo as to en-
courage them in. the undertakings

G. $.

SOME

%

.

.

Plate Til

SOME ACCOUNT

OF THE LATE

; \ va • \ ' < ■■ * ' o c

PETER COLLINSON,

•s *. ’ ; ryj *t •

\ . • ' • ' • f , ' * ■ • ' . » ( * * - - ■ ■ ' x. * -J

FELLOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY* A ft D OF THE SOCIETY
OF ANTIQUARIES, IN LONDON*

A N &

© F THE ROYAL SOCIETIES OF BERLIN AND FPsAt,

\ ' • « . «< • \ • ' • ' \ ^ ■ .V.' • ' < VvJllo '• * %

. > , < • . ' „ t r\ - - *»\\ ;

■ ■ . ■ ■

In a LETTER to a. FRIEND K

* Printed in the Year ij6g,

[ 4H ]

f *

Vi-

thoje who have acquired ■ knowledge by much labour , and the exer-

tion of great talents , are apt to Jet too high a value on their own dij 'cover ies •, or
that Jludious men , by mixing lefs with the community at large, are Jefs habituated to
unreferved converfation ; it. has often been lamented , that they rarely defcend to fami-
liar communications with fuch as are but entering upon the fame arduous purfuit . The
late Peter Collinfon, however, afforded a pleafmg exception to this remark : his difpo-
ftion was naturally focial and ch earful and his infractions were conveyed in that fa-
miliar and affable manner , as both fuited the capacity, and excited the ardour, of the
fiudent.

It was one happinefs of my life , that I was early acquainted with this eminent na-
turalif : he was then retiring from bufinefs ; but as his prefence was effential to the
interefs of his fucceffor, with whom I ref ded> he had apartments in the fame houfe ,
which afforded me frequent accefs to him and to his mufeum ; and to him I am in-
debted for information on various departments of natural hiftory, which I feel a plea-
Jure in acknowledging here ,

Editor.

To

&

[ 4>5 ]

I

# * * #

*

I KNOW not, my dear friend, that I ever wifhed for leifure, and the talent
of biography, more than at prefent : I could employ both thefe in a man-
ner that would be pleafing to myfelf, and perhaps at the fame time ufeful to the
public, in placing before it an example worthy of being recorded, beeaufe
highly worthy of imitation. The fatisfadiion arifing from the view of a life
continually employed in commendable purfuits, and in adts of lading and ex-
tenfive utility, is not a frnall one ; we participate afrefh in every focial adtion of
the friend whom we loved whilft living, and pay that tribute to his name which
love and friendlhip demand — a grateful and honourable remembrance.

The juft efteem which my honoured friend Peter Collinfon had acquired, not
only among the chief promoters of natural hiftory in moft parts of the world
where thefe ftudies are cultivated, but amongft men of underftanding in gene-
ral in every part of ufeful fcience, will, I perfuade myfelf, render any apology
unneceftary for attempting to exhibit fome account of the life of this very emi-
nent perfon.

Our acquaintance commenced about the year 1740 ; he was then confidersd
amongft the number of thofe who were beft acquainted with botany and natu-
ral hiftory in England; his colledlion in moft branches of natural hiftory was
very large, and the fpecimens well chofen ; his botanic garden contained many
curious plants, not at that time to be met with in any other; and the number
of fuch kept increafing to the laft period of his life.

I owe much of my intimacy with the feveral branches of natural hiftory, to
my deceafed friend: fcarcely anything gave him more pleafure than to promote
an inclination for fuch ftudies,. fo far as was confiftent with his acquaintances
fttuation; for being in bufinefs himfelf, he knew the value of time too well, to
endeavour to excite a tafte for fuch refearches, where probably it muft have
heen gratified at the expence of difcretion, and of thofe hours which ought to
jhave been devoted, to more neceflary employment.

The

4i 6 Some Account of] the hte Be ter Collinfon .

The family of the Collinfons is of ancient Handing in the North : Peter and
James were the great-grandfons of Peter Collinfon, who lived on his paternal
eftate called Hugal Hall, or Height of Hugal, near Windermere Lake, in the
parifh of Stavely, about ten miles from Kendal, in Weftmoreland. My friend,
whilft a youth, difeovered his attachment to natural hiftory : infefls, and their
feveral metamorphofes, employed many of thofe hour^, which at his time of life
are moftly fpent by others in very different purfuits. Plants likewife engaged
his attention ; he began early to make a colleftion of dried fpecimens, and had
accefs to the belt gardens at that time in the neighbourhood of London.

It was a favourable circumftance to himfelf, that he was in partnerfhip with
his brother James Collinfon, in a bufinefs that did not always require their pre-
fence together. They lived in great harmony, and reciprocally afforded to each
other opportunities for their refpeflive purfuits,. Both, however, had a ftrong
relifh. for horticulture and planting, and both had acquired a juft conception
of rural elegance.

He became early acquainted with the firft-rate naturalifts of that age ; the
Dys. Derham, Woodward, Dale, Lloyd, and, to name all in one, the great Sir
Hans, Sloane, were amongft his friends. I firft faw that amazing collection, now
conftituting the Britifh Mufeum, with my deceafed friend, in company with the
late Sir Charles Wager, who had been a moll generous and fortunate contri-
butor to that vaft treafure of natural curiofities ; omitting nothing, in the
courfe of his many voyages, that could add to its magnificence, and encourag-
ing the commanders under him, who were ftationed in different parts of the
globe, to procure whatever was rare and valuable in every branch of natural
hiftory. To this he was ftrongly excited by Peter Collinfon ; for whom and his
family Sir Charles had a very fingular efteem, and continued it to the laft mo-
ments of his life.

Among the great variety of articles which form that fuperb colle&ion, fmall
was the number of thofe with whole hiftory my friend was not well acquainted;
he being one of thofe few who vifited Sir Hans at all times familiarly, and con-
tinued fo to do to the lateft period : their inclinations and purfuits in refpefl to.
natural hiftory being the fame, a firm friendfhip had early been eftablilhed be-
tween them.

Peter Collinfon was defied a Fellow of the Royal Society on the 12th of
December 1728 ; and perhaps was one of the moll diligent and ufeful members
of that refpectable body, not only in fupplying them with, many curious ob-
fervations himfelf, but in promoting and preferving a moil extenfive corre-
fpondence with learned and ingenious foreigners, in all countries, and on every
ufeful fubjeft; fo that he not only furnifhed many inftrudive hints from his
own fund of obfervations, but excited others to contribute largely to the in-
ftrudion and entertainment of the Society.

5

Befides

Some Account of the late "Peter Collmfon. 417

Befides his attention to natural hiftory, he fuffered nothing ufcful in either art
•or fcience to efcape him ; he minuted every ftriking hint that occurred either in
reading or converfation ; and from this fource he derived much information, as
there were very few men of learning and ingenuity, of all prqfefiions, who were
not of his acquaintance at home, and mod foreigners of eminence in natural hif-
tory, or in arts and fciences, were recommended to his notice and friendfhip.

His diligence and oeconomy of time were fuch, that though he never ap-
peared to be in a hurry, he maintained an extenfive correfpondence with great
punctuality ; acquainting the learned and ingenious in diftant parts of the globe
with the difcoveries and improvements in natural hiftory in this country, and
receiving the like information from the mod eminent perfons in almod every
other. Amongd a variety of circumdances of this kind that might be men-
tioned, his correfpondences with the ingenious Cadwallader Colden, Efq; of
New York, and the judly celebrated Dr. Franklin, of Philadelphia, fumifh in-
dances of the benefit refulting from his attention to all improvements. From
the former of thefe gentlemen many valuable obfervations were received ; and
the latter communicated his fird effays on eleftricity to my friend, in a feries of
letters, which were then publifhed, and have been reprinted in a late edition of
the Doctor’s ingenious difcoveries and improvements. Their minds in this re-
fpe£t were congenial, ever intent upon promoting public good; the letter fub-
joined is a proof of it

Perhaps,

* To MICHAEL COLLINSON, Efq.

Dear Sir, Craven -ftreet, Feb. 8, 1770.

UNDERSTANDING that an account of our dear departed friend Mr. Peter Collinfon is intended
to be given to the public, I cannDt omit exprelfing my approbation of the defign, as the characters
■of good men are exemplary, and often Simulate the well-difpofed to an imitation, beneficial to man-
kind, and honourable to themfelves. And as you may be unacquainted with the following in-
Rances of his zeal and ufefulnefs in promoting knowledge, which fell within my obfervation, I take
the liberty of informing you, that in 1730 a Subfcription Library being fet on foot at Philadelphia,
he encouraged the defign by making feveral very valuable prefents to it, and procuring others from
his friends : and as the Library Company had a confidera'^le fum arifing annually, to be laid out
in books, and needed a judicious friend in London to tranfaCt the bufinefs for them, he volun-
tarily and chearfully undertook that fervice, and executed it for more than thirty years fucceflively ;
affiffing in the choice of books, and taking the whole care of collecting and fhipping them, without
ever charging or accepting any confideration for his trouble. The fuccefs of this library (greatly
owing to his kind countenance and good advice) encouraged the ereCling others in different places
on the fame plan ; and it is fuppofed there are now upwards of thirty fubfifting in the feveral colo-
nies, which have contributed greatly to the fpreading of ufeful knowledge in that part of the
world; the books he recommended being all of that kind, and the catalogue o- this firff library
being much refpeCled and followed by thofe libraries that fucceeded.

During the fame time he tranfmitted to the directors of the library the earlieft accounts of every
new European improvement in agriculture and the arts, and every philofophical difcovery : among

2 H vvhioh.

4 1 8 Some Account of the late Veter Collinfon,

Perhaps, in fome future period, the account he procured of the management
of fheep in Spain, in refpeft to their migrations from the mountains to the
plains, and their ftated returns, publifhed in the Gentleman’s Magazine for May
and June 1764, may not be confidered among the leaft of the benefits accruing
from his extenfive and inquifitive correfpondence. When America is better peo^
pled, the mountainous parts more habitable, the plains unloaded of their vaft
forefts, and cultivated, the fineft fheep in the v/orld may pofiibly cover the
plains of Carolina, Georgia, and the Floridas, in the winter months, and retreat
to the mountains as the fummer heats increafe, and dry up the herbage. We
are utter ftrangers to this kind of oeconoiny. Probably it might be pradlifed
even in this ifland to advantage, with this difference, that the higheft ground
fhould be chofen for the winter refidence of thefe animals, proper fhelter being
made for them, and the wetter low lands left for fummer.

Views of public benefit to this country, to others, to mankind in general, al-
ways fuggefted to him ufeful enquiries; and the public are in poflelfion of many
valuable hints/which from time to time he communicated through the channel
of the Gentleman's Magazine * and daily papers, fometimes with his name, or

which, in 1745, he fent over an account of the new German experiments in electricity, together
with a glafs tube, and fome directions for ufing it, fo as to repeat thofe experiments. This was the
firft notice I had of that curious fubjeCt, which I afterwards profecuted with fome diligence, being
encouraged by the friendly reception he gave to the letters I wrote to him upon it. Pleafe to accept
this fmall teftimony of mine to his memory, for which I (hall ever have the utmoft refpeCt ; and
believe me, with fincere efteem, Dear Sir,

Your mod obedient

humble fervant,

B. FRANKLIN,

* The following is faid to be a complete Lift of P. Collinfon’s papers inferted in the Gentle-
man’s Magazine, viz.

j, A lift of American feeds imported in 1751; with fome inftruCtions for their cultivation*.
Gent. Mag. for Dec. 17-51.

2. Some obfervations on the white pine, commonly called the Weymouth pine. Ibid. Nov. 1755-.

3. Further obfervations on the Weymouth and other American pines. Ibid. Dec, 1755.

4. Obfervations on the fir-tree. Ibid. Jan. 1756.

5. Remarks on the cultivation of fome fpecies of North' American ever-green trees. Ibid1.
March 1756.

6. A plan for a lafting peace with the Indians. Ibid. Sept: 1763;

7. Some anecdotes of the life of the late Dr. Stephen Hales. Ibid. 1764.

8. An account of the fycamore or Eaftern plane-tree. Ibid. April 1765.

g. Account of the life of the late Dr. William Stukeley. Ibid. May 1765-.

10. An account of the introduction of the tea-tree of China, and of the elegantly Ipotted
mennil-deer of Bengal, into England. Gent. Mag. Supplement for 1765-.

11. Account of the introduction of rice and tar into our American colonies. Ibid, for June 1765.

12. Defcription of the ancient chefnut-tree at Tortfwoith, in Glouceiterfliire. Ibid: July 17 66..

13. Some obfervations on the. emigration of fwallows, &c..

initials.

Some Account of the late Peter Collinfon. 419

"initials, but oftener without any fignature ; being more folicitous to do good,
than to be been in doing it.

His converfation was chearful, and ufefully entertaining, becaufe it was gene-
rally turned to fome intereding difquifition, or imparting fome beneficial infor-
mation. This rendered his acquaintance much defired by thofe who had a re-
lifh for natural hiftory, or were ftudious in cultivating rural improvements; and
fecured him the intimate friendflup of fome of the mod eminent perfonages in
this kingdom, as didinguifhed by their fade in planting and horticulture, as by
their rank and dignity. With fome of the.fe he frequently fpent a few days at
their feats in the neighbourhood of London, imparting many advantageous
hints with regard to the improvements they were defigning : and indeed many
of them were fenfible that very few were either fo able to advife in thefe re-
fpedts, or fo impartial. Frequent opportunities had furnidied extenfive obfer-
vation and experience of the effedts of different methods of cultivation; what
foil, what afpeft, bed fuited different plants and trees; how bed to cover incu-
rable defedts, how to improve beauties ; and from this general knowledge, de-
rived from repeated remarks, he often prevented young planters from commit-
ting capital midakes, rectified others into which they had been mifled by the ig-
norant and defigning ; and by fuch means he prevailed upon many of his friends
not only to embark in this rational amufement, but to perfevere in it, greatly to
their own emolument, and the lading advantage of their country.

A very frequent obfervation of my friend’s was, that he thought it a matter of
the utmod importance to young people of fortune, that they fhould be as early
as poffible initiated into fome rational purfuit, and efpecially into a tade for all
kinds of rural improvement. The human mind, he would remark, mud have
fome objedt in view ; fome amufements are neceffary ; and if virtue and pro-
priety do not engage it, vice and folly will. Let us then turn them to an em-
ploy, which at once contributes to their health, their pleafure, and their profit,
and fecures them from falling into idlenefs or diffipation, merely for want of
better engagements ; let us find them fomething to do, and they cannot be un-
happy, like a multitude of young perfons, who are diffipated and corrupt, be-
caufe, perhaps, thofe who have been early about them, or were concerned in
their education, had not the inclination or addrefs to lead them into fome inno-
cent, pleafurable, and ufeful purfuit.

Planting, he ufed to fay, and gardening, fupply a fund of entertainment, the
mod lading and reafonable of any occupation in this life ; pleafures not to be
purchafed. The trees which we ourfelves have planted, the fruits we have
raifed, the plants we have cultivated, feem to be like our children, a kind of new
creation ; their fhade, their tade, their fragrance, and their beauties, affedt us
with a richer repad than any others. What a pleafing fcene, would he o'oferve,

3 H 2 lies

420 Some Account of the late Peter Collinfon.

lies open to a- young man of fortune, devoted to fuch amufements ! Each fnc-
ceeding year produces new Shades, other fruits, frelh beauties, and brings befides
tnoft certain profit. To behold the rifing groves, barrennefs made fertile, our
country improved, ourfelves made ufeful and happy, and pofterity enriched !
When on this favourite fubjeCt, a very natural refleClion often efcaped him, that
he feldom knew a man poSTeSTed of a tafte for fuch pleafures, who was not at the
fame time temperate and virtuous. And indeed he had a right to make the ob-
fervation \ for he had the fatisfa&ion of reckoning among his moil intimate
friends, men of the moft amiable and unblemished characters in all Stations,
parties, and distinctions.

Nor was he employed only in promoting this tafte amongft his friends, in en-
larging their views, correcting and refining their judgment, but alfo in furnish-
ing them with the means of increasing their plantations: and it is but doing juf-
tice to his memory, to mention, that he was the fir.ft who introduced the great
variety of feeds and Shrubs, which are now the principal ornaments of every
garden ; and that it was owing to his indefatigable induftry, that fo many per-
l'ons of the firft d 1 ft i notion are* now enabled to behold groves tranfpi'anted from
the weftern continent, flourishing fo luxuriantly in their feveral domains, as if
they were already become indigenous to Britain.

His bufinefs in the mercantile way was- chiefly to North America,, and the.
Weft Indies j the former particularly. He had perufed every performance that,
was wrote refpeCting the natural hiftory and produce of all our own fettlements,,
and indeed of all the European colonies in the New World. This enabled him,
to make enquiries after every thing that was curious and. ufeful, and brought,
him acquainted with the moft intelligent people who came over from America*,
his enquiries raifed fome curiofity in thofe countries, and excited a tafte for na^-
tural hiftory and botanical refearches. It perhaps may fafely be faid, that every
thing of this fort that has appeared in thofe parts of the world, was chiefly ow-
ing to his encouragement. That eminent naturalift, John Bartram, may almoft
be faid to have been created fuch by my friend’s afliftance j he firft recommended
the collecting of feeds, and afterwards aSfifted in difpofing of them in this coun-
try, and conftantly excited him to perfevere in investigating the plants of Ame-
rica, which he has executed with indefatigable labour through a long courfe of
years, and with amazing fuccefs.

The quantities of new feeds he received from America, not only fupplied his
own garden with every thing that was curious, but furnished him with the
means of procuring others, in exchange, from other parts of the globe. He had
fome correspondents in almoft every nation in Europe ; fome in Afia, and even
at Pekin ■, who all tranfmitted to him the moft valuable feeds they could colleCt,
in return for the treafures of America. In this exchange of good offices, there

Some Account of the late Peter ColRnfon . 421

is abundant caufe to believe no man ever exceeded him in refpedl to punctu-
ality, care, or generolity ; few had ever more intelligent correfpondents, or
fiicceeded better in enriching this country with the vegetable produce of every
other, that could either add to its advantage or ornament. And were I to
aflert, that he was the means of introducing more new and beautiful plants into
Britain than any man of his time, and was inferior to none in his acquaintance
with the hiftory of their introduction, I fhould run little hazard, of tranfgreffing
the bounds of veracity.

Many anecdotes of this kind he had learned from the ancient botanifta, who
fiourifhed at his entrance into thefe ftudiesj and many obfervations he had like-
wife made in the courfe of above half a century. Were fuch of the former of
thefe, as he noted in moft of the books of natural hiftory which he left behind
him, collected, and the many curious remarks he made on a variety of improv-
ing and entertaining fubjeCts, digefted and laid before the public, a richer
treafure of valuable knowledge can fcarcely be offered to it, efpecially if judi-
cious extracts were added from the letters of his correfpondents.

The great Linnaeus, at the time of his refidence in England, contracted an
intimate friendfhip with Peter Collinfon ; which was reciprocally increafed by a
multitude of good offices, and continued to the laft without any diminution.

It was not, however, to Britain only that his benevolent views were confined :
as he took much pains to excite a tafte in the Americans for natural hiftory, fo
he likewife often prompted them to purfue improvements, alike beneficial to
themfelves and to their mother country. How often have I heard him urge to
fuch of them as vifited him, the benefit, nay neceftlty, of cultivating flax, hemp,
wine, filk, and other products ! He would prels the Virginians to bethink them-
felves in time of a more permanent ftaple than a,: plant whofe confumptio-n only
depends on cuftom and caprice, and this cuftom daily declining. Vines, faid
he, will thrive well in your country ; but imitate nature in their cultivation ; do
not keep them clofe to the ground, as we are forced to do in this and other nor-
thern European climates, for the fake of a little more fun and heat to ripen the
grape : your fummer heats exceed, as much as ours fall fhort allow them,
therefore, longer ftems; let them be trained to, and fupported by trees, and hide
their fruit among the foliage, as in the warmer parts of Europe.

We frequently lamented the fupinenefs and inattention of the colonifts to
their intereft in this, as well as many ether articles. In moft of the northern
and fouthern colonies there are a variety of native grapes, growing wild in the
woods, and twining among the trees and bufhes for their fupport; thefe yield
fruit in plenty, of different kinds, and many of them capable of producing a
rich good wine ; how eafy would it be in autumn to colled! a fuflicient quantity
of the fruit to make trial of the wine ! It has been done by a very few, and with
fuccefs j the fault feems not fo much in the fruit, as want of fkill or care in

making

422 Some Account of the late "Peter Collmfon,

making the wine. I have tafted fome very good wine from the wild unculti-
vated grape, made without much lkill, and fent over to England ; what would
not the fame fruit, with proper lkill and management, have produced ? It is
certainly high time for the Americans to apply themfelves with a little more
diligence to cultivate their native produce. No perfon, perhaps, was more in-
tently folicitous than my friend to promote thefe ufeful eflays, as no perfon was
better acquainted with the natural produce of America ; none faw the benefits
that might refult from them more clearly, nor could fuggeft more compendious
and unexpenfive means of procuring them.

Befides his attachment to natural hiftory, he was very converfant in the anti-
quities of his own country ; many curious remarks, as well as fome ancient Bri-
tifh curiofities, are in the pofleflion of his fon. Few perfons were better ac-
quainted with the progrefs of arts, fciences, and manufactures, or improve-
ments of any kind, amongft us, than himfelf. The ancient ftate, and its gra-
dual advances to the prefent, was a frequent topic of his enquiry and conver-
fation.

Fie was a member of the Society of Antiquarians from its firft inftitution, and
fupplied them often with many curious articles of intelligence and obfervation,
refpeCting both our own and other countries ; for wherever he was, or however
feemingly engaged, nothing at any time efcaped his notice, if it appeared
likely to be ufeful or inftruCtive. Why he was not elected one of the Curators
of the Britifh Mufeum, was matter of wonder to many of his acquaintance. He
was one of the founder’s mod: ancient and intimate friends, a contributor to this
collection, acquainted with the fubjeCts, and had done more towards promoting
rcfearches into natural hiftory than perhaps molt of his cotemporaries : but he
had no greater ambition than to colleCt what knowledge he could, and to ren-
der this knowledge fubfervient as much as poftible to the good of mankind.

Fie lived many years in great domeftic happinefs ; his family took the fame
bias, and aided his purfuits. Like his own, it was alfo their amufement; and
being accuftomed to the converfation of men acquainted with fuch fubjefts,
they acquired both knowledge and an attachment to the ftudy of nature.

His perfon was rather Ihort than tall ; he had a pleafing and focial alpeClj of
a temper open and communicative, capable of feeling for diftrefs, and ready to
relieve and fympathize. He rofe very early, and whilft in the country his time
was almoft continually employed in his garden, obferving and aflifting the opera-
tions of nature, or in the ftudy of other parts of phyfical knowledge ; which con-
tributed to his health and his pleafure.

He was fond of fruit to an extreme, and of flowers a perpetual admirer; h£
•was feldom without them in his houfe, from the early Snowdrop to the autumn
Cyclamen.. He would often relate with pleafure the aftonifhing advancement
made in his time in horticulture ; gave inftances of many plants, which at their

flrft

Some Account of the late Veter Collinfon . 42 3

firft introduction would not bear our winters without Ihelter, and now endured
almoft our hardeft frofts j fo that foreigners flood amazed at the power of ve-
getation in this country, and the happy temperature we enjoy, notwithflanding
the unmerited murmurs of the unthinking and injudicious againfl a climate tiie
moft favourable of all others to the real happinefs of mankind.

Excepting fome attacks of the gout, in general he enjoyed perfect health,
and great equality of fpirits ; bearing thofe trials which are incident to man with
fortitude and refignation.

In fuch a courfe he arrived at his 75th year ; when being on a vifit to Lord
Petre in EfTex, for whom he had a fingular regard, he was feized with a total
fupprefiion of urine, which baffling every attempt to relieve it, proved fatal on
the nth of Augufl 1768, and deprived his family, his friends, and country, of
a man devoted to their interefl and advantage. Inclofed in his will was found
a paper, importing, “ that he hoped he fhould leave behind him a GoodName,
“ which he valued more than riches ; that he had endeavoured not to live ufe-
« lefsly ; and that, all his days, he conflantly aimed to be a Friend to Man-
“ kind.” Such indeed he was, to the utmoft of his ability j and he mayjuftly
be confidered as a latent fpring to many important improvements, as well as
one of the principal promoters of natural hiftory in- general, and of horticulture
in particular, in the age in which he lived.

He has left behind him, befides many curious anecdotes relative to the ftate
of botany, planting,, and horticulture in this country, a. vaft treafure of dried
fpecimens of plants ; and in fpite of repeated and moft cruel depredations made
upon his garden, whereby he loft a multitude of valuable and curious plants
and fhrubs, and had befides very many others deftroyed by the villains in the
aft of plunder, he neverthelefs left a fmall treafure of rare plants in greater per-
fection perhaps than can be feen in any. other fpot.

That which I am now, though feebly, attempting to do for him, he often exe-
cuted for his friends, refcued their names from oblivion, and propofed their vir-
tues to be copied by fucceeding generations. The late Dr. Stukeley was one ;
and many others might be mentioned, who have received from his friendly hand
the tribute due to their memories.

His friendfhips, were not fuperficiaL; he could not fee a worthy character drop
unheeded into the grave, without a wifh,. nay, an endeavour, to perpetuate its
remembrance. For my own part, I yet feel that in him I have loft a friend
who valued my happinefs little lefs than his own, and fincerely wifli it was in-
my power to do juftice to his memory. Till, however, lome perfon of greater
ability and more leifure undertakes the talk,, I believe his friends will not be
diftatisfied with perufing this account of his conduft and convention.

A. N-

.

'

' ' t

,

, , : v r ' -

.

-

.

*

'

. ' • t ■

• -t

-

'■ .w : ■ '■ . ■ ■ >

t- ■■ it

’ i f

■

,

/

■

■

. J.» : '.3

.. v: iabgj

• v •->

! ‘ if

v. •* ■> _ >*

5lft

.

■ Vti if ( i

■ ' ’ . v .... ■■

‘

. - ■ ! I

A N

ESSAY

ON THE

CHARACTER

OF THE LATE

ALEXANDER RUSSELL, M.D. F.R.S.

Read before the SOCIETY of PHYSICIANS,
the 2d of October 1769,

[ 427 ]

rHE following EJfay on the Char after of Dr. Ruffell , was printed without any
engraving of that diftinguifhed phyfician. In making the prefent collection, I
did not doubt but many of his contemporaries would be highly gratified with a fir-iking
likenefs, as this is, of their late admired friend -, and I can add, that no one enjoys this
pleafure more fenfibly than myfelf, as it renews in fome meafure my acquaintance with
a man from whom I gained much information during my medical jludies at St. Tho-
mas's hofpital, of which he then was one of the phyficians : his behaviour and atten-
tion to the pupils endeared him to all, whiljl his liberal manner of explaining the
caufes of difeafes, and the ejfefts of remedies, acquired him their refpe ft. When I
add, that Dr. Fothergill entertained the moft favourable opinion of his moral refti-
tude and medical Jkill, a further panegyric cannot be wanted : that .he loved Dr.
Ruffell with fingular friendjhip, the following EJfay fully demonftrates. I was at the
College of Edinburgh when this elegant eulogift loft his friend-, and knowing how
much I was interefted in the general lofts on which he tenderly expatiates, he con-
cludes by informing me, <c that he was Jeized with a putrid fever , which, notwith-
standing the utmoft endeavours of Dr. Fit cairn and myfelf, to prejerve the life of a
tc friend we loved, carried him off on the ninth day, univ erf ally _ regretted* ."

I have quoted this paffage, as it gives fome account . of Dr. Ruffell' s death, which
is not introduced into the fucceeding pages.

In a letter to his amiable and learned friend Dr. Cuming, ( who was a contem-
porary collegian with Dr. Ruffell ) the eulogift, whofe merit in turn, but with unequal
powers, I wifh to commemorate, gives his motives for paying this tribute to the cha -
rafter of his departed friend, and fays, that cc the cordial firm regard for the friend,
“ the companion, and the phyfician, did what it could to record his worth. Let us,"
he adds, “ prejerve the memory of the deferving : perhaps it may prompt others like-
tc wije to deferve. The human mind requires every excitement to prompt it to look up
cc f0 its original to think it is not made for this world only : its exiftence is irnnor-
cc fat \ audits deftiny in immortality, depends on its afting right or wrong. Great
cc the prize , and worth contending for worth exciting our friends to contend
“ for itf.”

I cannot conclude without acknowledging my obligation to Dr. Ruffell' s family for
permitting the annexed engraving to be taken from the original painting in poffejfion of

his brother-in-law , Mawhood , Efq-, of Knightfbridge. I am fenfible that the .

thanks of the public will unite with mine, for this obliging infiance of contributing to
their pleafure. Edn.or,

* Letter to the Editor, dated Dec. 2, 1768.

| Letter to Dr. Cuming, of Dorcheller, dated Dec. 8, 1769.

/

>

3 I ^

A D VERT I S E M E X T\

[ 428 ]

ADVERTISEMENT.

.11 t \

> iSC v

A FEW years ago it was reported, that the College of Phyficians in London
had it under cohfideration to admit perfons d^firous of praCtifing phyfic as
Licentiates, upon an examination in Englifh.

This was done, as it was fuppofed, to introduce, into this rank, men of little
or no education, in order to depreciate the characters of many who were in fome
efteem with die public.

An attempt of this nature could not but alarm thofe who were immediately to
be affeCted by it, and who felt the defigned indignity.

Several of thefe met together, compared the accounts they had received, and
found there was too much truth in the reports, to fuffer them any longer to re-
main inattentive to defigns fo prejudicial. ,v

It was refolved to call the Licentiates in general together, to acquaint them
with their fituation, and to aCl in concert for their general fafety.

But this was not all ; thofe who embarked in this affair, had at heart not only
the honour of their profeffion, ‘but its public utility; not only to emancipate
themfelves from an authority, which appeared to them in the light of ufurpa-
ticn, but to eftabiiih the faculty upon a folid and liberal foundation.

How far their endeavours may fuqceed, is uncertain ; hut of one thing they
are fure — they promote harmony amongfl themfelves; excite to an honourable
emulation ; and, whatever may be their fate, will give proofs by the reftitude of
their conduCt, and Jan exertion of their abilities, that they are not unworthy of
the higheft honours in their profeffion.

Philanthropy is infeparable from good minds r this led them very early to re-
folve, that honourable mention ffiould be made of their colleagues after their
deceafe. It has fallen to my lot, by appointment of the Society, to perform
$his office. If my abilities had been equal to my friendfhip for the deeeafed,
or to his defert, the reader would have received much fatisfaCtion in perufing
the following pages. -

'

.V \ ' ' .

to

Gentlemen,

An Ejjay on the Character of the late Alexander Ruff ell, M.D. 429

Gentlemen,

fi' ' , • . r'-‘ • ■

WHEN it was firft propofed in this affembly, to preferve the memory of
fuch of our affociates as had deferved well of the public, and thereby
done honour to the community of which we are members, I little expeXed it
would have fallen to my lot, fo foon to have performed this mournful office for
one, who in refpeX of vigour of conftitution, temperance, and juft management
of his health, was inferior to none, fuperior to moft among us.

Accuftomed as we are to fee the ravages of that Hand, which removes the
generations of men, ftrong and weak, rich and poor, the ignorant and the wife,
like the herbage that falls promifcuoufly before the fcythe, not one could re-
frain the unaffected figh, icarcely the tear, when it was known that our Ruffell
was no more! The tender remembrance of friendfhip yet lives in every bread: ;
we mourn without form ; we fee and feel the void his fall has left, and which
only time can mitigate, and a refignation to the difpenfations of that Power
which orders all things with unerring wifdom and goodnefs, beyond our com-
prehenfion.

UnpraXifed in the language of eulogy, and unequal to the charge you have
committed to me, allow me to befpeak your utmoft candour and condelcenfion,
and think him not unworthy of your indulgence, who, in obedience to your
commands, attempts to place before you, though in an imperfeX manner, the
idea of the companion you deplore.

We wiffi to know the moft minute particulars in the lives of thofe, when
they are removed, who have become dear to us, either from a fimilitude of
manners, fimilar ftudies, a long and mutual intercourfe of friendfhip, or any
other of thofe ftrong connexions .that tend to cement individuals together in
fociety. In infancy, almoft in the period of youth and adolefcence, many traits
are often obfervable, that ftrongly mark the future character of the man. The
relation of incidents, of no confequence in themfelves, viewed in this light, af-
fords us fatisfaXion, when we recolleX them as the early prefages of future
worth : my acquaintance with our colleague having commenced at a later pe-
riod, prevents any narrative of this kind. I have learned, however, that mo-
defty, diligence, and propriety of conduX, accompanied him from early infancy;
beloved by his intimates, efteemed by his friends, feldom making an enemy,
never lofmg a friend, by his own mifconduX.

He

430 An EJfay on the Char after of the late 'Alexander Rafell , M. D.

He was early devoted to medicine by his father *; a perfon of great eminence
as a lawyer in the city of Edinburgh, and Angularly happy in having feven of
his Tons that lived to be men, not one of whom, by mifbehaving, ever gave him
caufe of a moment’s difquietude ; but, on the contrary, by the juft reputation
they acquired, made all good men rejoice that he had fuch a family, and fo
eminently diftinguifhed by fo many good qualities.

Our colleague, after having gone through his grammatical ftudles with repu-
tation in the high fchool at Edinburgh, and fpent two years after this in the
univerfity, was placed with his uncle, who was then one of the moft eminent
pra&itioners in the city, in order to acquire the knowledge of the firft rudiments
of medicine. In the years 1732, 3, and 4, he continued his medical ftudies
under the profeftors, who at that time fo ably filled the feveral chairs of phyfic
in the Univerfity of Edinburgh, and laid the foundation of that character which-
ranks it in the public efteem fuperior to- moft others in Europe.

Though there had long been profefforfhips for medicine in that place, and
feveral attempts had been made to introduce a general courfe of medical in-
ftru&ion, it was not till about the year 1720 that this univerfity diftinguifhed
itfelf. Several gentlemen, who had ftudied under Boerhaave, with a view to
revive the ftudy of medicine in their native country, where it had formerly
flourished, qualified themfelves for the purpofe of giving courfes of public
lectures on every branch of their profefiion. The celebrated Monro taught
anatomy, after having ftudied it for feveral years under the ableft mafters'theq <
in Europe f. The theory of phyfic was alfigned to the amiable, the humane
Dr. Sinclair ; DrS. Rutherford and Innes chofe th t frabitce-, chemiftry was allot-
ted to Dr. Plummer,- and the teaching the materia medica , together with botany
(of which laft he was appointed king?s profeflor) devolved upon the learned
and indefatigable Alfton. The city of Edinburgh favoured the generous de~
fign, added to the falaries allotted from the crown, and provided as fuitable
conveniencies as the place would at that time afford.

* The concifenefs of the author refpe&ing the character of the Do&or’s father, in alT proba-
bility arofe from an apprehenfion of endangering his own credit, or at leali of fubjedling himfelf
to the imputation of credulity, had he further enlarged upon it.

For how few would believe, that a moll fond indulgent father could, in his own houfe, manage
a very numerous family of children, all boys, and bring up feven of them to man’s ellate, without
ever giving a blow, or even ufing a harlh expreflion ; and yet preferved a more perfedl obedience
in them, than can be produced by any bodily pain i Such education is liberal, in the truell fenfe
of the word.

This worthy man, though he lived to the age of 86, was to the laft attended, whenever he
pleafed (which was almoft all day long) with chearful company of both fexes, and of all ages; re-
tained his faculties and amiable temper, was never angry, and preferved his chearfulnefs and
fpirits to the laft.

f Dr. Douglafs, of London ; Albinus, the elder, of Leyden ; and Window, at Paris.

They

An EJfay on the Char abler of the late Alexander Rujjell, M.D . 431

They had no fooner opened their refpedive profefiorfhips, than many ftu-
dents of their own nation, fome from England, from Ireland, and not long
after from the Plantations likewife, flocked thither. This {Emulated the pro-
feflors to exert their great talents with the utmoft energy ; profefior Monro’s
clafs foon became numerous ; and the anatomy of the bones, of the nerves, and
his other pieces, will long remain as teftimonies of his great abilities, when the
grateful regard of the multitude of thofe who ftudied under him, and were
witnefles of his Angular attention to inftrud and encourage his pupils, as well
as to ad the part of a parent to every ftranger, fails bf expreflion. With what
grace and elegance, with what minutenefs and preciflon, would the humane,
the inimitable Sinclair explain the inftitutes of the Rafter, whofe nervous fim-
plicity he ftudied to exemplify, though not with fervile imitation ! Where he
differed in opinion from that great man, with what diffidence would he offer his
own ! Ever the ftudent’s friend, and their example, in a noble fimplicity of
manners, and a condud becoming the gentleman and the phyfician.

Dodor Rutherford ftill enjoys his country’s praife, and the lafting efteem of
all his pupils. Plummer is no more ! He knew chemiftry well. Laborious,
attentive, and exad, had not a native diffidence veiled his talents as a prasledor,
he would have been among the foremoft in the pupils efteem : fuch was the
gentlenefs of his nature, fuch his univerfal knowledge, that in any difputed
point of fcience, the great Maclaurin always appealed to him, 2s to a living li-
brary ; and yet fo great his modefty, that he fpoke to young audiences, upon a
fubjed he was perfedly mafter of, not without helitation.

Alfton, the laborious Alfton, will live ror ages. What benefit his pupils had
the means of reaping, will be beft known when his Ledures, now in the prefs,
are publifhed *. What care to feparate truth from falfehood ! how cautious in
advancing fpeculation ! how laborious in experiment, and chafte in forming his
concluflons ! The numerous manufcript copies of his ledures, that were taken
by his pupils, are fufftcient proofs of their opinion of his abilities.

But while I am thus attempting to pay my tribute of gratitude to the memo-
ries of thofe eminent profeffors, who laid the foundation of that feminary of
phyfic, whofe reputation has fince drawn ftudents from every nation in Europe,
let me not forget the learned, the able, the laborious Innes. Though I was not
fo happy as to be of the number of his pupils, yet I can well remember the
deep regret exprefied by many of the ftudents, my contemporaries, for his early
and untimely fate. Often have I heard them tell, with what dignity, with what
clearnefs and preciflon, in what a nervous mafculine ftyle, he ufed to explain the
Aphorifms of his great mafter. His colleagues, too, moft deeply lamented the
lofs which they and the public fuftained by the death of fo able a coadjutor $

7

* Thcfe Le&ures are fince publifhed.

they

432 An EJjay on the Char after of the late Alexander Rujjell, M.D.

they regretted the Man whom they loved, the Phylician and ProfeiTor whom
they efteemed.

Under fuch mailers, and at a time when they were daily riling into reputa-
tion, Dr. RulTell fludied, embracing every means of qualifying himfelf for the
duties of his ftation.

Several ftudents at that time, the foremoll in application and in knowledge,
fired by the example of their mailers, who had nothing more at heart than the
improvement of thofe who committed themfelves to their tuition, formed a fo-
ciety for their mutual inllruftion and advancement in their ftudies. Every ftu-
dent of a certain Handing, who diftinguilhed himfelf by his diligence, capacity,
and conduct, was initiated into this little alfembly. Here the opinions of the
ancients, of their contemporaries, nay the doctrines of their mailers, were fre-
quently difculfed ; and two of the members were always charged with the talk
of providing inllrudtion and entertainment for the next meeting of the Society.
Queftions, no doubt, were here difputed and decided, which long experience
would have declined : but it exercifed their faculties, gave them both fides of
arguments, taught them to doubt, and habituated them to obfervation.

Our colleague was one of the firll members of this alfociation, inllituted in
the autumn of the year 1734, together with the eminent Dr. Cuming of Dor-
cheller, the fagacious Cleghorn, le&urer in anatomy at Dublin, with a few
others, who, though now removed, did honour in their llations to this inftitu-
tion, which not only fubfifts, but has yearly increafed in vigour, and is ho-
noured with the immediate patronage of the profelfors. In a Thefts, not
long ftnce dedicated to this fociety by a very ingenious member* **, as well

as.

* Dr. Morgan, of Philadelphia, dedicates his Thefts, publifhed when he took his degree in the
year 1763, “ Societad Medicinse Studioforum in Academia Edinburgena dudum inllitutae

In which he bellows, among others, the following panegyric : “ Quippe qui recolam quanto-
“ cum judicio, ordine et decore res veftrse gerantur ; quanta lint in vellris ratiociniis et fententiis,
“ turn libertas et candor, turn etiam nam expertus refero, aequus et humanus favor, ita ut faluber-
“ rimo hoc veftro inftituto, quo non nifi utiliflimae quasftiones difcuduntur, omnia confpirant ad
“ fciendae medic-a; ftudium cum fruftu et emolumento promovendum,” &c.

In Dr. Garland’s Inaugural Diflertation, “ De Medicamends adftringentibus,” publifhed alfo
in 1763, is the following account of it :

“ Nec juvenum coeths qui medicinse radone excolendse caufa, feptimo quoque die, inter fe in.
“ nofocomio regio conveniunt, ac quorum ego in numero per triennii fpadum fui, deceJTurus, non
“ mentionem non facere potui.— Celeberrimis academise fcholis, hjec quali alia fucoedit. — Is

certe locus eft, ubi audita a doftoribus, e libris petita, undecunque accepta ad medicinam perti-
“ nens difciplina, in medium prolata, ac ultro, citroque in contrarias partes difputando agitata,.
“ altius in omnium animos influit : ubi juventutis ftudia gloria incenduntur, exercitatione acuun-
“ tur, animique ad multiplied ac fpinofae feientise qusrendas laborem perfexendum, propofitis ex

** fuorum

An EJfay on the Char after of the late Alexander Rujfell M.D. 43^

as from the teftimony of another gentleman, who had been admitted into
it, the fingular advantages that refult from this alfociation are defcribed in a
manner that delineates the charadfter of the ftudents in that univerfity, and does
honour to the founders of the inftitution.

Having finifhed his ftudies in the univerfity, though without applying for a
degree at that time, he came to this city in the year 1735, and foon after went
to Turky, and fettled about the year 1740 at Aleppo, in the practice of
phyfic.

The Englilh factory at that place, has frequently been conftituted of men of
property and extenfive knowledge ; they were fuch, when Dr. Rufifell fixed
there at the unanimous requeft of the gentlemen of the factory . We have no
account of any of his predecefibrs being remarkably eminent in the practice of
phyfic ; to take care of the factory, feems to have been the extent of their
views.

Dr. Ruflell applied himfelf afliduoufly to gain a knowledge of the language
of the country, and to become acquainted with the ableft of the numerous
prattitioners in the place, who were employed among the inhabitants. He fuc-
ceeded in both : he foon difcovered the incapacity of thefe ; a few traditional
receipts compofed the whole furniture of moft of them ; he found a few, how-
ever, capable of information, and aftifted them to the utmoft of his power.

He was foon applied to by the inhabitants of Aleppo, of all ranks and pro-
fefiions; Franks, Greeks, Armenians, Maronites, Jews, Sec. and even by the
Turks themfelves : in this inftance they forgot that he was an unbeliever, re-
mitted of their ufual contempt for Arrangers, and not only beheld him with re-
fpe6t, but courted his friendfhip, and placed unlimited confidence in his opi-
nion. The pafcha himfelf became acquainted with the merit of our deceafed
colleague, confulted him, called him his friend, found him upright, fenfible,
and fincere ; as a man, polite without flattery, decent, but not fervile ; as a
chriftian, true to his principles; difinterefted and generous as a Briton; and in
point of fkill as a phyfician, fuperior to every one. A natural, even, cool and
confident temper ; a freedom of behaviour as remote from confidence as con-
ftraint, improved by reading and converfation ; a mind imbued with juft reve-
rence of God, and imprefled with a fenfe of the duty we owe him; an underftand-
ing fraught with the principles of the profeflion to which he had been early de-
voted (the pradlice of phyfic) happily blended with great benevolence ; was a

“ fuorum numero exemplis pulcherrimis, perpelluntur, poftremo, ubi omnes inter fe mutuae
“ amicitiae firmiffimum nedlit vinculum. Floruit triginta prope annos his juvenilis circulus, et ut
“ aeternum floreat precor !”

Soon after its firft inftitution, the writer of this Memorial was likewife a member, and knows
from experience the benefits refulting from it.

3 K

chara&er

434 Efay on the Character of the late Alexander 'Ruffe 11, M.D.

charader feldom to be met with in the Afiatic regions : this, however, was the
character of our colleague; and I appeal to you, my alTociates, for the juftice
of the portrait.

The fadory thought themfelves happy in fuch a phyfician, fuch a compa-
nion, fuch a countryman. His clofe and intimate connedion with the pafcha
enabled him to render to the fadory the moll important fervices; and indeed
all the European nations, trading at that place, were repeatedly obliged to his
interpofition, on a multitude of occafions.

Seldom would the pafcha determine any intricate affair, refpeding not only
commerce, but even the interior police of his government, without firft con-
fulting his phyfician and his friend ; and as feldom deviated from the opinion
he propofed : and fuch was the pafcha’s refped for fo rare a charader, and fuch
his friendfhip and determined refolution to do him honour, that he even chofe
to oblige the people in the Dodor’s prefence, and feldom punifhed any crimi-
nal but in the Dodor’s abfence ; that the people might learn to think it was
owing to the Dodor’s interpofition, that examples of feverity were not more
frequently infiided *.

Many princely prefents were the confequence of this effeem : the pafcha did
not even forget the Dodor’s father, to whom , faid he, I am obliged for your aff fi-
ance. He ordered prefents to be fent to the worthy old man : what joy mufl
this excite in an aged parent’s heart, to have fuch authentic proofs of the merit
of his fon from fo diffant a clime, and v/here the merit mufl be great to gain
fuch a teftimony ! — I leave the Hiflory of Aleppo to fpeak its author’s abilities,

* With regard to criminals, this behaviour of the pafcha was very remarkable and polite ; for,
when mitigating circumftances occurred in favour of criminals, to induce the pafcha to fpare
them, he often difmiffed them, with, a caution to behave better in time to come; for they were fo
bad, that none of their own countrymen durft fpeak to them ; but that they owed their lives to
the Englifh Doftor : though he fometimes before had retired, to make way for the necelfary feve-
rities of juftice, and knew nothing of the matter till the poor unhappy wretches came to his
houfe, to fling themfelves at his feet, and with true gratitude thank him for their lives : and indeed
fometimes the pafcha went fo far as to tell the criminals, that, in his opinion, they certainly de-
ferved Death, but that he durft not order it, for the Englifh Dodlor infilled on Mercy. It is rare
to find any ruler making fo great a facrifice of his popularity to a ftranger, or in fo polite a man-
ner to transfer it to any body. — Befides this pafcha, who ruled a long time, the others that came
after him had the greateft confidence in the Dodlor, and intimacy with him ; particularly one
pafcha of this place, an old man, who had ruled the empire as grand vizier, and died at Aleppo,
intrufted him with the whole fecrets of his family, and depended on his advice.

The Dodlor’s fame was perhaps more general over the Turkifh empire, than any phyfician’s is
in Europe ; well known at court, and in every province, he efcaped more than once the difa-
greeable circumllance of being fent for to the Grand Seignior in time of the plague. His brother
was, in moll of the trading towns in Turky, found out, by bearing the fame name, and offered
great civilities; and once at Conilantinople, when a flight plague happened there, was opprefled
with invitations to vifit feveral great meD, which with difficulty he avoided. W. R.

I

—It

An EJfay on the Character of the late Alexander Rujfell, M.D. 435

—It has been already tranflated into other languages; and it will be juftly
efteemed one of the' moll important produdtions in medicine, fliould ever that
fatal fcourge, the plague, be permitted to come amongft us.

You, gentlemen, are not ignorant of its worth; and to fay more on this fub-
jedt, would be detracting as much from your underftandings, as from your
friendfhip.

Suffer me, however, to recount one circumftance, which may not perhaps be
of fuch general notoriety :

From his thorough knowledge of the peftilence, and the means fuccei'srully
made ufe of to prevent infection, in the countries mod: expofed to this fatal dif-
eafe, he formed a defign of exciting the greateft commercial nation in the
world to provide fome more effectual means than hitherto it had done, in order
to prevent it from again becoming the dreadful theatre of peftiiential conta-
gion.— With this view, in his return from Turky, he vifited the moft famous
lazarettos, to which he could have accefs, inquired into their ftrudture, the go-
vernment they were under, and took an account of all the precautions they
ufed for prefervation.

At Naples, Leghorn, and other places, he had all the opportunities of obfer-
vation he could wifh for; and profited by them to fuch a degree, as to be better
acquainted with the conduct of the wifefl dates, in refpedt to the means of pre-
vention, than perhaps any other perfon: indeed, his acquaintance with this fub-
jedt, and his experience, induced him to make himfelf mafter of every thing
appertaining to prefervation from one of the greateft of all human calamities.

And fo generally was his great knowledge of this diftemper eftablifhed, that
in the latter end of the year 1757, when our miniftry was alarmed with the re-
port of its being broke out at Lifbon, and earneftly folicitous to take every pre-
caution to prevent its being imported into this kingdom, they thought no per-
fon fo fit to be confulted on the means proper to be purfued, as our worthy
colleague. Doctor Rufiell received his orders to attend the Privy Council ; he
came, and gave fuch pertinent and fatisfadtory anfwers to the queftions pro-
pofed, that he was defired to communicate his information, and the method he
propofed to prevent the fpreading of that calamity, in writing. This he ac-
cordingly did ; and fhould it pleafe the Almighty hereafter to threaten this na-
tion with that dreadful fcourge, the profecution of the plans then fuggefted may
perhaps greatly contribute to avert from us the moft terrible of all difeafes.

From the time he left England, to his return in February 1755, we had
maintained a regular correfpondence. I could not forbear mentioning to hiip
repeatedly, how acceptable a more accurate account of Aleppo would be to
this nation, and to all Europe; that no perfon would probably ever ftand a
chance of fucceeding in it fo happily as himfelf ; that his long refidence there,
his knowledge of the language, the manners, cuftoms, difeafes of the place,

3 K 2 the

43 6 An EJfay on the Character of the late Alexander Ruffell, M.D.

the great credit he had acquired amongft all ranks, by an able, diligent, and
difinterefted exertion of his faculties amongft them, his influence over the paf-
cha, and the refpeft paid him by the Turks themfelves, would facilitate every
enquiry. He viewed the propofal in the fame light, collected materials, made
fuitable enquiries, and has erefted a lafting and honourable monument to his
memory.

With no fmall trouble he fucceeded in procuring us the feeds of the true
Jcammony. They were raifed by my two botanical friends, the late Peter Col-
linfon, and the indefatigable James Gordon. Seeds were likewife fent over to
the fouthern colonies of America, in hopes that in a fimilar foil and latitude, in
fome future time, we might from thence have this valuable drug unadul-
terated *.

To him, likewife, we are indebted for a plant, that will hereafter be one of
the greateft ornaments of our gardens fj as well as for many ufeful intimations,
both in refpedl to his own profeflion, as to commerce in general.

He chofe this city for his refidence at his return to England, and foon had a
coniiderable ftiare of employment. A vacancy happening in St. Thomas’s hos-
pital, about the beginning of the year 1759, he was chofen phyfician, and con-
tinued in this ftation to the time of his death, an example of diligence and hu-
manity to the flck, of great medical abilities as a phyfician, and as a gentleman
irreproachable. The Royal Society, of which he was many years a worthy
member, the Medical Society t, likewife, who early admitted him amongft

* The late Conful Sherrard, who refided long at Aleppo, and was one of the mod eminent bo-
tanills of his time, endeavoured long and fruitlefsly to obtain the feeds of this and fome other cu-
rious plants. The Arabs, who are the people chiefly employed in thefe affairs, not fo much
through ignorance as knavifhnefs, will bring every kind of feed but the right, and affert that it is
the feed required. Dr. Ruffell affured me, that he had near twenty different feeds brought to him
for the feeds of the true Scammony, by different perfons employed to procure it him, with promifes
of a fuitable reward. Amongft thefe found, there were two parcels of feeds alike, which corre-
fponding to the general charadler, he judged were the right; and thefe he fent over to Eng-
land. Many plants were raifed from them, and fome are yet in the gardens of a few botanifts in
the neighbourhood of London. We have not received an account of their propagation in Ame-
rica ; but if the plant is kept alive in this country, it will probably be fent thither under fome
- perfon more attentive to the public benefit than his predeceffors.

Dr. Ruffell publifhed an exaft defcription of the Scammony, and the method of collefting its
juice, in the firft volume of the Medical Obfervations.

f The Andrachne, nearly approaching to the Arbutus, which it furpaffes in elegance. An
exatt defcription of this plant was given in the Tranfadtions, by that great botanift and excellent
painter, the late G. D. Ehret.

J Medical Society . About the year 1752, feveral phyflcians in London, chiefly of thofe called
Licentiates, agreed to form themfelves into a fociety, for colledting and publifhing all fuch obfer-
vations and enquiries in medicine, that feemed to deferve the public notice. This fociety has
fubfifted ever flnce, has publifhed feveral volumes, which have been well received, and will be fol-
lowed by others.

them*

An E/fay on the Char after of the late Alexander RtfelL M.D. 437

them, are obliged to Dr. Ruftell, and the public through them, for many va-
luable communications: his extenfive pradtice at Aleppo, his early introduc-
tion into bufinefs here after his arrival, the multitude of objedts under his care
in the hofpical, fupplied a fund of medical experience, which might have yielded
much benefit to fociety, had his life been protradfed.

Need I recite how much this fociety is indebted to his vigilance and acti-
vity ? Perhaps it is in a great meafure owing to him that it exifts.

Confcious of an uniform endeavour to promote the happinefs of all to the ut-
moft of his abilities in every Ration of life; accuftomed to be treated with a de-
gree of refpeCt, which talents like his, fo uniformly exerted in the promotion of
every thing praife-worthy, had a right to expedt ; he could not eafily brook the
fupercilioufnefs of men, who were weak enough to fuppofe, that neither fenfe
nor learning, lkill nor experience, were the produce of any other clime than
that within the narrow limits of which they themfelves had been confined.

Impatient of indignities he had not deferved, and fatisfied that yet greater
were intended to others in a like fituation with himfelf, with a view to eredt a
reputation upon other men’s foundations, he communicated his fentiments to
others, who had the like apprehenfions ; and common danger has happily been
the means of cementing a permanent reciprocal regard, and forming a regular
fociety of men, fcarce known to each other but by name, but whofe views are
alike, felf-prefervation ; and whofe talents for promoting the honour of the art
they profels, and the benefit of their fellow-citizens, have acquired fignal marks
of royal and public approbation.

If then to him, with very few coadjutors, is owing the exiftence of this fo-
ciety ; if the eftabliihment of it has contributed to fecure no final! part of the
faculty of phyfic in this city from injury and opprefiion ; if it Ihould be the
means of eftablilhing the whole on a juft and liberal foundation ; if by it har-
mony and good intelligence have been promoted among individuals, whofe
duty and intereft, now their inclination likewife, leads them to be united : our
grateful acknowledgments are moft certainly due to that man, who laboured
molt aftiduoufly to promote thefe advantages ; and to his memory let us pay a
grateful tribute for his unwearied endeavours to ferve the community, and the
important fervices he rendered it to the lateft period of his life.

For my own part, when I recoiled!: what I have loft in him, the fenfible, firm,
and upright friend, the able, honeft, and experienced phyfician, the pleafing in-
ftrudfive companion of a focial hour, expreffion fails me.

Should this Account ever pafs beyond the circle of Dr. Rufiell’s perfonal ac-
quaintance, pei haps it would be to them fome gratification to know, that he
was in refpedt of ftature rather tall than middling, well made, of a frefli fan-
guine complexion, grave in his deportment, chearful in converfation, adtive in
the bufinefs of his profeifion, and fagacious ; an attentive and diligent obfer-

ver,

43 8 An EJfay on the Character of the late Alexander Ruffe ll, M.D.

ver, clear in his intentions, manly in his prefcriptions, and in his conduct to
the fick, benevolent and difcreet.

Animated by his example, let us purfue the arduous track of public virtue ;
and having, like him, fupported the dignity of our profeffion, by dealing, with
a liberal hand to all, the blefiings of health, to the utmoft of our abilities, and
done honour to our fpecies, by the conftant exercife of uprightnefs, candour,
and benignity, we may clofe the fcene, in full pofleflion of all that deferves the
name of human felicity.

THAT

I 4 39 3

Cj^HAT Dr. Fothergill had formed a decided opinion upon political matters, is
well known ; and thoje opinions he has occafionally exhibited in print , under va-
rious fignatures , but never fubfcribed with his own name: he was more anxious to
cor reft the judgment of others , than to difplay the fuperiority of his own. Happy
would it have been for this country, had '* the influence of his writings been equal to
their importance and Jagacity : few men were better acquainted with the American
Colonies, and the difpofition of their inhabitants and, forefeeing what might pro-
bably refult from the profecution of certain meafures, which to him appeared ill-timed
and impolitic, he publijhed the following Confederations, fo early as the year 17 65,
long before the fword was imbrued in blood which to this day might have remained
without a ftain, had the knowledge and penetration of thoje in power been equal to
his own. Editor.

CONSIDERATIONS

1 1' j

: tv j ■' *. ;i ' .1 i . u l.vrv:i ^ V:^\ a.ttoj;. • ... ’’i .\C ...

• .'i,- .^v. ' i ' •.> v.; ' . ' ■ • '-I \\vc:-

. . ,v : . ' /'■' ■■'.‘.V , \ •’ w. (tw-.U' i\ i\ >W

■ . "c v;A' ;v 1 ' tv'.?A .' ‘.Vo \.i > - \ frvor.

« . . : - % »! \ ,W\ 1t\ «• Vi WW ’ ' Q3

Vv • . ■ . . . x

' : ' ‘ ' '• ' ; >.'U -• ' \0

1. * r» • * *v» v

.. ? .Y. - • . , Y*. ■ vTi, .,■ ,/t ^ . '.v.

: . . ■ \ • .

'■ ■ . ; vY. ■ i !•„ i . - ■■ ’.A ... . '... 0.\ :■ ' 1 : O

. ■ ' . ■ ' ■ ' . : . \ \\ \

c 3 . - • 3

• /.

t 40 ]

CONSIDERATIONS

RELATIVE TO THE

NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES*.

TH E affairs of North America are of fo much importance to this king
dom, that I make no apology for offering a few thoughts on this fubjecd
to the confideration of the public.

For whether we look at the well-being and content of near two million of
Englilh fubjebts, on that Continent, defcended from and infeparably connected
with ourfelves ; or weigh the effedls, which their difcontent and unhappinefs
muff unavoidably produce on this country ; fcarce a more important objebl can
prefent itfelf to an Englilhman.

The intereds and affairs of the neighbouring kingdoms and dates in Europe,
affe<d us in a very remote degree, however we may have been accudomed to
confider them, when compared with thofe of our own Colonies, and the effects
that naturally, inevitably arife from the loyalty and affeffion, or the difguft and
ill-will of fo large apart of our fellow-fubjecds : men, indeed, who are bound
to us by duty , but whofe didance from us would render it difficult for this
kingdom to keep them always under the redraints of dutyy ffiould they ever
find it their interejl to attempt in earned a diffolution of that facred bond ; and
either concert the means of lhaking off their dependance on us, by their own.
force, or court the proteftion of fome other power, till they were able to un-
fettfe^ themfelves from the temporary aid they had chofen to rely on, and dand
upon their own foundation.

That this may be the cafe in fome future period, ffiould they think them-

* Printed in the Year 1765. Editor.

3 L

felves

442 Confederations- relative to the North American Colonies,

felve* hardly dealt by, may not be improbable. It therefore becomes us to
forefee, and by the mold prudent and equitable means to prevent, the confe-
quences of fuch an event,- confequences the moft ferious in their nature, de-
ftrudtive in their tendency to Great Britain and l>er Colonies, who^ ought to
tremble even at the moft diftant apprehenfion of fuch a fatal revolution.

If we enquire into the conduct of the wifeft ftate£ to their diftant colonies, we
fhall find it always to have been to treat them with, kindnefs and indulgence,
to engage them to look back to the mother country with duty and affection,
and to recompenfe the protection they have enjoyed by the produce of their la-
bours, their commerce, and, when needed, their affiftance.

We meet not with many inftances, comparatively, even of diftant conquered
countries revolting, till' caufes of ftrong difguft had fown the feeds of difcon-
tent, and fucceeding a£ts of oppreffion and injuftice had ripened them into re-
bellion.

Colonies fprung from Britain, will bear much j but it is to be remembered,
that they are the fons of freedom,, and what they have been early taught to
look upon as virtue in their anceftors, will not foon be forgot by them. Nay,
they will the fooner be apt to vindicate their wrongs, and perhaps in an impro-
per manner, the more ftrongly thefe principles have- been inftilled, and the
snore diftant they are from the fource of power, and proper information.

North America, for the moft part, fince the time of its being difcovered by
Europeans, has received its inhabitants from Great Britain and Ireland r great
numbers, indeed, have flocked from Germany, and fome other parts of Europe,
from tyranny and oppreflion, to our Colonies, as a land of eafe and freedom..
Thefe efteem themfelves Britifh fubjefts, equally with the offspring of Britain :
they all look upon this as their mother country, intereft themfelves in its fafety
and happinefs, and efteem themfelves under every obligation that fociety ad-
mits of, to contribute to the profperity of Britain j for in this they contribute to
their own.

The late conquefts from France, are not included in this account. The in-
habitants derived their origin from France, as the inhabitants of out own Co-
lonies fprung from hence. Yet of thefe, a great number are acquiring, and
by a juft and equal government will further acquire, the like focial regard for
the intereft of this country, as they have done for another. Time and good
treatment ftrangely metamorphofe enemies into friends.

If then the reigning difpofition in our own Colonies, has always been to
confider this as their mother country ; the country wherein their hopes of pro-
tection center ; to which they look with gratitude and affection, and to which
they chearfully bring all the produce of their labour and commerce they can
fpare, to exchange for its manufactures, an exchange which gives bread to
thousands, riches to many individuals, and vaft ftrength to the ftatej if we

confider

Confederations relative to the North American Colonies. 44 >

confider them in this point of view, and in fuch a point they have ever been
confidered by all who knew any thing of America, till the prefent unhappy
period; it admits not of a doubt, what kind of regard is due to the Americans,
or what manner of treatment it is the intereft of Britain to exercife towards
them.

And here it may be proper to explain what was meant by afterting, that the
affairs of our neighbours in Europe, affed us in a remote degree, compared
with our Colonies. The Colonies not only bring an increafe of revenue by
their traffick, confume vaft quantities of our manufactures, produce, and will
dill increafe in producing* many raw materials ; but they are fo fituated, their
numbers fo increased, their martial abilities fo well known, as to give vaft ad-
dition to the confequence of Great Britain.

The maritime powers well know this ; they fee, they feel our growing influ-
ence ; and that if we encourage and proted our Colonies, as we have done,
the enemies of Britain have every thing to dread, its friends every thing to
hope from the wife management of the power we poffefs : how eafily are fleets
or armies recruited for an American or Weft Indian expedition, from two
millions of people juft upon the fpot ! With what expedition and fecrecy can
an armament be fitted out, of great ftrength, from an American port, to annoy
the Weft India fettlements of thofe who may ever think it their intereft to
quarrel with us ! But this power may be deemed to be yet in its infancy : its
growth indeed is rapid, and wifdom is re-quifite to guide its efficacy to proper
•ends : this power is, however, Bririlh, 'and will choofe to«be fubfervient to the
intereft of the parent, if the connexion is maintained as it ought to be.

But fhould this happy connexion be ever fhaken, or weakened by any means ;
fhould the lull of dominion at home, or fhould avarice banifh the remem-
brance, that the Americans are fons, and conceive a defign to enflave and fetter
.a free people, all thefe glorious profpe&s vanifh as a dream. If they prove re-
fraftory, and fubmit unwillingly to reftraints, which they think fubverfive of
their liberties ; and fhould we aim, by force, to bring them to our terms ; is
not the houfe indeed divided againft: itfelf, the kingdom fplit ? and inftead of
pofleffing a force capable of fupporting ourfelves and confederates, againft all
human oppOfition, and of awing into good behaviour, thofe who envy our hap-
pinefs and good fortune, we lefien our influence in proportion to the exertion
of our ftrength, and wafte our force in cutting the veins that fupply vitality
and vigour, and tearing off thofe finews on which depend the exertions of our
power.

How much better for the whole would it be, if any diftinCtion is to be made,
to treat thofe diftant fubjetfts with particular indulgence ; and indeed they de-
ferve it. For whatever the motives of their migration may have been, the ef-
feifts of this migration have undoubtedly been fignally beneficial to this coun-

3 L 2 try;

444 Confiderations relative to the North American Colonies .

try ; and fome degree of gratitude feems due even to thofe who have done us4
a kindnefs, though without defigning it.

When the firft Englifh adventurers arrived in America, the lands were of no
life, no advantage to us. What little was added to the common flock, was
produced by barter with the natives, and this was but an inconfiderable acqui-
fition. When the Englifh began to fettle, to- clear and. cultivate, then began
the real acquisition of wealth to the common national flock. Every acre was
an addition of fubftantial value, as the produce, or the greatefl part of it, was
deftined for the mother country, in return for her produce and manufactures.
From fingle plantations, they have increafed to colonies and provinces ; go-
vernments refpedtable in themfelves, and which have done credit to their mo-
ther country in abundance of inflances, by the wifdom of their inflirutions, and
the virtue of their administrations.. How oft have they already fupplied)ftheir
parent with important and effedtual aids, both in peace and war !

Under Providence, it folely depends upon ourfeLves, whether this power
fhall increase or diminifh whether it Shall be for us, or againft us. Wife and
gentle methods will ever flrengthen this union, will encourage population, cul-
tivation, commerce, whilft the produce of all centers in Britain. Harfh and
ungracious means will as neceffarily weaken the union, will make them defirous
of forgetting that they are of Englifh defcent, will leffen their duty and alle-
giance, and teach them to think hardly of a country, to which they indeed
owe their original, but which they find difpofed to disinherit them, and to
deny them the privileges of their birthright. Such means will infallibly kindle
jealoufies, Spread difcontent and difaffedtion, and put a flop to induflry, and to
every virtuous aim or emulation.

People under fuch circumftances, impatiently look forward to that indepen-
dency, which their fituation favours ; and this the more eagerly,, in proportion,
to the prejudices they have early imbibed againft a government they think op-
preflive : they grudge to contribute to the Support of a ftate that threatens to
abridge their liberties; and difcontent prompts them to enquire by what means
they can molt fafely give vent to their revenge. They make a virtue of their
neceffities, grow frugal, either make a fhift without, or Supply by their own in-
duftry, many articles of commerce, the produdt of the mother country trade
then begins to languifh at home j the merchants will firft feel the effedls of this
decay, the manufadturers Suffer next, but without knowing the caufe. The
landed intereft then finds itfelf embarraffed ; yet how few are able to trace up
the caufe of this general diftrefs ! The remoteft parts of this kingdom already
feel, and will yet feel more dreadfully, the fatal effedls of fuch an unhappy
condudl.

Far from charging the authors of thefe unhappy effedls, with a defign of op-
prefling the Americans, I am only recounting the effedls enfuing from their con-

<dudl.

Conjiderations relative to the North American Colonies . 445

dud. That the Americans think themfelves opprejfed, or defigned to be op-
preffed, is moft certain : witnefs the univerfal oppofition to the late intended re-
gulations on that continent.

Let us view what mult happen amonglt them on this occafion : children and
youth are difpofed early to imbibe the language and fentiments of their pa-
rents; they remember, during their lives, and are often ruled by, the paffionate
didates of their forefathers. What a profped this for Britain ! One ill-
advifed, unneceffary ad, has imbittered the minds of almoft all the inhabitants
of America. The youth will receive the tindure, and it is needlefs to expatiate
on the effeds. An age will not expunge the unhappy impreffions ;

— - ■ Servabit odorem
'Tejla din.

He, who by wrong mealures, and imprudent counfels, alienates the affedions
of the people from their fovereign, is the greateft enemy to the happinefs of
the king, and the profperity of his fubjeds : and the more univerfal the difaf-
fedion, and the more remote the fubjed from better information, the greater is
the detriment. It is laying a fore foundation for independency in the colonies,
and involving both them and the parent in difconrent and ruin.

Thoufands of manufadurers are already turned out of employ; multitudes
foon mull follow. The landed interefl mult then fupport them, or they mutt
perifh. Thus, in hopes to fave a few pence in the pound, at the expence of
America, have we faddled ourfelves with an additional poods rate of ten times
the amount, and ruined our commerce, till wifer meafures bring it back to its
former channel.

Should any ambitious neighbouring power embrace the prefent jundure to
revenge their pall difgraces, can we be fure that the Americans will imme-
diately forget their animofities againlt us, and join with their former zeal in our
affiltance ? To ad againlt us they never will, till oppreffion, grievous oppref-
fion, convinces them, that they are no longer deemed the offspring of Britain,
and have no longer to exped the inheritance of their anceltors, Britilh freedom*
and a Britifh king for their fovereign.

The admin iltration of government in America has hitherto, for the moll part,
been eafy to the fubjed. Such of the governors fent amonglt them, who were
acquainted with men and things, held the reins with eafe and gentlenefs ; they
faw that, for the molt part, the early colonilts were fuch as inclined to republi-
can fentiments ; they faw that their remote, independent, unconneded Hate,
favoured thofe fentiments, and that they fubmitted to rellraint with impatience.
Indeed, if foils, climates, fituations, difpofe mankind to peculiar habits, the
genius of America feems to favour freedom. The aboriginal natives of the
northern part of this hemifphere,. are, perhaps, the moll free and unreltrained

of

446 Confi derations relative io the North American Colonies*

of any in the known world. To unveil at once the moft unfavourable parts of
monarchy to fuch a people, was certainly the moft unlikely means of gaining
the good opinion of fubjeds almoft bordering on republican madnefs. To re-
ftrid their foreign commerce, by which they fubfifted; to impofe domeftic
taxes, without their concurrence, whilft they were overloaded with provincial
debts, contraded to fupport the Britifh caufe ; to annihilate, inftead of redify-
ing, their medium of commerce ; to fink them at once, in their own opinion,
from the full fruition of liberty, to the loweft ftate of conquered countries, was
too hardy a ftep in a reafonable adminiftration ; and thofe who have the con-
dud of the helm at prefent, muft feel the weight, the baneful influence of fuch
fatal regulations.

A Britifh parliament has certainly -power to do many things, which they have
no right to do. They have power to enad what laws they think fit, refpeding
any part of the Britifh fubjeds ; but ftill it is to be remembered, that reafon is
the fupreme.4aw, and any thing inconfiftent with it, is void in itfelf. The dif-
tance of America renders it impoflible for its inhabitants to be properly repre-
sented in a parliament of Great Britain. The very title of the parliament fhews.,
that the Americans are yet no part of it; and confequently to fubjed them to
laws* in the making of which they have no voice, and can have none, is ftrik-
ing at the root of our own conftitutioru

Let us IqoIc back to the difcovery* of America by Englifh fubjeds ; view
their rife, pi'ogrefs, eftablifhments, and connedions with their mother country ;
and we fh all foon obferve, that thofe who advifed meafures of the kind hinted
at, have robbed the crown of one of its moft effential privileges, and feem to
be guilty of little lefs than high treafon.

An adventurer difcovers an unknown country, unpofleffed by any potentate,
with whom either law or cuftom has eftablifhed any formal connedions ; he
treats with the native inhabitants, purchafes a trad of country from them, re-
turns home, and applies to his fovereign for leave to fettle, and propofes terms
of cultivation.

A charter granting poffeftion,, agreeable to the terms of pofiefling Englifh
property, and certain privileges to encourage the adventurer to fettle in fo re-
mote a place,, are agreed upon, and confirmed. Elis family, relatives, and
friends, tranfport themfelves to the diftant fettlement; confiding in the right of
his fovereign to grant him the property, and the privileges of his birthright —
laws for the good government of the fettlers, confonant to the laws of their na-
tive country. This confidence acquires by time the full influence of a funda-r
mental principle, and occupies the minds of thofe to whom it is granted, with
a degree of force not eafily to be obliterated.

They think that if the charter conftituting thefe regulations is defedive, it
may foon become a dodrine, that their property is alio precarious ; and that
9 , every

}

Confid'erntiom relative to the North American Colonies . 447

every attempt to deprive the Americans of any degree of that freedom, which,
was at firft granted them, unlefs fome obvious tendency to malverfation ap-
pears, may foon1 be followed, by taking from them the property and poffeffion
they enjoy by virtue of the fame charter.

The Americans never feem to have difputed the right of the Britifh parlia-
ment, to regulate their trade and affairs, fo as to prevent them from interfering
with the advantage of the mother country. They confider themfelves as a part
of that great whole, over which the Britifh parliament prefides, and in every
reafonable inftance yield to its authority. They pay duties, imports, taxes laid
upon their commerce agreeable to the laws of navigation. They trade to fome
places, omit trading to others; they. export goods to one part of the world, and
not to another, juft as the laws eftabliftied for the good of the whole diredt ;
and this is but their reafonable duty.

The parliament of Great Britain has, moll undoubtedly, a right to diredt all
this ; and every tranfgreffor againft regulations, calculated for the good of the
whole, and to reftrain one part of the community from availing themfelves of
any circumftances-in their fituation that might tend to the detriment of another,
is juftly punifhable.

But if we ftep further. May not that right at leaft be doubted ? I am an Eng-
Iifhman, a Britifh fubjedt ; the parliament has power to deprive me of any part
of my property they think fit, and to fubjedt me to every poffible degree of mi-
fery and wretched nefs>; but if I have done nothing to deferve it, -power only
gives them no -right to do it.

If I miftake not, when contributions are to be raifed in a conquered country,
the vanquilhed have always liberty to raife the fum demanded, in what manner
they think convenient. And ought our colonies to be placed in a worfe fitua-
tion, than countries fubdued by the force of arms ? deprived of the privilege of
raffing money expedted from them, for the aid of government,, in the manner
moft eafy to the individuals who mult pay it ? Nothing can afford ftronger
proofs, both of the reafonablenefs and necertity of leaving this power with the
colonies, wherever the right may be lodged, than the adis that have occa-
fioned a difcontent through the colonies, next to madnefs, a univerfal ftagna-
ti©n of commerce, and the ruin of a multitude of induftrious Britifh manufac-
turers. A trifling inftance will fuffice to demonftrate this affertion ; to enter
into a full detail of all would exceed my leifure and abilities.

The ftamp adt diredls the like duties to be paid for the public news-papers,
and the advertifements contained in them, as in England. Heretofore, as no
duty was paid, an American could advertife the Ibfs of a ccw, a horfe, or a hog,
and fometimes things of lefs value, at a little expence. The news-papers
being cheap, came into many hands, and ftrays, in their wildernefs country,
were often by this means recovered. But all this is now at an end. The

news-

44§ Conjiderations relative to the North American Colonies.

news-papers will be dropped in many places; in others, the price, of circulating
intelligence will become too expenfive ; and thus the poor American, who needs
it mod, has it lead in his power to recover his fubftance, through this eafy and
effectual means. Were thefe duties only framed to reftrain the liberty of the
prefs in America, the operation of this law will do it effedtually, and the pre-
cedent may in future times be pleaded nearer home.

It may feem to many, that charters for American governments were granted
without much confideration, without regard to any thing but the petitioner’s
requeft. But this is a great miftake. It was exprefsly covenanted,, that the ad-
venturers ihould perform certain conditions on their fide ; in confideration of
which, they were to enjoy certain benefits. With what right then can any man,
or any body of men, interfere in fucJi folemn compacts, unlefs fufiicient caufe
is adminiftered ? What difcouragement would hence arife to future fettle-
ments ! what diminution of regal authority ! an authority wifely fuppofed ever
to fubfift in the crown, for public benefit.

This way of reafoning feems juft to the writer, as well as to the Americans in
general who live under thefe grants, and who little fufpedt that the tenure of
their property, the enjoyment of their liberties, the poffeffion of every thing
they efteem valuable, is entirely at the mercy of men totally ignorant of their
condition and abilities ; nay, many of whom may juftly be fuppofed, from what
has happened, to be altogether ignorant that they are the delcendants of Eng-
lifhmen, claim the like privileges, and look up to the fame royal fovereign for
protedtion.

Canada, and its dependencies, a vaft country, fuperior in extent, equal in
number of inhabitants to fome ancient empires, that make no contemptible
figure in hiftory, is a conquered country ; it belonged to the French, was a
thorn in our fides, and was at length wrefted from them, by great military vir-
tue, and the permiftion of Providence. Conditions of furrender were ftipu-
lated, and thefe ftipulations are to be the bafis of all regulations in that coun-
try. If no exprefs agreement was made, that they fhould enjoy the Britifh pri-
vilege.of having no monies raifed upon them, but by the confent of their re-
prefentatives, the Britifh parliament have a right , as well as power, to make
what afieffments upon it they think fit. But it is apprehended, that the cafe of
our colonies fprung from ourfelves, and living under charters exprefsly grant-
ing them particular exemptions, is very different. Otherwife there would be no
advantage to have been born the fubjedts of Great Britain, fince they muft
yield to the fame harfli terms which men lubjedted by the fword, have been
fubjedted to ; be governed by laws, and their property difpofed of by regula-
tions, in the making of which they have no voice, can give no diffent.

The public prints inform us fufficiently of the difquietude which thefe im-
prudent meafures have produced : the adminiftration, doubtlefs, have yet more

perplexing

Go?ifiderations relative to the North American Colonies. 449

perplexing accounts ; riots, tumults, and every fpecies of anarchy, that people,
mad with the profped of oppreftion, can exemplify.

What can be done under fuch circumftances ? To reverfe thefe fatal ads
and regulations, may feem to encourage a licentious rabble to oppofe every aft
of power, however conducive to the public good, if it fquared not with popu-
lar opinion. To perfevere in a refolution to fubjed fuch untradable fpirits,
even by force, if it was neceifary, would be next to diftraftion. Our wife
neighbours already fee this, and rife in their demands, increafe in their obfti-
nate refufal to our claims, in proportion to the profped of this difunion. A
dangerous precedent on one hand, as fome may think, to reverfe without trial
an ad of the fupreme legiflature : on the other, a ruinous civil difcord. Thefe
are among the unfortunate legacies to the prefent adminiftration.

It may perhaps be replied, that the Americans ought to be reduced to reafon
by any means, rather than the fupreme authority of a Britifli legiflature fhould
be treated with oppofition or contempt : that they ought to have remonftrated
againft grievances when felt, and not to revolt againft government for imagi-
nary evils. All this is granted. But let us for a moment place ourfelves in
their fituation.

Many of thefe people fled from tyranny and oppreffion, and took all the care
they could, in the charters they obtained, to have as much freedom, as the ge-
nius of our conftitution could allow.

Their fons have been taught to elteem thefe privileges as the molt facred de-
pofit, and in defence of which they ought to rifque every thing.

When the refolutions of parliament weie fent over to America, and the inha-
bitants found the privileges which they deemed moll facred, were to be abo-
liflied for ever ; what could be expeded from perfons bred up almoft in inde-
pendency, and full of republican fentiments? They were ftruck with the deeped
aftonifhment ; they attempted to remonftrate — fome with as much temper as
could be expeded from people in this fituation ; others, with fuch evident to-
kens of refentment, as plainly indicated that reafon had for the time forfook
them.

But when they were informed by their agents, that their remonftrances could
not be heard ; that the meafure was finally refolved on, without their being al-
lowed to explain themfelves in any manner; and that they had no part left, but
to fubmit ; the rage of the populace broke all bounds, and they have proceeded
to fuch lengths, as their warmeft advocates can by no means juftify.

Let it likewife be remembered, that when the damp duty was laid upon this
nation, it was only one quarter part of the prefent. It has rifen by degrees to
what it is, as the riches of the country dould bear it.

America was by no means fo rich as England, when this duty commenced ;
yet the people are taxed not only as high as the Englilh, but as much higher,

3 M as

45° Conjideratiom relative to the North American Colonies .

as a fhilling is more valuable in America than in England, which in fome pro-
vinces, I apprehend, is a third, if not one half more ; that is, a fhilling fterling
in England is equal to is. 6d. or 2 s. in the colonies. So that at one ftep,
not only a tax is laid upon them without their confent ; but, confidering their
poverty compared with England, and the difference of exchange, the load is
heavier than this country would ever fubmit to. A convincing proof, how ne-
ceffary it is that all internal taxes fhould every where be raifed, only by the re-
prefentatives of thofe who pay them !

It has been alleged, and moft weakly alleged, that the Americans are repre-
fented., as much as copyholders, as many large towns and populous communities
in this kingdom. It is amazing how fuch an opinion could poffefs the mind
of any man of refledtion. There is not a man in this kingdom, be his condi-
tion ever fo low in life, who may not be faid to have an influence in the choice
of our reprefentatives, though not worth a fingle fhilling. He can at leaft
make part of the mob, and huzza for the man he likes. But if he has property,
his influence rifes in proportion. There are people in this capital, who are
neither freemen, nor freeholders, yet have it in their power greatly to affedt the
choice of reprefentatives in this city, as well as in many parts of the nation.
Can an American do this ? How vain was the fophiftry ! how flimfy the decep-
tion ! What an affront to the underftandings of fenfible people !

It has been propofed by fome, that the colonies ought to be reprefented in
the Britifh fenate, by members chofe by the Americans. This indeed proves,
that they are not yet reprefented there, in the opinion of thofe who make the
propofition, and this is fome palliation to the prefent extravagancies : but the
writer thinks they never fhould be and that it is the mutual interefl of the
colonies, and Great Britain, that no deputies from North America fhould ever
have a feat in the Britifh fenate.

Can they fend any deputies, who will at no time give up their own, or the
Britifh liberties, for a place or a penfion ? The more diftant they are from their
conftituents, the more they are expofed to temptation. The iefs property thefe
deputies have, the lefs will be the purchafe of their votes. Will Americans,
who are able to ferve their country, and of independent fortunes, be at all times
willing to rifque their lives acrofs the ocean in this fervice ? Will the diftance
admit"them to confult their conftituents, during the feflions ? Muft we have an
auxiliary army of American penfloners, in conjundlion with fome other diftant
members, not lefs purchafeable, to bear down the fons of freedom and indepen-
dence in the Britifh fenate, when perhaps the whole fortune of liberty is at
flake ? No. We fee enough of the effedts of venal poverty at home, without
adding to its influence from our colonies.

In forming our opinions of the degree of fubjedtion to be expedted from the
Americans, we fhould place ourfelves in their fttuation, and confult reafon, the

laws

Confiderations relative to the North American Colonies . 451

laws of nature and nations. To form our ideas of this point, from precedents
to be found in Englifh hiftory, is vain. England never had a like precedent.
When Magna Charta was firfb eftablifhed, where were her colonies ? When the
people ufed to meet themfelves, to tranfadt their own bufmefs, but found it
necelTary to chufe reprefentatives in parliament, what was America ? The wif-
dom of thofe who firft granted charters of colonization, faw the impoflibility of
the colonies being reprefented in the Britilh legiflature, by any other than the
king’s perfon, who, as a part of the legiflature, was liable to have his advifers
called to account, if the Britilh fubjedts whom he therein reprefented, were not
governed as they ought to be.

A governor, the king’s reprefentative, refides in every province. No laws
can be pafled without his conlent ; nor are thefe laws valid till they have re-
ceived the royal approbation at home. Thus the allegiance of the Americans
is at once lecured to the mother country, and care is taken that no adl fhall be
pafled in any one government, that fhall be detrimental to another, to the
whole, or to Great Britain, by forming any legal confederacy amongft them-
felves to her difadvantage.

It is well known, that the powers of the king’s reprefentatives are fuch, that
if any colony proves refradtory to the jult defires of the crown, there are many
legal expedients by which a governor can awake the people to reafon.

Suppofe the king’s minifters had advifed him to inftrudt the American go-
vernors, that a ftamp adt would be ufeful to the refpedtive governments, and to
apply to their feveral houfes of reprefentatives on this occafion, laying before
each the general plan upon which they were to proceed. Would this have
been refufed ? Moft probably not. They would have feen their own fecurity,
and the good of the Hate, united in a ftamp adt, conducted by perfons ac-
quainted with the ftate of the country, and ability of its inhabitants ; which,
permit me to fay, are not fo generally, fo fully underftood in this country, as is
neceflary for our own fake, as well as theirs: this I aflert not at random, or
mere conjedture, but from daily obfervation and experience. Should America
in procefs of time become the greater country, and the refldence of a monarch
of its own ; fhould a parliament there be formed of reprefentatives wholly Ame-
ricans; fliould this legiflature take upon them to tax Great Britain, and have
the power in their hands to compel its fubmiflion, or to reduce it to extreme
diftrefs, how would this country like fuch treatment ? They would pay obe-
dience no longer than they could help it ; would think of the Americans, pre-
cifely as they think of us ; that we at fuch a diftance muft be wholly unac-
quainted with their real ftate ; that the adls made concerning them gave evi-
dent proofs of it ; and that it would become them either to ftand by themfelves,
or look out for lefs rigorous mafters.

I am not ignorant that endeavours are ufed, to prompt thofe who are to de-

j M 2 cide

452 Confiderations relative to the North American Colonies .

cide on thefe important affairs, to exert what they call authority , and to enforce
the afts that have given fuch univerfal difcontent through America, and opened
a profpeft of ruin to thoufands in this country, who deferve a better fate.

Let us trace the effefts of this counfel. The Americans, they fay,' will foon
fubmit to this, and every other aft the Britilh parliament think fit to prefcribe.
But are they fure this will be the refult ? Admit however that thefe gentlemen
are in the right, that the Americans quietly fubmit to parliamentary authority}
yet they muff likewife admit, that the Americans in general are difgufted
with a law, that deprives them of what they plainly tell us they think their
birthright. Whether they think right or wrong, is nothing to the argument }
it is enough that this perfuafion is general : force may prevail upon them to
aft againft their perfuafion ; but will it follow that force will change their opi-
nion ? By no means : rigour , and enforcing , may pofiibly oblige them to fubmit,
till it is in their power to emancipate themfelves, not from internal taxes only,
but from all foreign jurifdiftion} and this event will undoubtedly approach the
fafter, as the means employed to force them to obedience are more difguftful
and compulfory.

How much more advantageous would it be to this nation, could the legifla-
ture unite in this fingle confideration : By what means Great Britain can moll
effeftually render it the intereft and inclination of her colonies, to continue not
only dependent upon, but inviolably attached to her.

It is hard to gain a difpaffionate hearing, againft prejudices that flatter at
once our vanity and our avarice. If the ftamp aft is repealed, we encourage
the Americans to fhake off all dependence: this is the general-language, I own,
and am forry for our own fakes that it is fo, becaufe it betrays our vanity and
felfilhnefs. The moft fanguine abettors of enforcing, cannot vindicate the aft
itfelf, nor urge one plea for its neceffity at leaft I have neither feen nor heard
any reafonable arguments on this head. If then an aft has been paffed by the
Britilh legiflature, that carries evident tokens of impropriety, would it not be
more prudent to refcind fuch an aft, and to convince the Americans, that they
will ever meet with juftice in the Britilh fenate, fhould they at any time be in
danger of oppreffion by imprudent conduft } rather than perfift in a miftake,
becaufe it has once been adopted, and hold out to them an example of injudi-
cious adherence to errors once committed ? What fhould we think of fuch a
conduft in private life ? Yet juftice, equity, moderation, and good fenfe, are
the fame, whether they relate to the concerns of private men, or of ftates and
empires.

In reflefting on this fubjeft, one cannot but regret, that the geography and
hiftory of our colonies is fo little attended to. It is not among the vulgar only,
that we meet with perfons who are totally unacquainted with the fituation, pro-
duce, inhabitants, their condition, manner of life, their traffic and conneftions.

And

Conjiderations relative to the North American Colonies . 453

And this is the more inexcufabie, as there are not wanting many ufeful
Treatifes upon thefe fubjeCts ; and were the public, or that part of the public
which ought to be inquifitive after proper information, (as liable to become a
part of the Britifh fenate, and empowered by the Britilh people, the grand
fource of power, to decide on queftions of the utmoft importance to America;)
I fay, was this part of the public folicitous after information, in refpeft to thefe
important obje&s, numerous occafions of it would daily prefent themfelves.

How many people are there, and thofe too of no fmall figure, who know no
difference between the inhabitants of North America, and thofe of the Weft
India iflands ! They form their ideas of all, by the manner and appearance of a
few, who have no refemblance to them in manners, way of life, or fortune.
The Britifh inhabitants of North America are of two forts; thofe who live in
the northern part of the continent, and thofe who inhabit the fouthern. Nova
Scotia, New England and its dependencies. New York, the Jerfeys and Pen-
fylvania, belong to the former divifion : Maryland may be divided between
both ; Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia, are the other part. Of the late
fouthern or northern acquifitions I fay nothing, as they are yet very light in
the fcale of power. The inhabitants of the northern part live like our lower
Englifh farmers ; they plough, fow, reap^, and vend different kinds of grain, as
the land they occupy and the climate permit — maize, wheat, barley, oats,
peafe, and the like rural produce. They raife cattle, hogs, and other domeftic
animals, for ufe and fale; alfo hemp, flax, naval ftores, but yet in fmall quan-
tities. Their fummers are hot, their winters fevere, and their lives are paffed
with the like labour and toil, and with the fame impoffibilities of acquiring
more than is fufficient to maintain their families juft above want, as the little
farmers in England.

This they have in their favour : as land is for the moft part cheap (a moft
certain fign of poverty) the young people can marry without much rifque of
maintaining themfelves and their offspring. The parents can give a few cows,
fwine, and perhaps a few moveables, and help them to build a log houfe.
Here the young couple fit down contented — they labour as their parents have
done, are content with hard fare and mean cloathing. If they get enough to
fupport them, they are fatisfied ; and if they can afford to have an Englifh
utenfil, or Englifh cloathing, they are rich. Here and there one applies to
commerce, and fettles in the next town, as in England. Fortune, aided by ca-
pacity and induftry, raifes him above the level, and he acquires the reputation
of a confiderable merchant, on a capital that would not furnifh a chandler’s
fhop in London, He is, however, a moft ufeful member of fociety ; he im-
ports all the Britifh manufactures he can, and vends them amongft his com-
patriots. The grower of the product, fuppofe it wool ; the manufacturers, for
there are many $ the Englifh merchant, the navigators, the American mer-
x chant j

454 Confederations relative to the North American Colonies .

chant ; all are gainers by a poor wildernefs American, the confumer. What a
pleafmg profpedt for Britain, who will every day more fenfibly feel the advan-
tages of this commerce, unlefs by (hall I call it their Evil Genius? —

they are goaded on, to accelerate their own undoing, by oppreffing the Ameri-
cans !

Such is the way of life of the North Americans of the northern diftrift. The
inhabitants of the fouthern approach nearer to the Weft Indians. The land is
•capable of producing riches of another nature ; tobacco, which has been the
pleafing intoxication of many nations, is produced in Maryland and Virginia,
•chiefly by the labour of negroes. Rice is the produdt of the Carolinas — -a
happy fuccedaneum for bread ; the proper, the moft fuitable fupport of hot
countries : this likewife is raifed, cultivated, dreffed by the labour of negroes.

The wifdom of Providence is every where conlpicuous to the attentive ob-
ferver; and perhaps in nothing more, than in the different degrees of fertility
•of the different parts of the globe, moft wifely adjufted to the neceffities of
the refpeftive inhabitants. In the colder regions, the earth produces its ftores
with difficulty ; ftrength and labour here are requiflte to unlock the little trea-
sure that the earth contains : but the bracing cold, the whetted appetite, the
ftrong powers of digeftion, derived from cold and penury, render labour eafy,
and the confequences pleafureable. Thus the dreary waftes of Siberia, the
mountainous Alps, the bleak Highlands, the Cumbrian hills, the Yorkffiire
woulds, and Welch mountains, breed as hardy, as contented, and as ufeful a fet
of mortals, as the univerfe produces.

A few acres in Barbadoes, or others of the Weft India iflands, properly cul-
tivated, yield a crop, in value fuperior, perhaps, to one hundred times the ex-
tent, either in North America or in England; and it is juft that they ffiould do
fo. In thefe hot climates, if the Author of Nature had not difpenfed the means
of lubfiftence with a more liberal hand than in the northern regions, who could
•have fub filled there ?

Were the poffeffors of lands in thefe hot countries obliged to labour for them-
fielves, we ffiould not fee the many inftances we do of idlenefs and extrava-
gance : but the Have trade enables the inhabitants of thefe warmer regions, to
procure, not only the neceffaries and conveniencies of life, but vaft wealth, at
the expence of people, who, born under a hotter fun, are found able to bear la-
bour equal almoft to a native of the north, in his own country, and compelled
to work by fore and grievous ftripes ; men in all things like ourfelves, colour
and fome circumftances of form excepted, torn from the tendered: ties of nature
by violence and fraud, to drudge in fervitude during the refidue of their days,
without hope of redemption !

The wealth accruing from the fweat of thefe poor wretches, who fooner or
later may be permitted to become the dreadful executioners of flow-paced

vengeance.

Conjideratiom relative to the North American Colonies . 455

vengeance, has unhappily fixed in the minds of many here, an idea that the
Weft Indians, and North Americans, are in the like fituation, in refpe<5t to the
means of acquiring riches, and poflefling them ; a miftake which an attentive
confideration of the premifes may perhaps contribute to remove.

For as the northern people of America truft to their own induftry, fo the
fouthern inhabitants are rich in proportion to the number of flaves they poffefs.
In the former, all are low and middling people, the fure fupport of any coun-
try ; none are great or rich. In the latter, there are few middling people ; a
very few are confiderable ; the reft are below the middle clafs in general.

The conduft of thefe people, I mean the inhabitants of the fouthern diftridt,
when they arrive in England, approaches nearer to fhew and extravagance, than
the northern inhabitants ; and has added to the general miftake in this country,
that the Americans are rich. The condudt of the Weft Indians has perfedted
this idea. Bred for the moft part at the breaft of a negro Have, furrounded in
their infancy with a numerous retinue of dark attendants, they are habituated,
by precept and example, to fenfuality, felfifhnefs, and defpotifm. Of thofe fent
over to this country for their education, few totally emerge from their firft ha-
bitudes : view them as fons, hufbands, fathers ; as friends, citizens, and men
what examples ! Splendor, drefs, fhew, equipage,’ every thing that can create an
opinion of their importance, is exerted to the utmoft of their credit. They are
thought rich and they are fo indeed, at the expence of the poor negroes wha
cultivate their lands, could they be contented with mediocrity.

If people of quality and condition would ftudy the geography and Hate of
our colonies ; would they give themfelves the trouble of diftinguifhing their
different fituations ; it would prevent them from confounding together cir-
cumftances extremely oppofite ; from inferring, that becaufe an opulent Weft
Indian vies in glare with a nobleman of the firft diftindtion, therefore a poor
American farmer is able to bear the fame heavy load of taxes, or ought to be
placed in the fame fcale of ability.

In a word, the inhabitants of the Weft India iilands are in general the reverie
of the northern North Americans : whilft thefe are poor, laborious, contented
with a little, examples of diligence and frugality, the beft riches of a ftate —
the' Weft Indians are too often the reverfe. Much indeed is to be allowed for
the different climates. Heat enervates, it creates fenfuality, and urges to con-
trive every means of gratification.

Another circumftance has likewife contributed not a little to eftablifh an idea
of the riches of North America ; which is, the known hofpitality of thefe
people in general to all Britifh ftrangers. Vying with each other who fhall af-
ford their gueft the moft hofpitable entertainment, they have unfortunately ri-
vetted an opinion in travellers,, that they are rich, only becaufe they are gene-
rous to excefs.

But

45 6 Conjiderations relative to the North American Colonies .

But leaving this ample field to others, who have more leifure, and greater
abilities, I fhall here remark, that there are too few, who have hearts fufficiently
dilated to conceive, that a condud founded on noble, generous, upright prin-
ciples, is the glory of man, and invariably procures him every blefling com-
patible with his fituation. A fad of fufficient authenticity will perhaps illuf-
trate this adertion, and at the fame time point out the mark we fhould aim at
in the prefent intereding fituation of our affairs :

When the Roman army was fhut up in the Caudine forks, the wife Samnite,
with a thorough fenfe of this principle, advifed his fon to permit the Romans,
without injury, to retreat from the danger in which they faw themfelves irre-
trievably involved.

This difpleafed the haughty general and his army ; the wife old man then
advifed the total deflrudion of the Roman army.

Neither of thefe alternatives were purfued : felfifhnefs and pride prefented a
middle way, that ended in the deflrudion of the nation. The Samnite leader,
flufhed with the fuccefs of his machinations, determined to enjoy the pleafure
of a triumph. He gave the Romans their lives, at the expence of their ho-
nour. The infult was too great for the Roman people to forgive; they vowed
revenge, and hoped, though vainly, to blot out the remembrance of their dif-
grace and perfidy, by the extirpation of the Samnite people; which, contrary to
judice and humanity, they effeded.

Let us profit by this leffon ; the cafes, I own, are not parallel, but yet the
moral may be of ufe to us. Three ways are propofed to extricate ourfelves
from the prefent perplexities. The firft, to enforce the damp ad ; the fecond
to fufpend, and the third to repeal it.

The firft feems like the Samnites opinion, to deflroy the Roman army to-
tally then in their power. The Americans, moll probably, will not give up
their claims without bloodfhed ; and whoever fuffers, the king by that lofes a
fubjed, and the affedions likewife of many more.

To fufpend the ad, feems to be holding a yoke of difgrace over them, which,
though they may bear at prefent without marks of impatience, will only
prompt them to make the quicker flrides to abfolute independency.

A repeal of the damp ad, will convince the Americans fo fully of our equity
and moderation, that they will no longer fufped us of defigns againd their
freedom, their privileges, or their intereds. They will be fure of redrefs, if
grievances arife ; and will bear them patiently, till they can be heard.

Remember, my countrymen, that the Americans are not a conquered, but a
free people, defcended from freeborn Englifhmen for the mod part ; and thofe
who are of another progeny, have acquired the like fentiments, by proximity
and acquaintance. They are people of the like paffions with ourfelves, and
look upon oppreffive .power with the fame fpirit of intolerance; while their ge-

nerofity

Cmjiderations relative to the North American Colonies. 457

nerofity and affection to thofe who treat them kindly, is, like the region they
inhabit, vaft, and whofe limits are hitherto unknown.

The wifdom of parliament may neverthelefs, in time, difcover fuch means of
perfeft and liable connexion with the colonies, as may fecure a juft authority
over them, and at the fame time preferve inviolable the privileges and immu-
nities, purchafed by our brethren in America, at the expence of cultivating a
wildernefs for our advantage.

And indeed, by the prudent policy of thofe who planned or granted the fe-
veral charters, the talk of fecuring the dependence of the colonies, is rendered
much lefs difficult to government, than it might have been, had the charters
been uniform. But by granting diftinft privileges and eftabliffiments to the fe-
veral provinces, each has acquired an opinion, that its own is the moll perfect,
and would not willingly exchange its condition, or communicate its 'peculiar ,
with any other colony. Thus they are, and mull long remain, not only uncon-
nected, but in fame cafes oppofites , till the profpetft of fome common danger ap-
pears, and forces them to unite in their common defence, and build up a po-
tent and formidable confederacy.

If we permit the Americans to trade as they have done ; if we permit them
to raife every kind of raw materials, of which we have need, either for ufe or
commerce ; if we render it their intereft, by fuch means, to be dependent upon
us, they will be fo continually.

If we promote lcholarfhips for Americans in our univerfitiesj give polls and
benefits in America, to fuch Americans who have ftudied here, preferably to
others ; if the government permits fuch youth as come to Europe, on account
of their ftudies, to come over in the king’s Ihips gratis , we fhall Hill unite them
more firmly. The Americans, by mixing with our own youth at the univer-
fity, will diffufe a fpirit of enquiry after America, and its affairs ; they will ce-
ment friendfhips on both lides, which will be of more lafting benefit to both
countries, than all the armies that Britain can fend thither.

If fuch be the conduct of this nation towards her colonies, lhe will ever
poffefs their affe&ions; the produ<5t of their labours will center here; their
power will be fubfervient to our command ; and a force will be generated, Pro-
vidence permitting, fuperior to what any country now poffeffes..

3 N-

A LETTER

i ■ .vh. ’ V. \V .V, \y; xvd\\i:

. 'i'r '; i ovhr o or. h r'.->rh Oi f .

- ■■ t : ■

■ . i '' ! r - !. • .

• _ ■ • - • ' J o.Vn: . v: i !/':•■ ,<:• ' .!:■>: ' , :o;dr

1 ' JVl J; i: : ' ■ 1 i ! j.r . -h -

>: !>V ' (3 5(: ,r: MTj ■ J . i .1 f ’

f J j* , v J’ , [ .

ft

Jr :

•: ■ mn*3v.

3 o

:

rc.

• s ■

o

lli) -U ’

rtf. c

yj ul

>r .7 j:nit

A •

■ • .. Jr 37; .

Yd

.rri

•i.o"t

O' ’ .7 3

3r

<•

fi i

MU’ 0 h

;i • ;. o 33i ir-

/b

.)’ it; " a

ij'.y\ . UpDS /£7

id

on 6

tc';onr/o7q Lv:

0\

/ .'ovo

e,ti fi’ji

nw: j o

, TO.

ttoo pi

ygccrb.io v

r, •

Ifivy

j on

cow

m:

• r

r ■ 1 .o

<-:u ir .3in

Y a J i 1

,o

fjo

V

w

■

jpO i„ '

7 31: i I!

: ■

'

yrt;

- \ ^

- .. •; :

• j

hir.. .. .

nr , ;„>(;• * ,u

fiOfTlfl

O’J

..I ‘JjjLtJ Of

rr,j[ i) ?

"Oi

is rn

3<1

Jfoirloo

ICO'

: Ji

'ir:

fol

O': . j)

33

rncili

: H i

i . ?q a ft

i. 3 no ;j j\

Kfi 70

'j f .3 v >/ •

O '. 3 313317:

•.A

•Jii-f

lir.v

oq

j W ' L

'

rntvA t

!t }o

r - 1 . r . j

■l- ll'

;[ Vi

}V3

■

03

'

q . yi g i : • . •

pfl V ,.o,;' OJ : ■ • m

3 ' i ' ■ ■ t ; i : . h

• : 1 • ■■■■'. 1 ' )

• '•*•■>! i - * *• ■ • '.ii) i i i • f • » i i X I (I * v’ -_jt. .. > •. t . I • . i f . ! f

f L , cMjiilis ci i has .j/jrit/mA rmn viii/p*”: :> ';o jitkJ ilrv vii) ®

I grtii 11 w • ...... Y -o . '

. o: n i. .o fo rliici 1: V; h > r :n •o'J

r .»:• i •' •/ >!• . or. i :toiItvi zirti \S 'fwhrioi Yii 2 ft c hi 1)

_

- fi ; ' ' ' • : • ...

• ' ' Vi . o . . ... •

'N

‘

J. O'ttl^U

A

E

E

.'S’

^ T . ,

'T V ■■*

i v . .. C v.O-v

TO A

;'i -s V C • , v'\,

\ ^ • , . v -v .

V4 44, J

:\X\

FRIEND IN THE C O U N

,;VK

A V r-r \ , Av

,{\v V.Wito

RELATIVE TO THE

R

v '

TRY,

Intended School5 at Ackworth , in Vorkjhire

[ 4<So ]

JF Dr. Fothergill'j life had not been difiinguijhed by a fucceffion of great and
good actions , the eftahlifhment of Ackworth fchool is of itfelf fuffcient to endear
his memory to dijiant pofterity , and enroll it with the illuftrious benefactors of man-
kind. Capacious minds , habituated to the furvey of great objects , are fometimes
negligent of little ones ; whiljl thofe which have been confined to minutiae, are not
dijpofed to expand and amplify : they dij cover partial defects , without tracing the
great outlines of the whole ; and, being timid without judgment , and doubtful of
what is not exemplified , they are the more apt to cenfure new , grand , and important
defigns. 1b enlarge the views of thefe microfcopical obfervers ; to remove prejudicet
wherever it Jhould exijl , againfi the execution of this great efiablifhment ; to explain its
utility , and to promote its fuccefsful and permanent fupport throughout the religious
fociety of which he was a member ; appear to have been the laudable motives that
prompted him to write the following Letter.

Editor.

•f -»! r.'--

V . . . o-tf* .£ v/

A LETTER

[ 4<5i ]

A

LETTER

T O A

FRIEND IN THE COUNTRY,

Dear Friend,

npHY inquiries refpeding the Intended School at Ackworth, are fo fimilar to
many which I have received from various quarters, that I find myfelf dif-
pofed to draw up fuch an account of the rife and prefent ftate of this affair, as
I hope may enable thee to explain, to every fenfible inquirer, the intentions of
Friends in this eftablifliment.

And I think myfelf the more obliged to take this talk upon me, though
fufficiently occupied in other matters, as 1 am fo far the author of this under-
taking, as to have propofed it to the confideration of the Society.

I do not mention this circumffance, as defigning to derive from it any impor-
tance to myfelf, but as I wifh it to be confidered as proceeding from a fingle,
upright view, if I do not greatly deceive myfelf, to promote the benefit of that
part of our body, which is juftly entitled to our afliftance, viz. thofe below the
middling, in point of circumftances. Many of thefe are not the leaft valuable
part of our profeffion, becaufe amonglt them are often to be found fuch as are
truly religious, and therefore worthy of our regard and attention. Excellent is
the wife man’s prayer : “ Give me neither poverty nor riches ; feed me with
food convenient for me, left I be full and deny thee, and fay. Who is the Lord?
or left I be poor and fteal, and take the name of my God in vain.”

I need not here recapitulate the abundant care, and the many endeavours
that have been ufed for the education of Friends children. We have many

fchools

462 A Letter to a Friend , relative to the intended School at Ackworth.

fchools for the education of youth amongft us, and many very deferving fchool-
mafters, in various parts of this nation, where the children of thofe who are in
affluent circumftances receive a competent fhare of learning : and that thofe
who are of lefs ability may partake of the like benefit, is the objed of the pre-
fent inftitution.

It is well known to many, that the laborious occupation of fchool-mafters is
feldom confidered as it ought to be, nor are* they, fo generally as might be
wiffled, recompenfed according to their deferts. In promoting the prefent de-
fign, I believe it is very generally the mind of Friends, to prevent them from
fuffering by this eftablifhment ; and I hope it will be practicable to draw fuch
a line between thofe who are the proper objeds of this eftablifhment, and fuch:
whofe circumftances allow them to fend their children to the prefent fchools, as
will give no juft caufe of complaint.

The children of Friends not in affluent circumftances, are the objeds of
Ackworth School ; the children of fuch perfons, as muft either provide for their
offspring a very cheap education, or none at all. And there is great reafon to
believe, that the inability of many Friends to make fuch. provifion, or to find;
any means of obtaining a fafe education, has been the occafion of keeping their
children at home, where it was impracticable to keep them at all times from
corrupt company.

Fully apprized of thefe circumftances, and many others relative to this fob-
jed, which it is unneceffary to mention in this place ; having likewife, in con-
cert with other Friends appointed by the Meeting for Sufferings, taken much
pains in endeavouring to form fome proper plan to remedy the defeds ■, and the
recommendation of the Yearly Meeting of 1777, not only to the Meeting for
Sufferings, but to the Society at large, to unite in forming fome practicable
plan for the education of our youth, being often in my mind, I frequently con-
fidered this fubjed, with a warm defire to contribute as much as in me lay to
promote fo neceffary a purpofe.

Whilft I was in Yorkshire the fame year, mention was cafually made of
Ackworth hofpital ; that it was on fale, and would probably be fold at a very
moderate price, compared with the fom that it had coft. Though I had not
feen the building, I had feen and confidered a plan of the houfe, and learned
from that, and from the report of many who had been on the Ipot, that the
building, the fituation, the healthfulnefs of the country, the plenty of provi-
fions, and the vicinity of many valuable Friends, were fuch, that if it could be
purchafed, and properly endov/ed, it might, in many refpeCts, anfwer the inten-
tion of Friends, and lay the ground-work of an ufeful and permanent eftablifh-
ment.

For the information of divers, who may not be acquainted with the nature of
thefe premifes, it may be neceffary to obferve, that after the fetting on foot the

hofpital

A Letter to a Friend , relative to the intended School at Ackworth. 46 3

hofpital for foundling children in London, the public had great expectations of
its utility; large fums were fubfcribed, and money likewife was granted by par-
liament, for ere&ing proper buildings for the reception of great numbers of
children. A large hofpital was built in London, another near Shrewsbury in
Shroplhire, and this at Ackworth, as appendages to that in London, and under
the fame direction.

The Friends whom I confulted, on my return to London, thought it a mat-
ter of fuch moment, as to deferve attention ; and in purfuance of their opinion,
inquiry was made concerning the price. I was given to underftand that it was
fixed at £.7,000 ; and, in a fhort time after, was informed, that £. 6,800 was
offered for it by fome other perfon. The Meeting for Sufferings was then con-
fulted, and the ftate of the affair fubmitted to their confideration. They
wifhed to have had the matter kept open for the deliberation of the Yearly
Meeting, but this was precluded by the unexpected offer of another pur-
chafer.

A number of Friends, in their private capacity, generoufly ftepped forward,
with an offer to bear the Meeting for Sufferings harmiefs, fhould the enfuing
Yearly Meeting decline the purchafe. This being accepted, a contract was
made, and the matter referved in this ftate, for the deliberation of the Yearly
Meeting in 1778.

A Committee, confifting of one Friend out of every county, together with
the Committee of the Meeting for Sufferings, with any others who chofe to at-
tend, was early appointed by the Yearly Meeting, to take this matter into con-
fideration. To this Committee, which was full, and attended by many not ap-
pointed, according to leave given, the whole bufinefs, from its beginning to
that time, was fully explained, and the inquiries and doubts propofed, an-
fwered, as it appeared, to general fatisfadlion.

After various Meetings of the Committee, a report was agreed to, recom-
mending the purchafe, and propofing that a fubfcription fhould be fet on foot,
during the fitting of the Meeting, for this purpofe, by donations, by annuities
on two lives at five per cent, per ann. and by bills of admifTion at eight gui-
neas each. After deliberate confideration, the report was received by the
Yearly Meeting, and the fubfcription propofed was begun, and ftrongly recom-
mended to the counties.

The great unanimity that prevailed in the feveral fittings of the Committee,
apparently proceeding from a juft fenfe of the want of fome fuch eftablifhment ;
the cordial, though not.hafty concurrence of the Yearly Meeting with the re-
port of the Committee ; and the generous exertions of many Friends, in confe-
quence of this concurrence (upwards of ,£.4,000 having been fubfcribed in the
fpace of three or four days) I own afforded me fuch an indication of the pro-
priety of this propofal, that it difpelled the doubts I had entertained about it :

^ having

464 A Letter to a Friend , relative to the intended School at Ac k worth.

having been, on the one nand, folicitous not to be inftrumental in engaging
Friends in an expenfive and fruitlefs undertaking ; and, on the other, afraid of
lofing an opportunity, not likely to be again recovered, of promoting the in-
tentions of the Yearly Meeting, and the benefit of thofe who were the imme-
diate objects of their attention, in fo fatisfactory a matter.

From this time, I confefs, I have felt very little difcouragement, notwith-
ftanding the labour and care that mu ft attend the fettling of this extenfive con-
cern. Is there any thing of great value, in this life, that doth not require pro-
portionable care and labour to obtain it ? I perfuade myfelf, we are making
provifion, not merely for the fubfiftence of great numbers of children of both
fexes, in a fafe and healthy retreat, but are likewife providing for their orderly
and chrifiian education. Too few are the parents who can honeftly fay, that
“ they train up. their children in. a godly converfation ; in plainnefs of fpeech',
“ behaviour, and apparel; and in frequent reading the Holy Scriptures.”
Here, we truft, due care will be taken, both of their principles and conduct.

From what I can learn, it. does not feem that muclp. backwardnefs, in refpect
to this affair, has appeared in any place. If it has not proceeded every where
with equal alacrity, it feems to have been owing more to the want of due infor-
mation, than any other caufe. Ia various parts. Friends are zealoufly difpofed
to affift according to their abilities. The Committee appointed on this affair,
by the Meeting for Sufferings, have received accounts, from various quarters,
that Friends are proceeding with their fubfcriptions, conformably to the recom-
mendations of the Yearly Meeting. Several fums have been received; fub-
fcriptions are carrying on in- other places, and fome Friends have offered them-
felves for feveral fervices. The Committee is preparing the neceffary directions
for the admiffion of children,, and doing all- that time and opportunity admit, to
have every thing in readinefs for opening the School at a convenient time.

It is agreed, that as the School is intended for the education, maintenance,
and cloathing of children whofe parents are not in affluence, that they fhall be
inftructed in reading, writing, and accompts, as fully as the time allowed them
will permit. Some ufeful employment may be provided for the boys, accord-
ing as their age, ftrength, talents, or condition may require. Learning and la-
bour, properly intermixed, greatly affift the ends of both, a found mind in a
healthy body.

The girls will alfo be inftructed in knitting, fpinning, ufeful needle-work,
and in fuch domeftic occupations as are fuitable to their fex and filiations.

I believe it is the wifh of all concerned in this important affair, that by gen-
tlenefs,. kind and affectionate treatment, holding out encouragement and appro-
bation to the deferving, exerting the influence of the fear of fihame, and
prompting the children to every act of kindnefs and beneficence one towards
another, to bring forward, into the Society and its fervice, a number of youth

who

A Letter to a Friend , relative to the intended School at Ackworth. 465

who may have been made acquainted, under fuch tuition, in degree, with the
difcipline of wifdom.

Many children amongft us fuftain a grievous lofs, by not being early and
properly made acquainted with the principles we profefs. For want of this in-
ftruCtion, they become too eafy a prey to the cuftoms of the world ; and thofe
habitudes, which would be as a kind of hedge about them, and protect from
many temptations, are thrown down, and all the allurements of vice and folly
fuffered to feduce their affections, to their ruin. When they ceafe to be diftin-
guifhed from others, by their garb and deportment, they too often ceafe to be
diftinguifhed from the world by their morals, and the re&itude of their
conduCt.

The hiftory of the rife and progrefs of Friends, their principles, their fuffer-
ings, and the indulgences granted them by the legiflature, will probably make
a part of this inftruCtion, to the children of both fexes, as well as the general
doCtrines of religion and morality.

But above all, it is hoped that every opportunity will be embraced, of che-
rilhing in their tender minds obedience to that principle of light and truth
which is given us to profit withal. And, however neceffary it is for all to be
bred up in the fear of offending this pure inward fpirit of truth, which naturally
leavens the mind into a teachable fubmiflive frame ; yet, to thofe whofe condi-
tion in life makes a juft fubordination a duty, a temper of this kind muft be an
invaluable bleffing. Perhaps there is nothing in the common courfe of public
education in the world, that fo unfits men for that humble attention to the di-
vine monitor within, that renders them fuch perfeCl ftrangers to the fpirit of
Chriftianity, and all its happy effeCts, as the cultivation of a bold unfeeling dif-
pofition, under a notion of promoting manlinefs and courage : it too often fets
afide that great defence and ornament of youth, a modeft ingenuous temper;
accuftoms them to throw off' all the reftrain^s of duty and affeCtion, and at
length to bid defiance to entreaty, admonition, and reproof.

In this place it is hoped that endeavours will be ufed to form in the children
a temper widely different ; equally remote from a culpable fear and ferviiity,
and an audacioufnefs that knows no refpeCt for order or authority.

There is a circumftance in the bringing-up of Friends children, which has
been, and yet is, of greater importance to them than perhaps is generally appre-
hended ; and I mention it, as in the propofed inftitution it will doubtlels be
particularly regarded. To habituate children, from their early infancy, to
filence and attention, is of the greateft advantage to them, not only as a prepa-
rative to their advancement in a religious life, but as the ground-work of a
well-cultivated underftanding. We are almoft the only profeffors of Chrifti-
anity, who acknowledge the ufe of this abfolutely neceffary introduction to
Chriftian knowledge and Chriftian practice. To have the active minds of chil-

3 O dren

jf.66 A Letter to a Friend, relative to the intended School at Ackworth.

dren early put under a kind of reftraint, to be accuftomed to turn their at-
tention from external objects, and habituated to a degree of abftradted quiet, is
a matter of great confequence and lafting benefit to them. To this they are
inured in our affemblies, and to fit in fdence with decency and compofure.
Though it cannot be fuppofed their young and adtive minds are always engaged
as they ought to be ; yet to be accuftomed thus to quietnefs, and initiated to
curb and reftrain the fallies of their youthful difpofitions, is no fmall point
gained towards fixing a habit of patience and recolledtion, and a regard to de-
corum, which feldom forfakes thofe, who have been properly inftru&ed in this
entrance to the fchool of wifdom, during the refidue of their days.

Did the fubjedt of this letter admit of it, it would not be difficult to ffiew,
from abundant authority, and reafon itfelf, the vaft aid afforded to the improve-
ment of the human mind, by early habits of filent attention. The moft ancient
fchools of philofophy taught and pradtifed it ; and the fcriptures are fo full of
precepts on this head, as ought to remove every objection to this neceffary
duty.

As it muft happen that, in many places, the children of thofe who are ob-
jedts of my prefent confideration are deftitute of fuch opportunities, by the re-
motenefs of their parents fituation from meetings ; it is another call to the So-
ciety, to prevent, as much as poffible, the lofs arifing from fuch circumftances.
How many farmers, manufacturers, and others, are often under the neceffity of
fitting down in places at a great difcance from a meeting ? in which cafe, if they
have numerous families, the moft they can do may be to take with them the
eldeft, when the younger are left at home untutored in this moft wholefome
difcipline, till the pradtice becomes a burthen to them.

To this confideration, it will not be improper to add another, which is con-
nected with it ; and that is, the want of opportunities of fending their children
to Friends fchools. By which means, if they have any learning at all afforded
them, it is tinder the tuition of fuch as are moftly ftrangers to our principles,
and the pradtices derived from them, piainnefs of fpeech, ftmplicity of manners,
and that beginning of wifdom which is infpired by the fear of the Lord. On
the contrary, they are liable to affociate with fuch children as are unacquainted
with all thefe things; taught to deride thofe who pradtife them, and live at large
to appetite and cuftom. And how often does it happen, that the children of
Friends in fuch fituations, bred up with unprincipled licentious youths, form
connedtions with them, to their own great hurt, the diftrefs of their parents,
and the lofs of many a valuable member to fociety.

Ackworth, the place propofed for the reception of fuch children, is diftant
from Pontefradt, the next Meeting of Friends, about three meafured miles; too
far for little children to walk, or to be conveyed thither if numerous. For this
reafon it is propofed to have a meeting kept in the houfe, both firft days and
io week

A Letter to a Friend, relative to the intended School at Ackworth . 467

week days ; and for which purpofe a large commodious room will be allotted :
and as a great number of valuable Friends refide in the neighbourhood, it is
not to be doubted but this little fociety will be favoured fometimes with their
company.

After having thus explained the intentions of Friends in this undertaking,
(which may, I hope, be of ufe to future generations, if properly fupported,
and conduced with that prudence and ceconomy which have hitherto accom-
panied the management of our affairs) I will add a few remarks on fuch ob-
jections to this defign, as I recolleCt to have heard mentioned or fuggefled.

The magnitude of the concern, at firft view, feemed to be an objection of
great moment with many : it deferves confideration. To make fo large a pur-
chafe, endow it, govern the numerous family it is capable of admitting, with
advantage to that family, and reputation to the Society, are indeed objeCts of
great magnitude and importance.

In refpeCt to the firft part, the purchafe, it is in a great meafure already
provided for, by the fpeedy and generous fubfcriptions already received.

Nor is the future endowment altogether unprovided for. I have authority to
fay, that, befides the means already employed for raifing the neceffary fupplies,
there is one Friend who has appropriated £. 100 per annum for five years
certain, and £. 50 per annum in perpetuity, if the undertaking meets with the
fupport he thinks it deferves ; and I doubt not but there are others who are
alike difpofed, by legacies and bequefts, to give it liability and duration. I am
fatisfied that many Friends, now deceafed, could they have forefeen it, would
gladly have promoted fuch an inflitution in their wills and as little can I
doubt, but others will rejoice in an opportunity that promifes fo many advan-
tages to fucceeding generations.

The good government of a large family is indeed an objeCt worthy of the
mofl fei ious attention, and fills every confiderate mind with anxious concern
for its fuccefs : but I trull there will always be found among us, fuch as are
both able and willing to undertake the charge. We fee many numerous
fchools that are managed without great difficulty. If a proper choice is made
of perfons to have the charge of this affair, (and I doubt not but thofe who are
appointed to have the immediate care of it will pay all proper attention to this
matter) fuch as they make choice of may improve by experience, and their
abilities enlarge with the demands for their exertion.

It would doubtlefs contribute much to produce all the good effedcs intendeds
if fome Friend of ability, experience, and reputation, prompted by an honefl
zeal to promote the benefit of this eflablifhment, would take up his refidence in
the houfe (in which accommodations may eafiily be provided) as Treafurer, and
take upon him the fuperintendence of the whole, in concert with the Com-
mittee who may have the immediate charge of this affair) and there is little

30a reafon

468 A Letter to a Friend, relative to the intended School at Ackworth.

reafon to doubt, but under the infpettion of fuch a Friend every thing would be
conduced to its reputation. The confcioufnefs of ferving the Society, and the
rifing youth, in fo interefting a fituation, would be a fufficient recompence to
a generous mind, for the care and fatigue attending fo ufeful and honourable a
ftation.

We meet with perfons in other religious profeflions, who, from motives of
benevolence, give up their whole time and attention, without fee or reward, on
fimilar occafions. Such are the treafurers of many of the public hofpitals, and
other inftitutions ; and we hope the like difpofition to promote the general good,,
our numbers confidered, is not lefs prevalent amongft us, than amongft other
focieties.

The extenfivenefs of the premiffes at Ackworth has been an objection with
fome Friends, as it creates an apprehenfion, that to fill the place with fo nume-
rous a family as it is capable of containing, would be impracticable ; or, if it was
effected, would be not lefs difficult to govern prudently, than to fupport
effectually.

To this objection fome reply has been already made ; and if thofe who are
uneafy on thefe accounts will be pleafed to caff their eye on the annexed plan;,
they will observe that the building confifts of three diftinCt parts ; the centre,
and the two wings. Should one part be found fufficient for the purpofe, the
others may be converted to otherufes; or, fhouid this ftep be found expedient, the
materials may be difpofed of. But the firmnefs of the building, and the dura-
bility of its materials, will allow the whole to remain in its prefent ftate without
injury, till experience may have directed what fhall be deemed molt prudent in
thefe refpeCts. Many indeed are already of opinion, that the whole will be
ufeful.

It has been alleged, that it might have been much more advantageous to the
Society, could three or more fchools on the like foundation have been fettled in
different parts of the nation : this at firft fight may appear to be a reafonable al-
legation. It may be thought that fmall fchools are more eafily managed than
larger; that much would be faved in fending children backwards and forwards ;
that many parents would confent to fending their children fifty miles, who
would objeCt to three or four times that diftance; and, in fhort, that eachfchool
being under the guidance of Friends in the particular diftriCt, whofe conveni-
ency it is to ferve, its management would be infpeCted with more attention and
fuccefs, than might be fuppofed to be the cafe with fuch an affair as the

But let us look at the probability, that fuch fchools would be ereCted.
Have we not feen the endeavours of the Yearly Meeting to obtain a much lefs
encouragement, than would fuffice for ereCting and fupporting a fchool capable
of admitting forty or fifty children, rendered wholly abortive ? For my own

part.

A Letter to a Friend, relative to the intended School at Ackworth. 469

part, I am convinced by experience, that it may be poffible to draw the atten-
tion of Friends to one confiderable objed, and intereft them in its fupport,
whilft leffer ones will be apt in a lhort time to difappear, unlefs we fhould dis-
cover a more lively zeal to promote fuch undertakings, than fome late endea-
vours have made apparent. It may be objeded, that there is one recent in-
ftance, which militates againft this pofition, the fchool lately opened for the
children of Friends in low circumftances, at Gilderfome, near Leeds, in York-
fhire ; which, by the generofity of the Monthly Meeting of Brighoufe, who fet
it on foot, and the adivity of the Friends who have the immediate care of it,
has proved beneficial to many children, and even brought divers from great
diftances.

I readily allow the exception ; and had there been much reafon to exped any
fimilar exertions, very probably the cbjed of this letter would not have been
thought of.

Notwithstanding the fchool at Gilderfome has received a very generous
fupport from Friends in that neighbourhood, and is thought to be conduded
with great frugality, yet the managers of it have been obliged to raife the
price from eight guineas to ten pounds ; and though it is ftill very moderate,
compared with other fchools, yet it is found to be rather more expenfive. than is-
fuitable to the circumftances of many.

If, by the liberality of Friends through the nation, the intended School can
be rendered (till lefs expenfive than is at firft propofed, the Friends who have
fet on foot the fchool at Gilderfome, will have the latisfadion of feeing their
own generous defign carried more extenfively into execution, and will fee the
children of thofe not in affluent circumftances admitted to greater privileges
than their funds could afford, with fatisfadion. I forefee that the eredion and
fupport of this fchool, muff: for a time prevent that at Ackworth from receiving
thofe aids from the friends of that inftitution, which otherwife I am certain
they would have been difpofed to fupply. Gilderfome fchool has however
given one convincing proof, that little regard' will be paid to diftance, when
proportionate advantages may be expeded.

There is another houfe for the education of poor Friends children, which
may alfo be mentioned in this place, as it may feem to be an obiedion to my
pofition ; the difficulty of ereding a number of fchools for this purpofe;
The houfe I mean is Friends fchool and workhoufe at Clerkenwell, founded
and fupported almoft folely by Friends of the Quarterly Meeting of London.
As it is almoft the only inftitution of this kind in the Society, it may not be
improper to mention a few circumftances concerning it. Many well-difpofed
Friends, on confidering the ftate of the poor in London, apprehended that
many of the aged, as well as the children of divers, might be better fup-
ported, and more fuitably educated, were they to be colleded together in

one

470 A Letter to a Friend, re lathe to the intended School at Ack worth.

one place, where every thing neceflary for their well-being might be provided
for them, more to their comfort than at their own habitations.

Accordingly, about the year 1700, this bufmefs was undertaken, and pretty
generally and liberally proceeded in. It was fo wifely conducted, that it
drew many perfons of note of other perfuafions to vifit it; and was at once
the means of deriving credit to the Society, by the propriety with which it was
conduced, and of prompting others to exercife a degree of the like attention.

Perhaps there is not an inflitution exifting, upon which more labour, and
difinterefled endeavours, that every thing might be managed with order, ceco-
notny, reputation, and general benefit, have been employed, than in this
houfe : a Committee of eighteen Friends, chofen from the feveral Monthly
Meetings, moil: part of them duly attending, meet once a month to tranfad
the bufinefs of the houfe, befides the weekly vifitors, who infped the con-
dud of the family at uncertain feafons.

Under fuch management, it cannot be wondered at that this eftablifhment
fhould become confiderable. The fund is, I believe, about £. 20,000, or
near it, arifing from the generofity and bequefts of individuals in this metro-
polis, a very few inftances excepted ; in which fum is included a legacy of
£.3000, left by our deceafed Friend, Devereux Bowley, of London.

In the progrefs of this undertaking experience has proved, that the benefits
derived from it have not been, in every refped, adequate to the hopes and ex-
pedations of thofe who have been engaged in its fupport ; too few of the
youth herein educated, the number confidered, having turned out ufeful or
reputable members of fociety.

Two caufes are affigned for this difappointment, which indeed appear to be
very probable. The one is, that the boys have been permitted, on one ac-
count or other, to be oftener in the flreets of this city than was to their advan-
tage ; fuch as being allowed, at certain feafons, to go to their friends and
relations, not always the moil exemplary in their condud ; by which means
they learned ill manners, and worfe pradices, and returned to the houfe in every
refped worfe than when they left it : this however is now put a flop to. Another
caufe is, that a confiderable number of ancient poor are maintained under the
fame roof ; fome of whom may have been brought thither, by deviating from
the principles of our profeflion, and confequently not the mofl likely perfons
to fet the children a commendable example. We need not any proofs of the
difficulty of educating our youth in great cities, where evil communication ever
abounds, and where the corruption of manners is almofl unavoidable. The
following inflance, in a very populous city, is known to many :

To ferve the rifing generation, and promote its benefit, the fum of £. 3000
was generoufly fubfcribed by Friends, a houfe built, and an able, well-qualified
matter was procured. It was intended to be a day-fchool , but fuch was the

ill

A Letter to a Friend, relative to the intended School at Ackworth. 471

ill effieft: of the children mixing with others in going to and from the fchool, fo
much were they hurt by bad examples and bad company, that thofe who had
engaged in the generous defign, found it neceffary to abandon it, merely, as
it appeared, from this circumftance. Such is the neceffity of preferving youth
from the influence of bad example, if we hope to preferve them in innocence
and fimplicity.

The prolpeCt of avoiding both thefe caufes of difappointment, feems only
obtainable in fuch an inftitution as theprefent; where, in the firft place, every
reafonable endeavour will be ufed, that none make a part of the family, whofe
conduct is not exemplary ; and in the next, no opportunities will be afforded the
children educated there, of mixing with others to their harm.

Another circumftance, that now ftrongly pleads for fuch an inftitution as
the prelent, is, that the fchool at Clerkenwell, which has hitherto taken in
Friends children from the country on eafy terms, is now Ihut up to them.

This fchool was fet on foot, and is fupported, by Friends of the Quarterly
Meeting of London ; and as there are feveral fums of money lately be-
queathed to this houfe, for the purpofe of increafing apprentice-fees, and
farther encouragement to fuch children of both fexes as may deferve it after
a certain period, the whole of thefe emoluments will be fuch, as to keep the
houfe conftantly filled with the children of Friends in London : and Friends in the
country muft now be obliged to feek for fome other place of education, for
the children who need the aftiftance of their friends.

The diftance of Ackworth from many parts of the kingdom, where Friends
are more numerous than in others, is objected to on account of the unavoidable
expence of conveying them from and to the places of their abode but this
expence will be greatly reduced, if the children are allowed to remain there fuch
a length of time, as may enable them to receive competent inftruction ; the lon-
ger they are permitted to remain, the lefs burthenfome their conveyance.

The Committee I know have this matter very clofely under their confideration,
and 1 have reafon to believe that every method will be adopted that can make
this article as eafy to all parties as the nature of the cafe will admit.

It will perhaps be urged, that many Friends may be unwilling to fend
their children to fo diftant a part of the nation. It muft ever be a difficulty
to affectionate parents, to lofe fight of thefe objects of regard and attachment.
But is it not daily feen, that parents in the moft affluent circumftances, both
amcngft us and others, part with their offspring to the greateft diftances,
when the benefit in profpeCt for their children claims fuch a facrifice ? The
fchools of Friends in me North, and in the Weft of England, chiefly confift of
children from the greateft diftances ; and they often remain at them, unfeen
by their parents, a longer time than perhaps maybe the cafe at this SchooL

Befides*

472 A Letter to a Friend , relative to the intended School at Ackwortb.

Befides, have we not feen this objection totally removed, by what has hap-
pened at Gilderfome, a place as remote from London, and the Eaftern and
Southern parts of the kingdom, as Ackworth ?

Befides, the feparation of children from their connexions, is oftentimes of
much^confequence to themfelves and their families, by preventing improper
afiociations, or difiolving fuch as may have already been formed, greatly to the
unhappinefs of many an affeXion ate careful parent.

There is one objeXion of much weight, that naturally prefents itfelf to the
view of every confiderate perfon, which is the fituation of the times. This is
moil certainly a difcouragement to every public undertaking, and to this in
particular : but with the difficulties of the times, the neceffity of fome fuch
provifion keeps equal pace. Many may be obliged to accept of that help,
which they once could afford to others ; and one of the fureft means, perhaps,
of averting fuch neceffity, will be to confider ourfelves as ftewards of the
bleffings we enjoy, and that by communicating to the wants of others, we are
laying up provifion againft want ourfelves.

Large contributions are not expeXed, where but little can be fpared ; and
•thole who have abundance, we truft will not withhold their affiftance. By the
means of the bills of admiffion, many will have it in their power to leffen
the difficulties of a difcreffed and numerous family, by contributing half,
where the purchafe of a whole one would be oppreffive, and fo in propor-
tion. To defcend into all the objeXions that could be framed, would be
tedious to my friend. I believe we fhall both be of opinion, that thofe who
do not chufe to part with any thing, however commendable and neceffary
the occafion, will be found the moft fertile in raffing objeXions.

Hitherto there has been no reafon to complain. When the matter was opened
at the Yearly Meeting, and properly explained, Friends feemed to vie with
one another in their generous efforts. This has likewife been the cafe,
wherever the nature of the affair has been rightly underftood.

If any doubts or difficulties occur to thee in this matter, I fhall be ready
to give any farther information that I can : and, on the other hand, if any hints
occur to thee, that may tend to the more effeXual completion of this defign,
I fhall be very glad to receive them, and lay them before the Committee,
who, I am fatisfied, have nothing more at heart, than to fulfil the inten-
sions of the Yearly Meeting.

I would again obferve, that as we are now in poffeffion of a houfe, built
for the exprefs purpofe of accommodating large numbers of children, and
with every conveniency for this purpofe ; where there is room for a variety
of employments fuitable to their ages and conditions, and where learning
and good behaviour will be duly attended to j in a healthy country, plen-
tifully

A Letter to a Friendy relative to the intended School at Ackworth , 473

tifully fupplied with fuel and provifions j and, to crown all, under the infpec-
tion of many judicious valuable Friends, there is every reafon to hope for
fuccefs.

Application has hitherto chiefly been made for affiftance in this undertaking,
to fuch who are deemed to be in affluent circumftances. Thofe of the middle
rank are always ready to give their proportion, on every fuitable occafion j and
I doubt not, but many fuch are difpofed to favour this undertaking, according
to their ability.

Of one thing Friends in general may, I believe, be fully latisfied ; which is,
£hat thofe who have ftepped forward in this affair, have had nothing more at
heart, than that by embracing an opportunity which might never again offer,
they might contribute, as much as in them lay, to render the labour and care
of the Society, during the courfe of many years, effeftual for the fafety and
prefervation of the rifing and fucceeding generations.

I am

Thy friend,

John Fothergils.

London, 24th 1 ft month, 1779,

3^

A N

s

H:.' .

•' \

**• ■ A m ■ *

V ' '\VM

7- 5 V ' ‘i <1 j

\ . ■ : . ' - v‘ "

K

~o j ::t t

h IU

■r \

oi b

2-' ) '

• . v; L: i / b . ' _,.b 7

. et;...

0?

i f j; ; .

.

. .bn >i . '

. .tiUv ■ bjfji ■< ■ a lo

nob)

■-'3 lit

t-cai ■

b.;a

I 1

■ . jz

.• • ;i s»l

rn m>)-

< r b.,; ; 1 s7:. ■

Sib’ -

I-

i . / , ;

?. :0

; ih j ” <.» h ■ /. t , ' //

(.1

h: ,

, _ -v

* ' .J;’}-

hb r

no , n

'

"J ■ • ' ' y, . I:. VI!

“■ iibm- -

. " a

V ?H

in

bbf

. ) b ' t jin. M '-cb

• v li

■j n:

l

•5" ■ '-i

• r - I • v. , ib no

1V»

1i; pn

y. .•

• i •

V ‘

v; v I. it 7l0f.il

1 iLfi;

i.

>'< W

••• rio

■n. (ii

* 0 : ■ : /' - .!i 1. . f

r

'ro .

if-

■ \ j.

: >.v • • : ;

ni

: .' 77; •: - v.o 1 j i; j li! :in.

v-

b'./j v •

i

; .t bb b

i *j J V

ciun :o

.V • ' ■ 7>a ; i7V.,|-)o2 t) il 1 lo

: jusitn

" ci i5* ** ^

■ ; ..

ib*ic

i

JjHST.’'* t/.T
,»* • ' . 3 iMVb' KHO(

' • • ■<) i'ic f i fj . dus t nois-7' J

A N

Englifh Freeholder's Add rels

TO HIS

COUNTRYMEN*.

44 With but half of our natural ftrength, we are at war againft confederate powers, who
“ have fingly threatened us with ruin. Whilft we are left naked on one fide, our other
“ flank is uncovered by any alliance. We are accumulating debt to the amount of at leaft
44 fourteen millions in the year.”

Burke.

• Published anno 17S0.

3 P S

[ 47 6 3

Jf Had proceeded thus far in the prefen t Ccllellion, when I met with the following

pamphlet ; had I been previoufly informed of its authenticity , it fhould have fuc -
ceeded the Confiderations relative to the North American Colonies, as being
connected with the fame political fubjedl : however , as they refer to very different
periods of the fame unnatural conteft , their fucxeffive connexion in this publication
is lefs rcquifite.

7 have already mentioned the intimate correjpondence which had fubfifted between
Henry Zouch of Sandal and Dr. F other gill, and this pamphlet is the fubftance of
various letters from the latter to the former, immediately prior io the General
Afiembly of the county of York, held December 30th, 1779.

The late Marquis of Rockingham having fully conveyed to H. Zouch his fenti-
ments relative to the proceedings of the Yorkjhirc Affociation j this refpe Stable ma~
giftrate made the Do It or acquainted therewith, which produced the following letter

“ London,

(t the 23th °f the 4th month, 1780.

c£ IT was very kind to communicate to me Lord Rockingham' s letters , which

I now return, with , many thanks for the perufal of them. They confirm the
<£ high efieem in which I had long held him, for his engaging manners, the founds
ce nefs of his judgment, and the integrity of his heart. Tho’ a friend to liberty
ec and the juft rights of mankind, it is wife in him not to commit himfelf upon
<e doubtful propofitions, or which, yet at leaf, are crude and unafeertained.

“ The paragraph relative to Lord S. is worthy of the writer. — • Accept of
££ my befl wiffes, &c. J. Fothergill .”

N. B. The following is the paragraph in queftion -, it is taken from a letter Jent
lay Lord Rockingham to H. Zouch, dated March 13, 17 Bo, and hath reference to the
duel in which Lord S. had been juft then engaged :

<c I had the fat is fait ion of feeing Lord Shelburne this morning. He has no
ci fever , or any fymptom to caufe alarm.

££ A few old letters in his waift coat pocket, impeded the force of the ball. — I
<£ need not fay, that his conduit in the bufinefs was highly honourable. Men ,
££ in thefe times , muft ftand prepared for ftrange events. How neceffary
£C general union is become* 1"

* No perfon who is anxious for the ■'welfare cf this country, tan read the foregoing account 'without
emotion. — The fingular pi ejervation of a man to 'whom this nation is indebted for an honourable peace ,
at a period when Jhe was no longer able to oppofe, 'with any profpeSt of fuccefs, the four greateji powers
in the world, may be gratefully revered as providential. The impartial page of future hifory may
unite in equal eulogy a Chatham, who raifed the empire by a fuccefsful war', and a Shelburne, who
faved it by a well-timed peace. Editor.

A N

477 3

1 r f *,y */ f *i : v O f • 7/ ?.7

~ : rt . .... ;v • r T.r

Addrefs, 0V.

tv; — i ■■ ^

• r . • _ r / r » * • -r -r

noj in Hi . >03.- 1

iWy Friends and Countrymen ,

^jpHO’ I almoft defpair of rendering yon much fervice, yet what little I. can
do, is due to the public welfare.

We all fee and deplore the diftreffes of our country, and have ftill greater
in prafped, I need not recount to you the feveral articles that make up the
difference of what we have been, and of what we are.

To apprehend clearly the caufes of this difference, and to endeavour to re-
move them, when found, is of much greater confeq.uence to us.

The origin of our misfortunes hath been hitherto attributed to various
caufes ; but we now feem in general to be clearly convinced, that they pro-
ceed from the American War.

To inquire into the juftice or injuftice of this fatal conteft, is not my. pre-
sent purpofe. Very fenfible, and very upright perfons, ftill differ much in
their opinions concerning this matter. But, however weighty and important
the confideration of it was at the firft commencement, now there feems only to
be one confideration left to us ; how to get out of it, with the leaft poffible
lofs and difgrace,

Having been intimately acquainted for upwards of forty years, not with
the concerns of this or that province fingly, but with them all, I foon per-
ceived when the confufion began, that thofe who took the part of America
againft Adminiftration, and thofe who fupported the meafures of Government
againft. that Country, were almoft total ftrangers to America, to the Country,
and to its Inhabitants: many, to fuch a degree, as to be ignorant whence the
people fprung ; what language they fpoke ; what religion they profeffed ; nay,
of what complexion they were. This ignorance was almoft univerfal; and the
little of truth concerning them that was advanced, was mixed with fo much
falfehood and abfurdity, and thefe became fo rivetted in the minds of each
party, that all reafoning was loft upon them.

i x

Englilh Freeholder’s

I can

478 An Englijh Freeholder s Addrefs to his Countrymen .

I can fafely aver, that many of the officers who early went over on this
unfortunate bufinefs, have come back as utterly uninformed, in refpeCt to the
moft practical points, almoft, as thofe v/ho remained here..

The knowledge of America was confined to the Merchants and Traders
chiefly. It was a country talked of 3 but no people, fave thofe immediately
interefted in its produce, knew any thing about it. From the debates upon
the STAMP-ACT, fome little information arofe, but this was forgotten in a
few years.

Fhe Island of Virginia has been fpoken of in a Court of Judicature, by a
learned pleader 5 and fimilar inftances of a general ignorance, a criminal one,
of this vaft region, pervaded the Country, the Univerfities, the Courts of
Law, the Legiflature in too general a manner, and even Adminiftration
itfelf. ,

‘ ’ ■ ' . ’ ' V TV f

I have dwelt on this topic perhaps longer than may ieem neceffary, but I
think it is impoflible to account for the madnefs and folly of our conduct, on
any other principle, than either confummate ignorance of theTubjeCt of con-
tention, or judicial infatuation.

I do not lay this to the charge of one party more than the other 3 the ge-
nerality on both fides have taken up their notions precipitately 3 means of in-
formation were not immediately at hand 3 and they contented themfelves with
fuch crude opinions as accident fupplied them with. In fuch a general out-
line there were exceptions ; but as thefe differed from the common fabric of
the day, they were neglected and defpifed.

If we examine the fpeeches made by thofe whom we ought to confider as the
beft informed at this time, a perfon acquainted with America, the People, their
Temper, their Refources, who views what they have done, what they are effect-
ing, and what extent of country they inhabit 3 will fee fufficient reafon to be-
lieve, that the generality in this country are in a great meafure ignorant of
what moft effentially concerns them to be fully and largely acquainted with.

It is with regret, that I am obliged to obferve, that Adminiftration is not fo
well informed, as they ought to be : not fo much for the want of means of in-
formation, as to a habit of receiving none , but from fuch as they choofe; moft
unfortunately for the public, I am afraid, that no information is palatable to
thofe who ought to be rightly informed, but fuch as favours their inclinations.
Three forts of people have difcovered their inclinations, and from the deftruc-
tion of the Tea, nay, from the time of the Stamp- Aft, have uniformly, and effi-
cacioufiy fupplied that very fpecies of information, in abundance, which they
found to be moft acceptable.

Firft, The Englijh Commiflaries of the Stamp duties, forced from their em-
ployments with difgrace, made a merit of defcribing the Americans , as one

man.

An Englijh Freeholder1 s Addrefs to his Countrymen . 479

man, averfe to Kingly Government. Their reports were heard with avidity ;
and in fpite of that compromife, which took place on repealing the Stamp-Aft,
that nothing of the kind fhould be attempted, yet it was refolved to ob-
tain a pepper-corn, which if refufed, punifhment fhould follow : it was
unanimoufly afferted, that the infliction of it was no lefs neceflary, than
practicable. y,

When this pepper-corn was demanded in the 'Tea duty, to pay it, or not to
pay it, became the question in America. Different iides were taken, and
thofe who infilled on complying, were forced to leave their country ; many of
them, perfons of note, of property, and known at home, I mean in England ,
which an American always was accuftomed to call his home. Thefe exiles were
received with fatisfaCtion ; their accounts of the people fully beiieyed ; the
hopes they offered became fubflantial j they were rewarded and provided for as
well' as the times would permit.

Unfortunately for this kingdom, I apprehend, we pay not lefs than 60,000 1.
per annum for fuch kind of intelligence, all tending to demonftrate with one
voice, that America 'is eafily to be fubdued ; that more than half of the

people with to be under the dominion of Great-Britain ; that the Congrefs is

divided ; and that a majority is foon to be expeCted on the fide of Great -
Britain . How often have we been allured, that Wajhington's troops were un-
cloathed, unarmed, undifciplined, and ftarving ? Yet, has he not baffled a fuc-
cefflon of the ableft officers, and the belt troops this country had to fend, well
appointed with every thing? What have they done ? ftayed till the officers were
difgraced, the army reduced; their ranks partly filled up with American re-
cruits, and new regiments formed of them ; the nation loaded with taxes,

and a feries of evils that I will not recount. Such is the effect of mifinfor-

mation !

To thefe deluded, vindictive, neceffitous people, are joined another Phalanx-,
all thofe who profit by the War. Who are they ? I anfwer, LEGION !

Partly perceiving the inclinations of their fuperiors, but ftrongly attached to
their own interefls, they join in the cry, and picking up the idle partial tales of
the Refugees , retail them to the public as oracles, and give full fanCtion to the
profitable opinions of their fuperiors.

Muft we' Cxcept the Scotch from affifling in this pleafing reverie ? I wifh not
to perpetuate1 diltinCtions, nor to hold up to the public the. part they have
taken in .forwarding this horrid bufinefs.

If they could regard an Englijlman with the fame partiality as they do their
own countrymen in equal fituations, they fhould have my applaufe : they always
have my difinterefted regard ; many of them are worthy of it.

.. . .... What

4#o An Englijh FrethdUM-l Addrtfs tv ''Bis ■dbtmfrymm-

"What can withftand the :fuggeft?orfe of all thefe f;T!he' Rifdgees, the Con-
traftors, the Military when united, in faying things which it is w iff ed’ might be
believed ? Take thefe matters into co-nftderation, my ' countrymen, and then
refieft on your condition !'* ; "'i - ; : "

From rriy thorough knowledge of Am^ricA, Tfcrtipte not to fay,' arid Etnoft
firmly believe it from this- knowledge, that if Franca and Spain weft leagued
with you againjl America, you riev£r would be able to ffbdueit. -‘You might
drive them into the interior parts of the country, the determined part of them ;
poflefs yourfelves of their Towns and Sea-ports ; but a. nation would exift: in
fpite of all your united efforts, arid make it a moot- point, when you had ef-
fected this, whether the poffeflion of thefe places would be wofth thef essence
of maintaining them*.: in my opinidn they would hoti ari^ i thfnk,; I cati give
reafons not eafy to be refuted'. l- 5 1 onflcsil ermuec! baioffo ya

.h z‘y

irfldul orncoad b 3 riff

Should this opinion be tolerably well founded, ;W hat fucceff are we 'likely to
expert when France and Spain take part with America againft us ? He mtift be
an idiot of a very Angular caff, who is not able to fee the donfe^behcesi
Wajhington alone with his forces, fuch as they are, has prevented us from ob-
taining a Angle province. The Maffachujetts , Penri/ylvdhia, Maryland, arid
Virginia , (unlefs feme frivolous, irritating, unavailing expedition' up the CheJ'a-
peak , ffould make this province an exception} enjoy all the fweets of peace,
except maintaining troops at a diftance for their defence. To lefifen thefe dif-
ficulties, the principal part of the pa!y of the BritiJJo troops finds its way for ne-
ceffaries into thefe provinces. : • •

When the confederates of America a £r in conjunction with their new
friends, vigoroufly, as there is every reafon to fuppofe they will, becaufe it is,
their obvious and mod important intereft to render Great- Britain and America
feparate Empires, then will France have her day of triumph over us. All:
Europe faw, that the two Empires united, were growing too mighty.

To think that France means to keep poffeflion of any part of America,
claimed by the Congrefs, argues a childiff ignorance: They mean only to
divide you. It would be as expenfive, and as little advantageous to the
French , or Spaniards , to keep poffeflion of any of the Congrefs territories, as

A- Jl • / . ... • :

* Dean Tucker fomewhere faith, that there are feven forts of people who clamour for war, and:
found the alarm for battle, i. The Mock Patriot, whofe bread beats high with the love of his
country. 2. The hungry Pamphleteer, the Jackall of the Patriot lion. 3. That Monder of
Modern Times, the Broker and Gambler at ’Change- Alley. 4. News-writers, Political Fire-brands
——this country is now a3 much news-ridden, as it was pried-ridden in the days, of our forefathers.
5. Contractors, Commilfaries, Paymaders, &c. &c. who croak for war, to fatten on human blood;
d. Dealers in exports and imports, and Colony traders, languilh for war. 7-. Land and Sea-
©f&cers are the invariable advocates for war.

4

An Englijh Freeholder s Addrefs to his Countrymen . 481

it would be to you. Bickerings, contentions, and wars, would deftrov all the
fruit of fuch poffeffions.

No wife American will fubmit to it: nor will they foon prefer a Frenchman
to an Englijhman. Their prefent union, is an union of found policy ; na-
tional friendffiip hath little fhare in it : by mutual good offices it may become
fuch : and this will be effected the fooner, in proportion to your inveteracy
againft: them.

But what is your opinion, my Countrymen, of the confederacy formed around
us, commonly ftyled an armed neutrality ? Of this I cannot fpeak with fo much
confidence, as I can of the affairs of America, becaufe thefe I know ; the other
X can only guefs at. But I will tell you my opinion : embrace it if it fquares
with your own. The Englifj have long claimed the dominion of the fea ; and
not only claimed, but exercifed it ; and in war, to a degree of infufferable ty-
ranny. No nation, however mortified, however affronted, durfl oppofe our
pretenfions : We obliged them to ftrike to us, fearched, feized, and condemned
their fhips, by laws of our own conftrudtion. No nation durft feek redrefs by
any other means, than by quietly fubmitting to our maritime code of laws.

When the powers of Europe faw us embroiled in the manner we are, our
Colonies unfubdued by all our efforts, and joined by a powerful confederacy,
they judged it a feafonable time to affert their rights, and to frame a code of
maritime laws on the principles of free navigation: That the fea is a common
highway for all nations bordering on it, and that no one people has a right to
preferibe or inftitute a jurifdidtion over another equally free, though not
equally powerful with another. It would be a hard thing indeed, if every tra-
veller of great force was allowed to compel another of lefs power to attend him
at the next inn, to examine into the nature of his bufinefs.

Wearied with many grievous infults and indignities, and perceiving our em-
barraffed fituation, the powers of Europe feem determined to frame a fet of laws
by which they will uniformly abide, in peace and in war : if we refufe to com-
ply, they mean to employ this armed neutrality againft: us. Should this be the
cafe, what muff be the event ? That we mujl receive laws at Jea in future , from
thofe to whom we have hitherto given them. It may be very juft, but it is cer-
tainly very humiliating to a brave and high-fpirited people, that hath been
long in poffeffion of fuch a fovereignty. If we refufe to comply with the regu-
lations prefented to us, this armed neutrality , in conjundtion with France and
Spain, will in my opinion unite in compelling us.

To our American War , to which we feem at belt to be barely equal, is likely
to be added the armed force of all the maritime powers in Europe. If we can
but barely fupport ourfelves in the former, is there the leaft chance for us to
oppofe the latter with fuccefs ?

3 CL There

1

482 An Englijh Freeholder s Addrefs to fits Countrymen .

• There feems however to- be another matter in contemplation with thefe neutral

powers,.

They know how much our power hath increafed by our Commerce in general,
with America in particular. Tobacco is a conflderable article of traffic, and of
revenue in moft of the European ftates : they wifh to partake in this bufinefs, as
well as in other articles of American trade : at a proper feafou I imagine they
will fend the like meffage to us, as France has done.

America, fay they, has declared herfelf independent ; France an A Spain have
acknowledged her independence ^ they enjoy the benefit of it j and the fubjects
of thefe other ftates petition for the fame privileges they grant thefe privileges,
declare America independent,, and tell you, if you. moled: them they will refill..
Are you. able to contend with all the world ?

Say that thefe are conje&ures :• — be it £b* but they are conjectures worth at-
tending to, and which, only can. be rendered ineffectual^ by a peace with
America ..

Without a peace you are undone at home, and controlled by your neigh-
bours- I omit the catalogue of diftreffes which have grown, and are ftill in-
creafing from the American War., becaufe they are known,, and felt by every
fenfible feeling perfon-.

Where is the remedy ? There is a ftiort one, tho’ bitter to a few ; make peace :
with America, before your fucceffes. are balanced by misfortunes, and before o-e-
neral vengeance fuperiedes the friendlhip yet fubfifting between nations of the
fame origin, language, religion* habits, and complexion : now is the time. But
how is peace to be made ? on what conditions? Grant that which you cannot
keep j or if loft,, is, by all your force, irrecoverable,. — Independence .* fooner or
later thi? muft be donej let the Refugees and- others interefted in deceiving
you, proclaim the contrary never fo loudly. I. have converfed with many of
them, as well as with others ; there are many who. are honeft. enough to ac-
knowledge the truth — that America is invincible .

France will never allow the Americans to make peace with us, on any but the
moft humiliating terms, fay the advocates for war. Thofe who affert this,
know very little of either France oi America . Their league is, and is only,,
that neither France nor America fhall make peace with Great Britain , till.
America is declared independent. This being effeCled, a peace is negotiable..

Till then every attempt to a reconciliation is fruitlefs. It is the intereft of!
France, of Spain, of all Europe, that this fhould take effeCt ; that Great Britain .
and America fhould be divided : and. the war will be continued till this is ef-
fected.

Shall we then plunge ourfelves into greater* obvious, unavoidable embar-
r aliments, trufting folely to the chapter of accidents,, and fee ourfelves reduced

5 to

An Englijh Freeholder's Addrefs'to his Countrymen. 483

to Rich a Rate of weaknefs as to receive laws, from powers that dreaded our
frowns ? or fhall we, laying pride and vengeance afide, like wife men, endeavour
to make the belt of a bad bargain*, and try to extricate ourfelves from lafting
difgrace and poverty ? Thefe are mortifying refledtions, but the event will
juftify them. I fpeak not from a fpirit of prophecy, but from clear dedudtions
from caufe to effedt. It may be afked, what can France gain by all this expence,
if fhe feeks not for, territorial poffeffions in America ? Why, uncontrolled
fuperiority in Europe . Where is the power, when America is divided from us,
that can withftand her ?

Whilft we had America, France knew, and all Europe felt, that every ditianf
pofieflion they had, were fo many obligations for their peaceable behaviour.
They faw America growing fo populous, and fo powerful, her commerce in-
creating, and enlarging the power of Great-Britain , that nothing was fecure
from us. By the people of New England only. New Spain would have been
added to the Britijh Empire in a few years of war, with the faccour of a Britifo
fleet ; and France knew that their Wefi-Fndia IJlands were held by them, at our
courtefy, Ihould a war break out. In the laid war the New Englanders , by fuch
afiiftance, gave us the Havannahy — and tince that time they have been increaf-
ing in numbers, and as it feems likewife in military talents. What greater ac-
cpiitition can a nation obtain, than fecurity from foreign force, and a power of
retaliating injuries ? All this every nation in Europe will obtain by our humi-
liation.

I own that it might feem a fufficient inftigation for us to continue the war,
were there a fair probability of fuccefs; of maintaining our authority over the
revolted colonies, according to the maxims of our fuperiors. But it is madnefs
to attempt that, which we can have no foundation to hope, either from reafon
or experience, is in our power to effedt ; and if we attempt it, and fail, we are
undone.

If then, my Countrymen, we are perfuaded that our calamities originate from
the American War , and if greater are ftill in profpedt; If it is certain, that the
fuccefles we have hitherto gained, are not of equal confequence j If the forces
of our enemies increafe, and our powers diminifh ; If we have not a friend to
fupport us, but all Europe looks upon us with coolnefs and amazement,
{landing on the verge of declared hoftilities j fhould we not join, as one man,
in petitioning the throne for peace , before we are compelled to do it on {till
harfher terms ?

I trufl: that I am not fpeaking the language of fadtion, nor that I am ac-
tuated by a fpirit of party. I love and honour my fovereign, and my country.
I wifh we could have retained the dependence of America : But it is gone ! Let
us however recover her friendjhip ; we {hall recover our commerce with her,

3 Q^2 and

484 An Fnglijh Freeholders Addrefs to his Countrymen .

and her fupport. Let us not Iofe fo precious a treafure, and facrifice the re-*
maining power of this nation, to folly, pride, and vengeance.

It would be grofs prefumption to expedt, that you Ihould adopt opinions-
like thefe, from a namelefs author, and unknown authority ; I do not wilh for
it : thofe who can believe one fide without proof, will change their opinions,
on a like uncertain, unknown authority. Be therefore upon your guard ;
compare what is here offered, with what you have heard, what you ftill hear
from both fides ; compare that with what you fee, and feel j and if this repre-
fentation then merits your notice, a<5t accordingly.

It has been faid that the American War is a popular war ! — it was at its firft
commencement, and why ? Becaufe the people were taught to believe two
things, which as they favoured their purfes, and their pride, were moft readily
admitted.

They were taught that every Ihilling we could obtain from America, was a.
fhilling gained to them ; they were taught that the Americans were under every
kind of obligation to this country, and had ungratefully refufed to pay them

this Ihilling. John Bull needed no more to prompt him to declare war, not?

only againft America,, but if neceflity fo required, that is, if any other nation
refufed to comply with John Bull's demands, he was ready to declare war
againft all and fingular fuch repugnant nations. We all know with what fa-
cility, with what fatal facility,, the people of this country may be worked up to
efpoufe any caufe that favours their arrogance, and their intereft.

I imagine that the people in general are now fully convinced,, that the Ameri-
can War had better never have been begun •, — and that it is now fo far frorrr
being a popular one, that in fpite of that fecret pride which hinders us from,
owning our miftakes, and in fpite of that vengeance we could wilh to execute:
on thofe who oppofe our wilhes, yet taught by dear experience,, they wilh to.
have amend put to the difficulties and Ioffes that th e American War produces.

They have been taught likewife to fee, that they have been grofsly im--
pofed upon ; that the Americans are men as well as themfelves, capable of feel-
ing oppreffion, and refilling wrongs; and that there feems.no favourable iffue to-
the prefect contention.

To all thefe misfortunes. What is the remedy l Peace with America.. Is this:
become the popular cry ? I believe it is : and could this be proved, I cannon
imagine, that the Court, or the Senate, would purfue a meafure become unpo-
pular, unavailing to the end propofed, involving us in the greateft dangers, and
entailing ruin oq our pofterity.

Was I to prefume for a moment to look up above my humble- fphere,' and-
dfigure to myfelf a fovereign, powerful and revered. Handing on a precipice,
and urged to its verge by miftaken councils,, and mifinformation ought I not.

An Engli/h Freeholder s Addrefs to his Countrymen . 485

to be deemed a Traitor, if I withheld information of his danger, and ceafed to
prompt him to confider his fafety, by telling him. That if he either receives
wrong information, or mifufes his judgement, it would be the molt terrible of
all earthly misfortunes to himfelf, his family, and his people ?

Should a perfon ftrongly prejudiced in favour of the American War , [allow
me here to lament the ignorance of a Minijier , who not long fince publicly
declared, that half of the people in America wiffied to become fubje&s of
Great-Britain •, as a greater and more palpable miftake, cannot eafily be uttered]
I fay, fhould a perfon fo prejudiced deny the pofitions I have laid down, whar
muft be done to conviCt him of his miftake ? Produce the ftrongeft evidence
of their truth the cafe admits of, a fingle perfon can make but little progrefs
in a work like this : it is a national concern ; and the public mind cannot be
better occupied than in fuch an enquiry.

I am told, and I have fome reafon to believe it, that very few of thofe officers,
or others who have been in America, are clofeted, till it is known whether
the language they intend to fpeak, favours more of war or peace : if they re-
prefent the war as ruinous and ineffectual to the end propofed, fubjugation , no
further notice is taken of them from that moment.

But this is not all : pains are taken without doors to difcredit their reports 5
that intereft, difappointment, imprudent conduCl, influence all they fay, and
therefore they are difbelieved. Falfehood gains the firmer footing, and a de-
voted people is deprived of all proper evidence.

AJfociations , in many places, have been entered into; petitions preferred ; and
other legal and pacific means ufed, with a view of refcuing us from impending'
ruin ; but what hath been the confequence ? A general defeat.

It is urged, that we afked for too much, and therefore obtained nothing. Be
this as it may; no good citizen will ever be difcouraged from making further
movements towards obtaining a temperate and conftitutional reform.

To fet on foot a difpaffionate, general enquiry. County by County , into the
effedls which this war has had upon them fevcrally, whether for the better or
the worfe ; would feem to be neither an impracticable, offenfive, nor an ufe-
lefs fcheme. It would colleCt into one point, th z feelings of the people; it
would be no difficult matter, then, to guefs at their opinions — And the knowledge
of the public mind, thus concentered, would undoubtedly produce juft and
cogent reafons, for continuing or difeontinuing the American War ; and it
ought not to be fuppofed, that our fuperiors, when they fee the fentiments of the
people at large, v/ill have any other mind* than a right one.

Would it therefore be an improper meafure to prevail upon the prefent
AJfociations, and' others to be appointed in Counties where there are none,
to obtain the belt account they can of the prefent ftate of affairs amongft them,

in

486 An Fnglifh Freeholder s Addrefs to his Countrymen .

in refped to the value of lands ; the ftate of manufactures, where there are any;
the progrefs in public works for profit, or pleafure; the ftate of the poor’s
rate.; and fuch other indubitable evidence of the prefent condition of this
country, as it may be in their power to colleCt ? I confefs that this may be a
difficult undertaking ; yet, if accomplifhed, could not fail of carrying with it
conviction to the moft determined breaft.

For it cannot be fuppofed that any man, or any fet of men in power, ftiall
from mere obftinacy and caprice, perfevere in effecting the ruin of a country
over which they prefide.

It would make a neceffary part of theie enquiries, to obtain like wife, as far
as poffible, not partial fragments of the prefent ftate of North America , the
ftate of our armies in it, the power of their opponents, the expence we are at,
ahd the comparative of theirs. Hitherto the Americans have had very great
difficulties in fupporting public credit, and obtaining a value for their cur-
rency. I am informed that both are put upon a better footing now, than
they have been. The pay we fend over for the fupport of our troops, in a
great degree finds its way into the hands of the Americans. They are induced
at great rifks to fupply us with frefti provisions, and other neceffary articles,
and receive in return exorbitant profits. Two Ihillings fterling has often been
paid, I am informed, at New York for a Cabbage. The Americans will be in
no hafte to terminate a War, which affords fuch gains to their country. It is.
fuppofed there are near Three Millions fterling , now in the Continental fervice.

The great depreciation of their currency is amended in one opulent province,
by a fubfcription of a great number of perfons of known property, to receive the
paper currency at its full value ; and if this is followed by the other ftates, this
currency will be as valuable as our bank notes. Had not a number of Gen-
tlemen united in the year 1745, to give thefe notes a fanftion, we might then
’have felt all the depreciating confequences of unftable credit, that has hindered
the Americans from doing any thing effedlually.

Proper enquiries will bring many things of this nature to light, and enable
us to determine, with precifion, the chance we have of fubduing them.

Two enquiries feem therefore worth attending to, in order to carry unequi-
vocal and interefting information to our fuperiors : lft. The ftate of things at
home; ad. The ftate of affairs abroad; in which may be included, notices of
the ftates about us.

It is not impoffible to obtain accounts that may be relied on, by private
perfons, of their views and intentions. In a word, to get juft intelligence, and
to convey this intelligence with proper vouchers, to thole whom it concerns,
feem to be the moft likely means of bringing us all into one mind, which is,
the abfolute necefilty of making peace with America.

There

An Fnglifh Freeholder s Addrefs to his Countrymen. 4$^

There has lately arifen a new and very cogent reafon, exceedingly weighty
with every humane every chriftian mind, to effect, if poffible, this important
purpofe. Hitherto the war in America has in general been carried on with
a degree of temper and moderation, feldom known in civil wars, of which this
is a certain, but fingular fpecies.

Both the parties, engaged in the execution of the orders of the States they
ferved, did their duty with reludance j they felt as Brethren, though they
were commanded to have no fuch feelings.

Still however the generality hoped that a time might come, when they might-
once more Ihake hands as friends, if not as brethren. — Sudden provocations
beget as fudden, and as violent retaliations. — Confidering the length of the
war, and other circumftances, thefe inftances have been comparatively few.
The troops on both fides performed their duty coolly, and with the feelings
of humanity.

The late executions, firfi: at Charles~Town by Lord Cornwallis , the retaliations
by Congrefs, and the late one in the American Camp, have enraged the Americans
©n one fide, the Britijh army on the other ; and victory, by fair and honourable
means, will be no longer the objedt, but all the horrors of Revenge ! Nothing
will elcape the fury of the fword on either fide ! right and wrong will ceafe
to be the views of either j nothing but fiery indignation !

Gan the people of England , famed for humanity, look calmly on fuch a
fcene ? If they can. Where is their boafted humanity? Where is their pretence
to a reformed Religion*? Alas for my country, if fuch is their infenfibility,
barbarifm, and impiety !

That thofe who have led us into this unnatural and inhuman conteft, fhould
Have no concern, no compundtion, I do not wonder. Had they feen, or felt
the calamities of war, they wouldaffuredly have prevented them. From them
we can expedt no mitigation of human miferies !

It is the piety, , the compaffion of the public, that mull interfere to prevent
thefe dreadful calamities, and flop the further effufion of blood. For your
own fakes therefore, and for theirs, ufe every effort to open the eyes of thofe
who diredt this dreadful ftorm, that they may fee its confequences.

As I am perfuaded, that the want of proper and juft information is one
great caufe of our prefent fatal controverfy with . America-— want of infor-
mation, what America is, and is capable of ; wait of information, to what
extent vie, fuffer on this account— procure it for them : force the evidence of
truth upon them : not by clamour and acrimonious invedtives, (provocations
which neither fide would bear in fimilar fituations) but with calm, difpaflionate,
irrefragable proof.

If you think that the Americans only will fuffer in this revengefu1 conflidl,

you

48 8 An Englijh Freeholder s Addrefs to his Countrymen ,

you are certainly miftaken; numbers of them may fall, but your fons, brothers,
relations, muft likewife become vidtims to rage and fury in fome proportion 1

To defcend to a view of our fituation in the different parts of the globe,
would lead me from the point; I wifh to keep always in view, the abfolute ne-
ceffity of peace with America , on any terms. We are yet an unbroken Empire
in every part of the globe, but America ; therefore when peace becomes
the objedt with the contending dates, the uti pojfidetis is in a narrow compafs.

Hitherto we have taken nothing from Spain , nor they from us, I mean of
territory, except in a point of Florida. The French have got from us two
Iflands which we can fpare.

But fuppofe the Spaniards fhould make themfelves mailers of Gibraltar , (and
if they are fuperior at fea, which is far from impolfible, this may happen) what
is to become of our influence in the Mediterranean ?

While the Hates of Barbary fee us in poffefiion of this fortrefs, in fpite
of the utmofl: efforts of Spain , they acknowledge us fuperior to Spain , and are
afraid of our power. They treat the Britijh fubjedts with fome degree of refpedt ;
and J believe, there are few, if any, now in flavery.

But was this the cafe before we were in polfelfion of Gibraltar ? By no
means. I have documents before me of large fums annually employed in
redeeming Englijhmen from the horrid cruelties of Turkijlo flavery. When they
faw us in pofleflion of this fortrefs, and able to maintain it, they juftly con-
cluded that a nation, which could do fo much , could do more ; and therefore
treated us with refpedt; with them we Hand the foremoft of all maritime powers.
The moment we lofe the pofleflion of Gibraltar , that nation which obtains it,
becomes the object of their fear, and the others ceafe in proportion to have any
weight with them.

It is of the utmofl; confequence to Spain , that Ihe fhould obtain this important
fortrefs ; and it is a convincing proof of her aflurance, that the prefent war
mult inevitably fecure her in the pofleflion of this, and many other advantages,
if fhe could forego the offers of peace, if fuch a bribe was propofed to her.

I own that I am follicitous for peace, and I hope not lefs fo, for the honour
of my Country : to the bell of my knowledge, I have endeavoured to perform
my part towards conveying all the juft, and impartial information, that came
within my reach ; being firmly perfuaded that a diligent and prudent enquiry
into thefe fubjedts, abfolutely neceffary at this time, will confirm the ideas
here thrown before you. That they may contribute to infpire your minds
with a refolution to adt the part of Englijhmen , and Chrijlians , is the warmeft
wilh of my heart.

I am, my Countrymen,

Your faithful Friend,

An Englijh Freeholder.

O N

[ 4«9 3

ON THE

EMPLOYMENT of CONVICTS.'

Gazetteer , Sept. 30, 1776.

IT requires a very extenfive acquaintance with many circumftances, to provide
employment for thofe people who have hitherto been condemned for trans-
portation. It will not therefore, I am perfuaded, be taken amifs by thofe who
have planned the late A£t, if I fugged a few considerations on the fubje&i
how pertinent they may be, the public will determine.

It is not merely to punifh, but likewife to deter others by example from
committing crimes worthy of punifhment, that is the objeft of the Legislature.
Was no other circumdance to forbid it, one would therefore wifh, that the mode
adopted might be as much open to the infpedtion of fuch as are likely to
offend as pofTible. That the prefent method has not every advantage of this
kind, is mod certain : few perhaps will pay them a vifit on the river, at lead of
thofe perfons who ought to profit by their example. I do not mean, however,
that they fho-uld be differed to go at large, though in chains and with keepers ;
they fhould be kept as much as poflible from all converfe with the public, and
yet be Seen by them.

Amongd other employments, that of Sawing done has repeatedly been pro-
pofed to the public. Let us date fome of the advantages, and by considering
them, we may poffibly fee more of the difficulty of providing a proper Situation
for thefe people : — To employ them,

1. In a bufinefs that requires very little previous indru&ion.
a. Wherein one perfon can look after and indrufl feveral.

3. In which the labour may be proportioned to the drength, and a Suitable tafk
enjoined.

4. In which they cannot embezzle the materials.

5. In which they do not interfere with any bufinefs to which an apprenticeship
is Served ; as it may be prefumed, the moment felons are employed in it,
honed men would choofe to leave it.

6 . An

490 On the Employment of Convitfs.

6. An employment which has the appearance of hard labour, yet is not
oppreffive.

7. Where they can be feen at work, without a poflibility of much communi-
cation.

8. In which they can earn enough to maintain themfelves ; having fomething
referved, to compenfate in part the wrongs they have done, and a part referved
for their maintenance in old age, or for their families.

9. In which a confiderable number may be kept in a narrow compafs, and
ealily fecured at night from doing mifchief, or efcaping.

10. And where they may receive Chriftian inftrudtion ; as well as wholefome
difcipline and correction, if they deferve it.

It is obvious, that all thefe particulars ought to make a part of this new in-
ftitution. I will not compare the practicability or advantage of this or that
fcheme ; it would feem invidious. — I rejoice that any mode is thought of and
adopted for the punifhment of offenders, by fubjeCting them to labour in their
own country and I hope it will be extended to all criminals, except murderers,
incendiaries, and robbers who commit aCtions of cruelty, whether in houfes or
on the road ; and there let retaliation take place, as well as confinement to
labour for life.

Sawing ffone, either marble, Portland, or any other kind of ftone, that is
ufually cut in this manner for the purpofe of building, is an employment that
has thefe advantages :

1. It is performed by the mafons labourers in general, who are foon taught
to perform it. No one, I believe, ever ferves an apprenticefhip to it. And was
the price of this labour reduced, more houfes would be built with ftone, flairs
efpecially, by which fires and many other accidents would often be prevented.

2. In this employment, a very few perfons could fuperintend many ; for
if they were difpofed to be refraClory, it would be eafy to confine each perfon
to his place, yet without hindering his work, or in any refpeCt difabling him.

3. To proportion each perfon’s labour to his ftrength, would in this em-
ployment be an eafy matter. A large block of ftone, and a long faw, requires
more ftrength than a leffer one ; and as it would foon be known how much a
perfon could faw in a certain given time, to fet a talk, rather with a reward
annexed, than a punifhment, would by no means be difficult ; and by this,
means fave the trouble of much chaftifement.

4. One fhould for ever guard againft the malignant and mifchievous. Were
they employed in any thing in which they could clandeftinely do mifchief^
they would do it. In this occupation they can do none, but it immediately
becomes its own punifhment. The line is marked upon the ftone, and by in-
clining the faw, they could injure the block and the flab j, but by this inclina-

10 tion

On the Employment of Convitts. 49 *

tlon the work would become fo much the more laborious, that they would
foon give up mifchief that would be to their own punilhment.

5. It has been faid, that nobody ferves an apprenticelhip to this bufinefs,
therefore no honeft man is calhiered from his employment. It would feem,
that there are about 300 perfons, perhaps more, who occafionally do this
bufinefs, when their mailers, the mafons, have no other employment for them,
in and about the city of London. They earn from ten or twelve to thirty (hillings
a week, in proportion to their diligence and dexterity ; the only expence is the
price of the faws; it would not therefore be difficult, by keeping them dili-
gently to work, to oblige them to maintain themfelves, to lhare a part of the
produce of their labours, to make reftitution, at lead fome little compenfation ;
and to prevent their families, if they have any, from being burthenfome to
their parilhes ; and a referve may be kept for their fuftenance in old age.

6. However hard the labour may feem, it need not be made oppreffive ; it has
the appearance of hardffiip, but it is not fo in reality, if thofe who have the
care of them do their duty with any degree of humanity. Thefe ought to be
paid by the public, or from the general earnings of the confined, but ought to
have no immediate benefit from their labour. Care, as much as pollible, Ihould
be taken, that the intention of the law Ihould be put in practice.

7. It has been obferved, that they may earn fufficient to maintain themfelves,
and make fome reftitution.

8. Let a piece of ground be allotted for this purpofe on the river fide, in
three different parts of London and Weftminfter; one near Old Palace or Scot-
land Yard, one near the Savoy, and one near the Tower.

Thefe three places are propofed for two reafons : firft, That it will be ne-
ceffary to have them on the water-fide, for the more eafy conveyance of the
blocks of ftone ; and, 2dly, to be near places where guards are always at
hand to quell any uproar, or ludden attempt to efcape, that might be attempted
to be put in execution; and for this purpofe a certain fignal might be agreed
upon between the governor and the commanding officers, Ihould their affiftance
be immediately wanted.

To the river may be a range of buildings, for the governor and his affiftants :
on two lides let ftrong ftone cells be built, capable of being made warm in winter
by flues in the walls, where each perfon may have his feparate dormitory. To
the land-flde let the place be open to infpeftion, only fecured by a double range
of high iron pallifadoes ; in the interval between, the ftone may be laid as it is
fawn, either for the purchafer or the order.

Through thefe pallifadoes the men might be feen at work by all paffengers,
or others whofe curiofity might lead them to fee fuch an example; yet without
the poflibility of having the means conveyed to the prifoners to facilitate their

3 R 2 efcape.

492 On the Employment of Convifls.

efcape. And if all their cloaths were to be party-coloured, coats, waiftcoats,
and breeches, half black half blue, or of any other two colours, it would
fcarcely be poffible for them to be long concealed, fhould they ever efcape.

Let thofe who have diftinguifhed themfelves by their diligence and obedience,
be gradually employed in carrying the (lone from the fawyers to this receptacle,
and other neceffary employments about the place : but the particular regulations
mull arife from experience.

I do not obferve that any provifion is made for any kind of religious worfhip
for the perfons now condemned to labour on the Thames. This is a great
defeat. Perhaps the crimes of fome may have proceeded from a total negledt of
every religious duty. The fpirit of Chriflianity breathes a different temper.
A proper place might be fet apart for their conflru<5tion, in a place where num-
bers are confined on fhore : in floating prilbns this is lefs likely to happem
We cannot forget this Chriftian care, and be innocent of their blood if they
perifh for want of our endeavours.

If thefe fuggeftions are compared with the prefent employment on the
Thames, where it is very probable thefe weak debilitated wretches muff be fee
to do, the work of the moft athletic habits, it may poffibly appear, that the plan
here fuggefted may have its advantages ; but it is not to gain credit, but to da
good, to confult for the public weal, that I have offered thefe confiderations to
whom it concerns.

It may be faid, there is not, cannot be, work enough in this way for all the
criminals in England. At all fea-port towns they may be employed in this-
manner, and on many parts of the navigable canals now carrying on in different
places, and to whofe works the labour of thefe people would be a confiderable
advantage.

It would not be difficult to point out fome other advantages ; but I have
trefpaffed perhaps too much already on the reader’s patience, and the room;
allowed by the printer.

One thing, however,, may poffibly haflen an amendment, whether this or
any other plan is adopted for the punifhment of offenders. There may be lefs*
temptation, if public calamities fhould compel us to be lefs profligate and,
abandoned.

Philanthropes* .

BOR TV 8

}

r

V

t

v.X

-

' •<

I

/

Pl:7t.

Pa: 4,?3

Boxes for ctonateyony Plants //y Sen . o
Fit, . i .

,

Fit, .1.

r

Fit,. 3 .

F. i . For7n of the Boar .

i . The same with hoops and loops
a. a. tor secztrint, the Canvas .

3 . The same netted .

S Fade, esc .

H O RTU S U PTONENSISi

O R,

A CATALOGUE

O F

STOVE AND GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS*

In Dr. Fothergill’s Garden at Upton5
At the Time of his Deceafe.

I

.

.

/ s V: O V ; V, ■ ••

■ -rt ■ V-

1. ‘v .1. ;

fT <
t ~

•I o

) ■

'• u i r, . . . * . ’ . "rr ~ * n ;*

. » ” • •. .. 'O' - - - • • ■

l

!

— •

■: ' ■

nT

,

[ 495 3

Cj^HOUGH I have endeavoured to render the following catalogue as complete
as pojfible , I am aware of the pojfibility of many inaccuracies and defers 5
hit at the fame time I am confcious that Ifpared no labour to preventrthem.

I have chofen an alphabetical arrangement of the plants , as conftituting an Index
moft familiar to the generality of readers , and more convenient for thofe who may be
fond of horticulture , and yet , from the urgency of other avocations , may not be con-
v erf ant with the fexual fyftem of Linn au s : at the fame time , I have not totally
negleCled botanical arrangement -, having introduced the clafs, order, genus, and
Eng life name of each fpecies of plant. I have alfo, in the central column, fpecified
the fituation each requires, by the letters S and G ; the former ftgnifying the ftove
or hot-houfe, and the latter the green-houfe ; and occafionally added fuch notes as
the fubjeCl appeared to require. Many rare and curious plants , it is well known ,
are natives of the Eaft Indies and throughout the Indian Archipelago, as well
as upon the Coaft of Coromandel, the Malay language is either fpoken or underftood ;
this has induced me, where I was capable of doing it, to add the names of certain
plants in this language, as a likely method of enabling the inquifitive traveller to
dif cover more readily and certainly the objeCl of his enquiries -, and, to avoid repetition *
Malay is denoted by the letter M added to fuch notes.

I formerly drew up, I may add with Dr. FothergilV s approbation at leaf, fome
Directions for bringing over feeds and plants from dif ant countries , which I think
not altogether inapplicable in this place -, and, to render thefe directions more intel-
ligible and ufeful, I have annexed an engraving of boxes adapted to the purpofe
of conveying plants and receiving feeds in vegetation.

fhe gardens of the curious have already been enriched with many valuable acqui-
fitions from dif ant countries ■, but many attempts alfo to introduce feveral other
plants equally rare, have been unfuccefs fully made, owing to the bad fate of the
feeds or plants when firfl procured, or the method of difpofng of them during long
voyages, and fuch accidents as the utmofi precaution cannot prevent.

For the purpofe of tranfportation, ripe feeds Jhould be chofen , which have been
collected in dry weather, and kept dry without expofng them to funfhine and
internally they foould be plump, white, and mcifl.

(a) Fhey may be preferved by rolling each in a coat of yellow bees-wax, about
half an inch thick'-, and afterwards a number of thefe , thus prepared, may be put
into a chip- box, which is to be filled with melted bees-wax, not made too hot:
the outfide of the box may then be wafioed with a folution of fublimate mercury *,

* Sublimate mercury is the mofl effectually diffolaied in the acid of fea fait ; one drop of which will
diffol-ve one grain of mercury, which will afterwards mix with water. One drachm of fublimate

will be fufficient for half a pint of water. Corroffoe fublimate may likewife be dijjolved in a Jiturated

folution of fal ammoniac in water, one ounce of which will diffolve twenty fcruples of fublimate.

[ 496 ]

and kept during the paffage in a cool airy place. In this manner tea feeds , the
Jiones of mangoes, and all hard nuts and leguminous feeds in general, may he
prepared.

(b) Injlead of putting fmall feeds in bees -wan, they may he inclofed in paper or
cotton which has been firft fteeped in melted hees-wax, and then placed in layers in a
chip hox, fome of which may he filled a's before with melted hees-wax. Pulpy feeds,
as thofe of fir awberries, mulberries, arhutufes, &c. may he fqueezed together and
dried, and then put into the cerate paper or cotton above-mentioned. I lately re-
ceived feeds of the Mimofa Japonica, and TEfchinomine Mcvens, from the Eafi
Indies, inclofed in linen that had been fieeped in hees-wax, and thefe feeds appeared
as frejh as when firft collected.

(c) The fmall feeds , when dried, may he mixed with a little dry fand, put into
the cerate paper or cotton, and packed in glafs bottles, which are to he well corked,
and covered with a bladder or leather *. ’Thefe bottles may be put into a keg, box, or
any other veffel, filled with four parts of common fait, two of faltpetre, and one part
of fal ammoniac , in order to keep the feeds cool, and preferve their vegetative
power.

The following methods, which are attended with lefs trouble, have been alfo found
fuccefsful : (d) feeds and nuts, in their pods, may he inclofed in linen or writing-
paper, and put into canifters, earthen jars, fnuff-hoxes, or glafs bottles ; the inter-
Jtices between the parcels of feeds Jhould he filled with whole rice, millet , panic ,
wheat-bran, or ground Indian corn well dried. To prevent any injury from in-
fers, a little camphor, fulphur, or tobacco, Jhould be put into the top of each
canifter or veffel, and their covers well fe cured, to exclude the admiffion of the
external air.

(e) The feeds, well dried, may be put into a hox, not made too clofe, upon alternate
layers ofmofs, in fuch a manner as to admit the feeds to vegetate , or fhoot their fmall
tendrils into the mofs. In the voyage the box may be hung up at the roof of the
cabin ; and when the fhip is at the place of her deftination , the feeds Jhould he
put into pots of mould, or boxes, with a little of the mofs alfo about them , on which
they had lain.

Seeds preferved after the manner (e), as well as that of (d), and likewife, for
further fecurity, fome of the preceding (a), (b), (c), which have been procured in the
Eaft Indies, may be examined when the fhip arrives at St. Helena ; and fome of
them, which appear in a ftate of vegetation, Jhould be fown in the annexed boxes of

* This may he compared ’with what Dr. Hawkefworth obferves in his colledion of V oyages, Vol. ii . p. 123.
“ On the 10 th I pat fome feeds of melons , and other plants, into a fpot of ground which had been turned
“ up for the purpofe : they had all been fealed up, by the per fan of whom they were bought, in fmall
“ bottles, with rofn, but none of them came up except mufiard ; even the cucumbers and melons failed ,
“ and Mr Banks is of opinion that they were fpoiled by the total exclufxon of frefli air.” Some Jeeds which
l received from North America , inclofed in corked bottles, have fince been fown, and have germinated,

^ earth ,

E 497 1

earth, between the growing -plants, as many forts as pofflble ; fame of which may
fucceed in cafe of failure of the plants.

More of the fame feeds may be alfo fawn after the ftoip has faffed the Tropic
of Cancer , near the latitude of thirty degrees north. And if very fmall bits of
broken glafs are mixed with the earth , or thrown plentifully over its fur face in the
boxes , it may prevent mice or rats from burrowing in it, and dftroying the tender
roots of the plants and growing feeds .

In whatever method our feeds have been preferved , it fould be a conftant pre-
caution to fow them as foon as they have been expofed to the external air , otherwife
they probably will never vegetate.

In order to take up plants or Jhrubs advantageoujly , that are to be transported,
a mattock and a fpade Jhould be provided -, with the mattock a fmall trench fhould
be opened round the plant intended to be taken up ■, the fpade Jhould then be put,
under the root, which muft be lifted up with a very large ball of earth Jurromding
it ; the ball may afterward be pared carefully with a knife, and reduced as fmall
as can be done without wounding any of the larger roots.

Of each kind the youngeft plants of ftorubs and trees , that can be found , pould
be taken none of them pould be above a foot high ; as young plants are found by
experience to bear removing much better than old ones.

The mofi convenient kind of boxes for the conveyance of plants in long voyages,
■are made about four feet long, two broad , and two deep ; thefe, when half filled
with earth , can be conveniently carried by tvso men holding the rope handles fixed t&
their ends. P. 1, 2, 3.

Thefe pould be filled about half full of mould, with a few rotten flicks or leaves
at the bottom, and the plants intended to be feni, planted in it, as foon after the
fijip’s arrival as pofflble. When the pip is about to fail, and they are fent on board,
hoops are to be nailed to the fides of the box, in finch a manner, that , arching over it,
they may cover the highefl of the plants ; fmall ropes are to be twifled between thefe ,
in the form of a net , to prevent the dogs or cats from getting at them , and f cratch *
ing them up, on account of the fir ep mould.

For each box Jo hooped and netted, provide a canvas cover, which may, when
put on, entirely protect it and, to prevent this cover from being loft or miflaid, nail
it to one fide, and fix loops or hooks to the other , by which it may cccaflonally be
faflened down.

The Captain who takes charge of them, muft be particularly informed, that the
chief danger plants are liable to in fiea-voyages, is occajioned by the minute particles
of fait water with which the air is charged, whenever the waves have white
frothy curls upon them ; thefe particles fall upon the plants , and, quickly evapo-
rating, leave the fait behind, which, choaking up the pores, prevents perfpiration,
.and effectually kills the plant-, he therefore ftsould never let the covers be off,

3 3 except

[ 498 ]

except on days •when the •wind is not fufficiently high to heat the water up into
•i what the Jeamen call white caps. He muft not keep them always Jhut up during the
< voyage ; for if he does , they will mould and perifh by the Jlagnation of the air under
the covers and if at any time , by accident or neceffity , they fhould have been expojed
to the wind when the waves have white caps, he mufi be defined to water them
well with frejh water, Jprinkling all the leaves with it, to wajh off the fait
drops which cover them. In this manner plants may be brought from almoft any
difance ; many come from China every year in a flourifhing fate.

If it is convenient to the Captain to give up a fmall part of the great cabin to
the plants , this is certainly by far the beft ftation for them ; nor are they much in the
way, as the place which fuits them beft is clofe to the ftern windows : in this cafe
they need not be furnifhed with their canvas covers ; and they may frequently have'
air, by opening the windows when the weather is quite moderate.

When the naturalift is in fearch of vegetable productions, different foils and
fituations fhould be examined as the fea, and its fhores , deep running waters,
dikes, mar foes, moors, mountains , cultivated and barren fields, woods, rocks, &c.
afford each their peculiar plants ; and wherever any are collected, the particular-
foil and fituation ftjould be remarked. Sometimes it may prove inconvenient to convey
the plants which may be difcovered, when it would not be Jo to fend them dried,
in the form of a hortus-ftccus. T’o do this in the beft manner, and to make their
ftalks, leaves, &c. lie flat and fmooth , cc the plants fhould be gathered in a dry day, ’
** after the fun hath exhaled the dew ; taking particular care to colled them in that
« ft ate wherein the generic and fpecific charaders are moft confpicuous thefpecimens
<f Jhould be fuffered to lie an a table until they become limber, and then they fhould
*« be laid upon a pafteboard y as much as poftible in their natural form, but at the
“ fame time with a particular view to their generic and fpecifc charaders : for
«« this purpofe , it will be advifeable to Jeparate one of the flowers, and to difplay
the generic character ; and if the fpecific char abler depends upon the flower, or up one
the root , a particular difplay of that will be likewfle neceffary. When the plant
<< is thus difpofed upon the pafteboard, cover it with eight or ten layers of fpongy
<c paper, and put it into the prefs* **. Exert only a fmall degree of preffure for the

* “ Ike prefs may be prepared by. the following diredions. Take two planks of a wood not liable

** to warp, two inches thick, eighteen inches long, and twelve inches broad. Get four male and four-
female fcrews, fuch as are commonly ufed for fecuring fafp windows. Let the four female f crews It let
•‘ into the four corners of one of the planks, and correfpending holes made through the four corners
*• of the other plank, for the male fcrews to pafs through, fo as to allow the two planks to be fcrewed
* * tightly together. It will not be amifs to face the bearing of the male fcrews upon the wood with
" iron plates-, and if the iron plates went acrofs from corner to corner of the wood, it would he a
good fecurity againjl the warping.”

Ibis note I have copied from the ingenious Dr. Withering's Botanical arrangement, and likewife the
account of drying plants, as his directions are more full and complete than th'ofe I formerly introduced
into my Natural f’ s Companion, An. 1772. Where the convenience of this prefs is not at hand, a
fuitable preffure may be made by weights, or any heavy body,

“ ftrft

[ 4-99 I

“ firfi two or three days ; then examine it, unfold any unnatural plaits, rectify any
“ mifiakes , and after putting frefh paper over it, J crew the prefs harder. In about
<c three days more, feparale the plant from the pajleboard, if it is fujficiently
“ firm to allow of a change of place -, put it upon a frefh pajleboard, and, covering
<c it with frefh blojfom-paper, let it remain in the prefs a few days longer . The
i( prefs Jhould fiand in the funfhine, or within the influence of a fire.

“ When it is perfectly dry, the ufual method is to fafien it down with pafie
<c or gum-water * , on the right-hand inner page of a Jheet of large firong writing -
te paper. It requires fame dexterity to glue the plant neatly down , fo that none of
cc the gum or pafie may appear to defile the paper. When it is quite dry, write
(C upon the left-hand inner page of the paper, the name of the plant-, the fpecific
“ character the place where, and the time when, it was found -, and any other
“ remarks that may be thought proper. Upon the back of the fame page, near the
<c fold of the paper, write the name of the plant, and it will then be complete for
<c the cabinet .”

tc Some people put the dried plants into Jheet s of writing paper, without faftening
<c them down at all ; and others only fafien them by means of fmall flips of paper,
tc pafied acrofs the Jlem or branches.

<c Another more expeditious method is, to take the plants out of the prefs, after
<e the firfi or fecond day let them remain upon the pajleboard cover them with five
<c or fix leaves of blotting-paper , and iron them with a hot fmoothing iron , until
“ they are perfectly dry : if the iron is too hot it will change the colours but
“ fome people, taught by long practice, will flucceed very happily . This is quite the
cc beft method to treat the Orchis, and other flimy mucilaginous plants ,

“ Another method is, to take the plants when frefh gathered , and, inftead of
tc putting them into the prefs, immediately to fafien them down to the paper, with
cc firong gum-water ; then dip a camel-hair pencil into Jpirit varnijh -j-, and varnijh
cc the whole furface of the plant two or three times over. This method fucceeds very
f< well with plants that are readily laid flat -, and it preferves their colours better
“ than any other.”

The imprejfions of plants well taken off upon paper, look very little inferior to the
beft drawings , and may be done with very little trouble. For this purpofe, fome
printer s ink\, and a pair of printer's boffes, juch as are ufed for laying the ink on

* “ j4 fmall quantity of finely-pondered arfenic or corrofive fuhlimate is ufiually mixed ’with the pafie
" or gum-mater, to present the devafiations of injects ; but the feeds of fiaves-acre , finely powdered t
te will anfivser the fame purpofe, without being liable to corrode, or to change the colour of the more
“ delicate plants .”

•f The Jpirit ‘varnijh may be made of a quart of hi ghly-r edified Jpirit of wine ; five ounces of gu?n fian-
darach ; two ounces of maflich in drops ; one ounce of pale gum elemy, and one ounce of oil of fpike laven-
der : thefe are to fiand in a warm place, and be fhook frequently , to expedite the folution of the gum.

J Where this cannot be procured, ivory, or lamp-black , ground with boiled linfeed-oil, may be fiubfiituted.

3 S 2 types ,

[ J°° ]

types, are necejfary. After rubbing thefe bojfes with a little of the ink, lay the
plant betwixt them, and prefs it fo as to give it fujficient colour ; then take the
plant and lay it carefully on a Jheet of paper, and prefs it with the hand, to give
the impreffion of the plant to the paper , which may be afterwards coloured according
to nature-, a piece of blotting-paper may be placed betwixt the plant and the
hand, to prevent the latter from being dirtied by the ink.

But the moft effectual method offending a branch of any plant, with the flowers
and parts of fructification entire and perfect, is to put them in bottles of brandy,
rum, or arrack.

Corals, corallines, fponges, & c. inhabitants of the fea, are found in confiderable
variety near the coafts of iflands and continents, particularly in hot climates. Some
of thefe are very tender and brittle when dry, and floould therefore be carefully packed
up in fand, in order to keep them ft eady, or .placed betwixt papers in the manner of
an hortus ficcus .

In hot climates, the infeCTs are very rapacious ; and I have feen the flnefl fan-
corals, and others of a foft texture when firft taken out of the fea , almoft devoured
by ants , before they became dry and hard. ‘To prevent injuries of this kind, a little
powdered corrofive fublimate , arfenic, or ftaves-acre, may be fprinkled upon thefe
productions. Some of the finall, and branches of the large ones, might alfo be put
into fpirits, and the parts of them thereby prejerved much more diflinCi which would
ferve greatly to ill uft rate their natural hiftory.

JOHN COAKLEY LETTSOM.

HORTUS

I 5®* 3

t

\

— L

H O R r U S UPTONENSIS

O R,

A CATALOGUE

O F

f ■

STOVE AND GREEN - HOUSE PLANTS,

.>'■ • . [Eat-

In Dr. Fothergill-’s Garden at Upton, at the Time of his Deceafe,

GENUS.

SPECIES, CLASS,,
and ORDER.

ENGLISH NAMES.

.Abrus.

Diadelph. Decand .

S. 'Jamaica wild

Liquorice.

precatoria.

Acer.

Poly garni a Moncccia.

Cen* 1155. J4 95-

canadenfe.

G. Canada

1

indicum.

S. Indian

.Maple,

monfpeflulanum.

G. Montpelier

1

Achillea.

Syngenefia Polyg. f up erf. (Dfctn 971. 1264.

r

Clavennte.

G. Silver-leaved ]

i Milfoil.

aegyptiaca.

G. Egyptian J

Achras.

Hexandria Monogynia.

43 8. 469.

Marmelade.

mammofa.

S. American

Sapota.

S. American

Mammee.

Achyranthes.*

Pentand. Monog.

tan 288. 294.

afpera.

lappacea.

1: RZ\y |Achyranthes.

Adansonia.

Sour-gourd. "

digitata.

S. ALthiopian

Adelia.

Diced a Monadelphia .

tan 1137- 1 47 3 •

Adelia.

Acidoton.

G. Prickly

AdianthumA

Crypt eg. Filices.

tan 1 1 So. 1556.

Maiden-hair.

Capillis veneris.

G. Drue

iEsCHYMOMENT.

Diadelph. Decand.

tan 888. 1556.

f TEfchynomene,

grarsdiflora.

S. Great flowering ]

t>

Eiovens.

S. Walking j

;<?rSenfitive Plant.

9 Cendor , M.

fc Sajor-lacupa, M.

Adonis.

Vll

502

HO RTU S UPTONENSIS .

GENUS.

SPECIES, &V.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Adonis.

Agave.

Albuca,

Alcea,

Aletris.

Allium.

Aloe.

Poly and. Polygyn.
rigida.

Hexandria Monogyn.
americana. G.

var. fol. varieg. G.

vivipara. G.

virginica, G.

fioetida. G.

Karatta. G.

Vera Cruz. G.

carolinenfis. G.

Hexandr. Monog .
major. S.

minor. S.

canaliculata. S.

eretta. S.

pubefcens. S.

Monadelph. Poly and.
finenfis. S.

capenfis. S.

fragrans. S.

Uvaria. G.

Hyacinthoides. S.

Hexand. Monog.

inodorum. G.

fubhirfutum. G.

Hexand. Monog.

vifcofa. S.

arachnoidea. S.

ferox. S.

balearica. S.

glauca. G.

maculata. G.

mitriformis. G.

fuccotrina.a G.

perfoliata. G.

humilis. G.

variegata latifolia. G.

anguftifol. G.
difticha. G.

linguiformis. G.

verrucofa. G.

698. 771.

G. Rigid

43 &>)■>♦ 461.

Adorns.

kAloe.

Star of
'Bethlehem.

Large American
Striped-leaved
Silk-grafs, or Childing
Virginia
Foetid

Aloe with deep green leaves
Broad-leaved Vera Cruz
Carolina

416. &p. 438.

Great Baft ay d
Lejfer
Channeled
Straight
Downy

840. frp. 966.

Chinefe Hollyhock.

Cape

Sweet ‘ Aletris, vul-

Iris Uvaria ' garly Aloe.

Hyacinth- flowered
0eit. 409. 423. 1680.

Inodorous
Hairy

304. 457.

Vifcous triangular
Cobweb

Greater prickly
Minorca — -new fpecies
Dwarf glaucous
Spotted-leaved
Mitre-fhaped

Lrue Succotrine yAloe.

Sword-jhaped
Dwarf hedge-hog
Broad-leaved partridge-breaft
Narrow-leaved variegated
Soap
1 Longue
Pearl-tongue

}

Garlick.

* The beft is produced in the Ifland of Zocotra,
in the Straits of Babel. It is conjedlured that we
have not the right fpecies in the Well Indies. The

country name is Ceban. In the Malay dialed. Aloes
is called Lida-Coaja, id. ell. Lingua Crocodili.

plicata.

GENUS.

Aloe.

Alstroemeria.

Amaryllis.

Ambrosia.

Amellus.

Amomum.

Anagyris.*

An.dromeda.

Androsace.

H 0 RTU S UPTONENS1S.

503

SPECIES, &c.

ENGLISH

plicata.

G.

Fan

carinata.

G.

Triangular Keel-Jha ;

fpiralis.

G.

Spiral

retufa.

G.

Cujhion

pumila.

G.

Dwarf

herbacea.

G.

Shrubby

margaritifera.

G.

Large Pearl

var. minor.

G.

Lejfer Pearl

Hex and. Monog .

®Etn 432. 461.

pelegrina.

S.

Purple-fpotted flowe\

ligta.

S.

Striped

Hexand. Monog.

ton 400. 420.

Atamafco.

s.

Atamafco

formofiffima.

S.

Jacobaan

regina.

s.

Mexican

crifpa.

s.

Curled

aurea.

s.

Golden

radiata.

s.

Radiated

falcata.

s.

Hooked

anguftifolia.

s.

Narrow-leaved

obliqua.

s.

Oblique

lutea.

s.

Yellow

Belladonna.

s.

Belladonna

farnienfis.

s.

Guernfey

longifolia.

s.

Dwarf long-leaved

guttata.

s.

Spotted African

orientalis.

s.

Brunfwegian

undulata.

s.

Purple Cape

Cett. 1054. 1401

mexicana.

G.

Mexican

Syngenefia Polyg. fuperf

ton 978. 1276.

Lychnitis.

G.

Ever-fowering Cape

Monandria Monogynia.

2. 1.

Zingiber.

S.

True

Zerumbet.

S.

Bajtard

Decand. Monogyn.

ton 509. g>pf 534.

fcetida.

G.

Stinking

Decand. Monogyn.

ton 549- £>*>♦ S63 •

acuminata.

G.

Pointed

axillaris.

G.

Axillary

Daboecri.

G.

Irifj

occidentalis. N.S.

G.

Wefiern

Pentandria Monogynia.

ton 196. 203. n

yillofa.

G.

Villous

ft

Pete,

l/L

NAMES.

1

J'Aloe.

J

>-Lily Daffodil.

Ambrofia.

After.

| Ginger.

Bean-trefoil.

1

Andromeda*

Androface.

Andryala.

$94

GENUS.

Andryala.

Anemone.

Annona.

Anthericum.

Antholyza.

Anthyllis.

Antirrhinum.

Apocynum.

Aralia.

Arbutus.

Arctotis.

Arduina.

H 0 R TVS U P r 0 N.E N S I S.

SPECIES, &c.

Syngen. Polyg. Abqualis.
lanceolata. G.

revoluta. G.

ragufina. G.

finuata. G.

Polyand . Polygyn.

Thali<5troides. S.

Polyand. Polygyn.

afiatica. S.

muricata-. S.

fquamofa. S.

Hex and. Monogyn.

frutefcens. G.

Afphodeloides. G.

alooides. G.

elatum. G.

fiftulofum. G.

Priand. Monogyn.

Meriana. S.

Merianella. S.

Cunonia. S.

ringens. S.

Diadelph. Decan d.

Barba Jovis. G.

Cytiffoides. G.

Didynam. Angiofperm.
trifle. G.

molle. G.

majus variegatum. G.
Pentand. Digyn.

frutefcens. S.

cannabinum. S.

Pentand. Pentag.

fpinofa. G.

Decand. Monogyn.

Uva-urfi. G.

Andrachne. G.

Syngen. Polyg. neceffaria.
multi flora. G.

plantaginea. G.

Abrotanifolia, G.

ENGLISH NAMES,

Andryala.

1

Cuflard Apple.

paleacea.

diffufa.

G.

G.

Cett+ 915. 1136.

Spear-leaved
Revolute
Mouje-ear
Sinuated
Celt, 694. 758.

Meadow-Rue leaved Anemone.

Celt, 693. 7 56.

Afiatic
Sour

Sweet J

Ceil, 422. 444. 1679. 1680.

Shrubby
AJpho del-leaved
Aloe-leaved
Pall

Fijlulous

Cett, 58. 54.

Greater
Lejfer
Perfian

Scarlet } or grinning
Celt, 864. 101 1.

Silver Bujb
Spaniflo

Cett, 750. g>p, 851.

Dwarf black
Soft-leaved
Striped-leaved
Ccn, 305. 31 1.

Shrubby
Canadian

Ceil, 386. 392.

Spinous

Celt, 552. f&p, 5 66.

Bear -berry
Oriental

Celt. 991. 1305.

Many-flowered
Plantain-leaved
Southernwood-leaved
Chaffy
Spreading

► Spiderwort.

Watfonia,

'or Antholyza.

^Kidney Vetch.

Snap-dragon.

| Dogs-bane.
Aralia.

^Strawberry Tree.

►Ardlotis.

bifpinofa.

G. Cape

Buckthorn.

5

Areca.

H 0 R ru S UPTONENSIS .

5°$

GENUS.

SPECIES, &c.

Areca.*

Moncecia Enneand.

Oen. 1225. 1

oleracea.

S.

Eatable Indian

Aristolochia.1*

Gynand. Hexand.

dDcn. 1022. ]

indica.

S.

Indian

lobata.

S.

Lobed

rotunda.

S.

Round-rooted

Piftolochia.

G.

Piftolochia

fempervirens.

Cj.

Ever-green

Serpentaria.

G.

Virginian ■

Artemesia.*

Syngen. Polyg. AEqualis.

945. g>p. 11

arborefcens.

G.

Tree

crithmifolia.

G.

Samphire-leaved

Arum/

Gynand . Polyand.

<5ni. 1028. g>p, i

Colocafia.

S.

Greater

feguinum.

s.

Dumb Cane

efculentum.

s.

Eatable

auriculatum.

s.

Eared

pidtum.

s.

Painted

crinitum.

s.

Hairy

pedatum.

s.

Foot-Jhaped

Arundo.'

Triandr. Digyn.

dDnt. 93. 120

Barnbos.

s.

Bamboo

Asclepias/

Pent and. Digyn.

dDeti. 306. 31:

fruticofa.

G.

Shrubby

gigantea.

S.

Auricula-tree

parviflora.

s.

Small-flowered

-

curaffavica.

s.

Orange-flowered

Tenerjffenfis.

s.

Tenerife

tuberofa.

s.

Tuberofle

ENGLISH NAMES.

Nut.

L

> Birthwort.

|Mugwort.

;Wake Robin.

Cane.

■Swallow Wort.

Aspalathus. Diadelph. Decand.

860. fep. 1000.

cretica.

G.

Cretan African

Broom.

Asparagus.

Hexand. Monogyn.

®CU. 424. 448.

retrofra&us.

G.

Larch-leaved

albus.

G.

White

acutifolius.

G.

Sharp-leaved

►Sparrow Grafs.

declinatus.

G.

Briftly -leaved

Asphodelus.

Hexand. Monogyn.

0cn. 421. §>p. 443.

fiftulofus.

G.

Lejfler

King’s Spear.

Aster.

Syngen. Polyg. fluperfl.

(iDcn. 954. &p. 1224.

fruticulofus.

G.

Shrubby

Starwort.

Astragalus.

Diadelph. Decand.

Cett, 892. *2>p. 1064.

monfpeffulanus.

G.

Montpelier

Milk Vetch.

Pinang, M.

T ali-goreta, M.

Barc-Fjina, M.

Caladt-aijer, M.

The French have introduced this ufeful plant

into Grenada ; and it now thrives in fame of the
other Weil India iflands : It flouriihes lik^wife in
South Carolina.
f Pinger-outau, M.

3 T

Athanasia.

S°6

H 0 R T U S UPTONENSIS .

GENUS. SPECIES, UV. ENGLISH NAMES.

Athanasia,.

Sy ngen. Poly gam. M quails. C tit. 943. g^pt 1180.

crithmifolia.

incana.

G. Samphire -leaved ‘

G. Hoary <

-Goldy-locks.

Atraphaxis.

Hexand. Digyn.

Cen. 449. §>p. 49c.

Undulata.

G. Curled alternate-leaved Atraphaxis.

At.RO PA.

Pent and. Monog.

(Sen. 249. 259.

frutefcens,

G. Shrubby

Atropa.

B.accharisA

Syngen. Poly gam. /up erf.

Cen. 949- £>p. 1204.

G. Ploughman' s

ivasfolia.

putrida.

G. Fetid

>Spikenard.

neriifolia.

G. Oleander-leaved

Baltimora.

ere&a.

. ..‘ IS n . [■

G. Upright

Baltimora.

Banisteria.13

Decand. Prigyn.

Cen. 573. g>p. 61 1.

laurifolia.

S. Laurel-leaved , or Jamaican Banifteria.

Barleria.

Didynam. Angiofp.

Cen. 785. ^p+ 887.

Prionitis..

buxifolia.

S. Prickly ‘

S. Box-leaved 1

Cen. 382. §>p, 390.

-Barleria.

Basella,

Pent and. Petragyn.

rubra.

S. Red Malabar

Nightfhade.

Bauhinia.*

Decand. Monogyn.

Cen. 51 1. &p. 535.

acuminata.

S. Pointed-leaved

divaricata.

fpicata..

S. Honeyfuckle
S. Spiked

-Mountain Ebony.

tomentofa.

S. Woolly

Begonia.^

Polygam. Moncecia ...

Cen. 1156. £a>p. 1497.

obliqua.

S. Oblique

Begonia..

Betula.

Moncecia Petr and.

(Ben. 1052. *3>p. 1393.

nana.

S. Dwarf

Birch.

Bignonia,®

Didynam. Angiofp.

Cen. 759. ^p. 868.

Leu coxy Ion.

S. Jamaica Pulip-tree

ftans..

S. Jafmine

> T rumpet Flower.

indica.

S. Indian

Bixa/

Polyana. Monogyn.

Cen. 654. £>p. 730.

Orellana.

S. American

Ornatto.

Blechnum..

Cryptogam. Filices.

Cen. 1175. 15.34*

Blechnum.

orientale.

S. Oriental

Bocconia.

Do dec and. Monogyn.

Cen. 591. &p. 634.

Celandine.

frutefcens.

S. Pree

Boerhaavia.

Monand. Monogyn .

Cen. 9. ^p. 4- 1676-

Hogweed. .

fcandens.

S. ' American , or climbing

a Bolonlas, M.

A Dauti-ajfam > M.

6 Loo-utau, M.

e Cajo-Conda, M.

s Daun Lida, M»

f CoJombo-kling, M. in Sumatra Cajfomboo.

7

Bombax,

5°7

H 0 R T U S U P T O N E N S I Sy

GENUS. SPECIES. csV. ENGLISH NAMES.

Bombax.8

Monadelph . Poly and.

Of«. 835. 959.

Ceiba.

S. Five-leaved

|silk Cotton-tree.

goflfypinum.

S. Hairy

Bontia.

Didynam. Angiofperm.

Oeit. 791. 890.

daphnoides.
Pen'tand. Digyn.

S. Barba does

Wild Olive.

Bosea.

Of it. 315. 326.

Yervamora.

G. Golden Rod.

BROMELIA.b

Hexand. Monogyn.

Ofit. 395. 408.

Ananas.

S. Queen

7

Variegat. Fol. Arg.

S. Surinam

>Piae Apple.

Karatas.

S. Wild Jamaica

Brunia.

Pentand. Monogyn.

Oett. 27A. 288.

"T

mufcofa.

S. Moffy

Brunia.

Brunsfelsia.

Pentand. Monogyn.

Oen. 260. 276,

americapa.

S. American

Brunsfelfia.

Bubon.

Pentand. Digyn.

Ocn. 350. 364.

macedonicum.

G. Macedonian

j- Parfley.

Galbanum.

G. Galbaniferous

, L'fc* . 711 g

gummiferum.

G. Myrrh-leaved

Buddleja.

Petr and. Monogyn.

Oen. 140. 162.

globofa.

S. Globular

Buddleja,

Bupthalmum.

Syngen. Poly gam. fup erf . 0en. 977. 1273.

frutefcens.

G. Shrubby

|ox-eye.

fpinofum.

G. Spinous

Bupleurum.

Pentand. Digyn.

Oen. 328. 340. 1

678.

frutefcens.

G. Shrubby

Hare’s-ear.

BUXUS.

Moncecia Petrandria.

Of It. 1053. 1394,

Balearica.

G. Minorca

|Box.

fempervirens.

G. Ever -green

Cacalia.'

Syngen. Poly gam. Ad. qualis. d£snt. 933- 1 1 6 3 .

Ficoides.

G. Baftard Ficoides

fonchifolia.

G. Sow-thiftle-lcaved

7

repens.

G. Creeping

k Foreign

Anteuphorbium.

S. Spurge-bane

( Colt’s- foot.

atriplicifolia.

G. Orach-leaved

\

papillaris.

S. Pimply

J

Cactus.

Icofand. Monogyn.

<t5en, 613. §a>p, 666.

moniliformis.

G. Jointed India

Fig.

mamiHaris.

S. Leffer Melon

Melocadtus.

S. Greater Melon

j

tetragonus.

S. Four -fid A Porch

I

hexagonus.

S. Six-fided Porch

VTorch Thiftle.

pentagonus.

S. Five-fided Porch

(

repandus.

S. Obtufe-angled

\

peruvianus.

S. Peruvian

J

a Cap ok, M,

b Nanas, M.

3 T 2

c Catta C ounce di, M.

Royeni.

H 0 R r U S UPTONENSIS .

SoS

GENUS. SPECIES, &c.

Cactus.

Royeni.

S.

grandiflorus.

S.

flagelliformis.

S.

triangularis.

S.

Opuntia.

S.

Ficus Indicus.

S.

Tuna.

S.

cochenillifer.

S.

curaflavicus.

S.

Phyllanthus.

s.

fpinofiflimus.

s.

C<ESALPINIA.

Decand. Monogyn.
Sappan .
veficaria.

Calceolaria.

Syngen. Monogam.

Fothergilli.

G.

Calendula.

Syngen. Polyg. necejflaria.

graminifolia.

G.

fruticofa.

G.

Call a.

Gynand. Polyandria .

aethiopica.

G.

Callicarpa.

Petr and. Monogyn .

G.

americana.

tomentofa.

G.

Callisia.

Priand . Monogyn.

repens.

G.

Camellia.

Monodelph. Polyand.

S.

japonica.

Campanula.

Pent and. Monog . .
aurea.

rotundifolia-.

G.

americana.

G.

Canarina. -

Hex and. Monog.

Campanula.

G.

Canella.

Do decand. Monogyn.

Cinnamomasa.

S.

■ Canna/

Monand. Monogyn.

Indica.

S.

variegata.

lutea.

s.

s.

glauca.

s.

Capparis.

Polyand. Monog.

fpinofa.

s.

arborea.

s.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Nine-angled
Greater flowering
Creeping Cere us

Prickly Pear, or triangular Porch
O val-leaved Indian Fig
Indian Fig
Greater Indian Fig
Cochineal Fig
Leafl Indian
Spleenwort-leaved
Clyftered Jpiny
516. 544.

Sappan-wood
Bladder

Ocn. 1007. nova.

Torch

Thiftle,

J

l

Indian

Fig.

5

|caTalpinia.

<2D‘en. 990. 1 303.

Grajs-leaved
Shrubby

dDetn 1030. 1373.

^Ethiopian

dpen; 135. l6i.

Carolina
Downy

63. 62.

Creeping

(Ben. 843. 982.

PJubakki j or Japan
d£5ett. 218. 231. 1669. 167 8..

Golden

P^ound-leaved
American

|Marygold.

Arum.

|Callicarpa,

Callifia.

Rofe.

Bell-flower.

Canary

<S3£U. 598: nova.

Campanula.

(pen. 1. fe>p. 1675.

Common red "J

Striped-leaved I Indian Shot,

Yellow-flowered f or Cannacorus.

Sea-green J

€>*«. 643. 720. 1674.

Prickly 7 „

J- Caper-tree. .

Shrubby

a Daun Pajfibtb, M,

Capsicum,

H 0 R T U S UPTONEN SIS ,

GENUS.

Capsicum.®

CaricaC

Cassia.'

C AS SINE.

CaSSU ARINA.*3

Cassyta.

Catesb^ea.

Catenanche.

Ceanothus.*

Cedrela.

Gelastrus.

Celtis*

Centaurea„

5° 9

SPECIES, &7V.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Pentand. Monog.

dDeit* 252. 370.

frutefcens.

S. Barberry , or fiorubby

Guinea Pepp

Dicecia Decand.

(25cn. 1127. g>p, 1466.

Papaya.

S. Melon-fhaped

Papaw.

j Dicecia T strand.

(Den, 1 1 0 1 . 537.

Fiftula.

S. Medicinal

biflora.

S. Tivo-flozvsred

Sena.

S. True Sena.

liguftrina.

S. Privet-leaved

planrfiliqua.

S. Flat-podded lw;i4 dm*

tenuiflima.

S.. Slender-podded

:

auriculata-

S. Eared

Madraflenfls.

S. Madras

bicapfularis.

S.. Two-capjuled

haffata.

S. Spear-Jhaped

Pentand. Trigyn

€»en. 371. &p, 384.

Paragua.

G. Tapon , or Paraguay

Hoffe n for

Maurocenia.

G. Greater

1 Jl l Lvil lv L
C~^ In p»*t*T7

capenfia,.

G. P by Hire a > or Cape

V/ ii err y *

equifetifolia.

S.. Tinian

, Pi n p

tuberofa.

S. Tuberous Tinian _

A 11 1C *

Enneand. Monogyn .

Gen. 505. &p* 530.

filiformis.

S.. Barbarian

Caflytha.

T.etrand. Monogyn ._

Gen. 130. S>|j. 159.

fpinola.

S.. Lily

Thorn.

Syngen. Poly gam. EE quails. ®cn. 920. 1142.

cserulea.

G. Blue Candia

Lion’s-foot.

Pentand. Monogyn.

0cn, 267. 284.

africanus.

G- fAlaternoides.

afiaticus.

G. Afiatic S

Pentand. Monogyn.

Gen. 277. §>p. 289.

odorata.

S. Barbadoes

Cedar.

Pentand. Monogyn .
buxifolius.
fpinofus..
pyracanthus.
bullatus.

Poly gam. Moncecia.
finenfis.
occidentals.

Syngen. Polygam. Fru.fi.
ragufina.
orientalis.

a Tjabe, M.

b Papaja , M.

* Caja-Samara , M«

dpen. 270. 5.

G.i Box-leaved
G. Spinous
G. Pyracantha-leaved
S. Jamaica

CDcn. 1143-

S. Eafiern
S. Weftern

<H3eiu 984. 1285.

G. . Silver
G. Oriental

d Cajo-bakat, M.
e Tin da parvis

1

Staff-tree.

1

Nettle-tree.

| Centaury.

Geratonia,

IO

H 0 R r U S UPTONENSIS.

GENUS.

Ceratonia.

Cerbb-ra.

Cercoidea.

Cestrum.

Cham^erops.

Chenqpodium.

SPECIES, 8V.

Polygam. Fricecia.
Siliqua,

Pent and\ Monogyn.
Manghas.

eredta.

Pent and. Monogyn.
diurnum.
latifolium.
nodturnum.
foetidum.

Poly gam. Dicecia.
humilis.
mitis.

Pentand. Digynia.
capenfe.
rugofum.
multifidum.
Pentand. Monogyn.
frutefcens.
lacerum.

1 Syngen. Polyg. fuperf.
flofculofum.
maritimum.

ENGLISH NAMES.

(fen; 1167. 15.13.

G. Carob-tree, or St. John's Bread.

(feu. 294. 303.

S. Lanceolate-leaved Cerbera, or Ahousei.

S.

S.

S.

S.

S.

S.

S.

G.

G.

G.

Cercoidea.

277.

Chironia.

Chrysanthemum
Chrysocoma. Syngen. P oly gam. JE quails.

Cinchona. b
Cineraria.

ClSSAMPELGS.

I

• C I S T U Sj.

Coma Aurea. G.

Tetufa. G.

Artemifloides. G.

Pentand. Monogyn.

officinalis. S.

Syngen. P oly gam. fuperf .
geifolia. G.

angulata. G.

populifolia. G.

Amelloid.es. G.

Dicecia Monadelph.

Caaoeba. G.

x.

Polyand. Monog.

creticus. G.

Sicyoides. G.

EreSl
Celt. 261.

Day-Jmelling
Broad-leaved
Night -Jmelling
Foetid

(fen, 1219. 1657

Dwarf
Mild

0en. 309. 318.

Cape
Wrinkly
Shrubby

fen, 255. 272.

Shrubby
Jagged

(fen. 96 6. 1251.

Cretan 7 r- T

Sea lCom M

(fen. 939. §>p. 1177.

Greater Jhrubbyy or j
Retufe \Jfrican\G oldy-lccks.

Mugwort -leaved j

(fen. 228-. §>p. 244.

Peruvian Bark.

(fen. 957. 1242.

Ground Ivy-leaved
Blue Cape After, or
Poplar- l-eaved\Cape
Oppoftte- leaved
<fen. 1138. 1473.

Velvet-leaf.

(fen. 673. g>p. 736.

Cretan 7 r> i r

7 7 7 f Rock- role

C ucumoer-leaved \

•Ballard Jalmine.

•Dwarf Palm.

■ Wild Oracle

| AfricanCentauiy.

ygold.

Ragwort.

* Tjonge, M.

b bee Remarks on the Cinchona, in the Life of
Dr. Fothsrgill ; the Note on which I fhall traa-
feribe. “ A Friend of Dr. Clarke’s, of Jamaica, (Alex-
ander Roberts) has lately found a fpecies of the Cin-
chona with racemofe flowers, very flmilar to thofe of
the Cinchona Carribsea of Jaquin and Linnseus, and

to the Cinchona Jamaicenfis of Dr. Wright, de-
feribed in the Philofophical Tran factions, vol. lxvii.
p. 504. In the year 1781 a periodical publication,
entitled The Jamaica Magazine, commenced; and
in the third, fourth, and fifth numbers, the Jamaica
Cinchona is particularly deferibsd.”

. Vitiginea.

H 0 R r U S UPT0NENS1S'

5 11

GENUS. SPECIES, ENGLISH NAMES.

ClSTUS..

Vitiginea.

G. Vine -leaved

JL At A *—• •

populifolius.

trifoliata.

halimifolius..

albidus.

falvifolius.

G. Poplar-leaved
G. Phree -leaved
G. Sea Purjlane-leaved
G. White
G. Sage -leaved

^Rock-rofe,

1

Helianthemum.

G. Dwarf

ClTRUS.a

laurifolius.
Jjevipes.
rofaceus.
Tuberaria,
Pentand. Icojand .

G. Laurel-leaved
G. Heath-leaved
G. Rofe

G. Plantain-leaved

©ett, 901. 1100.

•

Medica.
Limonum.
Aurantium Sin.

G. Citron. 1

G. Lemon
G. China Orange

orientalis.
Aurantium acre.

G. Willow-leaved Orange
G. Seville Orange

>Tree*

Claytonia.

myrtifolia.

pumila.

trifoliata.

Spinofa.

Pentand. TVLonogyn.

G. Myrtle-leaved Orange
G. Dwarf Nutmeg Orange
G.. Phree-leaved Orange
G. Lime

©em 287. 294.

virginica.

S. Virginian

Claytonia*.

Cliffortia.

D icecia Polyand.

©en. 1133- §>p, 1469.

ilicifolia.

G. Ilex-leaved

Cliffortia...

ClITORI A.b

Diadelph. Dec and.

©en. 869. g>p. 1025.

Ternatea.

S. White Wing-leaved

Clitoria.

Clusia.

Poly gam. Moncecia .

(Exit. 1 154. 1495.

flava.

S. Yellow -flowered

Ballam-tree..

Clutia..

Dicecia Gynand.

©at. 1140. g>p. 1475.

alaternoides.

G. Narrow -leaved \

1 . t

pulchella.

S. Broad-leaved [

► Clutia.

CoCCOLOBA.

Oil and. Prigynia.

©at. 496. £s>p. 523.

fro.")

pundtata.

S. ' Spotted

Grape, .

Cocos.0

Moncecia Hexand.

©at. 1223. §>p. .1658.

nucifera.

S. Cocoa

Nut..

CoFFEA.

Pentand. Monogyn.

©at. 230. g>p. 245.

arabica.

S. Price, or Arabian.

Coffee-tree. .

Coix.d

Monoec. Priand.

©at. 1043. 1378.

Lachryma.

S. Job’s Pears .

COLUMNEA.

Didyn. Angiofp.

©at. 792. g>p. 891*

humilis.

S. Dwarf

Columnea.

Goxutea.

Moncecia Priand.

©at. 880. 1045.

frutefcens.

G.. Scarlet, or forubby

Bladder Senna.

a Jouroek, M.
b BoKga-ciru , M» .

c Cla/pa, M.
d Sajor trorboe, M» .

COMMELIN’A..

512

H 0 R r u s u

PTONENSIS.

GENUS.

SPECIES, &c.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Com MELINA.3

Triand. Monogyn.

dSttt. 62. 60.

africana.

S. Creeping African \

-Commelina.

tuberofa.

S. Tuberous-rooted j

Convolvulus.15

Pentand. Monog.

Cm. 215. 218. 1668.

canarienfis.

G. Canary

.

farinofns.

G. Mealy

panduratus.

G. Fiddle

hederaceus.

G. Ivy -leaved

Cneorum.

G. Silver-leaved

^Bindweed.

vitifolius.

G. Vine-leaved \brian

cantabrica.

G. Flax-leaved , or Canta-

althaeoides.

G. Mallozv -leaved

Dorycnium.

G. Faftern

Batatas.

Tuberous-rooted

Conyza.

Syngen. Polyg. fuperf.

950. 1205..

xandida.

G. Cretan

mollis.

fordida.

G. Soft-leaved
G. Dirty

►Fleabane,

vicofa.

G. - Clammy

CoRDIA.

Pentand. Monog.

dDen. 256. 273-

Sebeftena.

S. Lignum Aloes.

CoRNUTIA.

Didynam. Angiofp.

CDen, 7 66. 875.

* 1 A. \{

pyramidalis.

S. Pyramidal

Cornu tia.

CoRONILL A.

Diadelph. Decand.

dBetu 883. 1046.

juncea.

glauca.

valentina.

G. Rufo-leaved
G. Lejfer

' Joint-podded

■■

G. Greater

: Colutea.

argentea.

G. Silver-leaved

CORYPHA.

umbraculifera.

0cnt 1221. *s>pt 1657.

:S. Thatched

Palm.

Costus.

Monand. Monogyn.

3. 2.

arabicus.

S. Arabian

Coilus.

COTULA.

Syngen. Polyg. Juperf.

<D3m. 968. 1256.

tanacetifolia.

G . Shrubby

| Tan fey.

ftridta.

G. Upright -

Cotyledon.'

Decand. Pentag.

di5ent 578. 614.

orbiculata.

G. Round-leaved

]

hemifpherica.

G. Semi -globular

^■Navel-wort.

-ferrata.

G. Saw-leaved

)

Crassula/

©eru 396. 404.

coccinea.

G. Scarlet

'

.

cultrata.

G. Oypine-leaved

-Lefier Orpine

tetragona.

G. Square- leaved

peliucida.

S. Pellucid

a Sajor-Culla, M. c Sajor-bebek, M.

Daun-Canleng, M. d Daun-Manio, M.

perfoliata.

no RTU S UP TO NE NS 1 s.

Ix3

GENUS. SPECIES, &c.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Crassula.

perfoliata.

S.

Jacob' s -ladder

pundtata.

s.

Spotted

quadrata.

s.

Whip-cord

fcabra.

s.

Smooth-leaved

Crescentia.

Didynam. Angiojperm .

762. $>p, 872.

Cujete.

s.

Calabajh Tree.

Crinum,*

Hexand. Monog.

<$*«♦ 405. £>p, 419.

africanum.

s.

African

latifolium.

s.

Broad-leaved

afiaticum.

s.

Afiatic

iongifolium.

s.

Long-leaved

pendulum.

s.

• Pendulous

americanum.

s.

American

zeylanicum.

s.

Zeylon

CrOTAL ARI A.b

Diadelph. Decand.
turgida.

tipttt, 862. ^p. 1003

Swoln

laburnifolia.

s.

Laburnum-leaved

jamaicenfis.

s.

Jamaican

chinenfis.

s.

China

LefTer Orpine,

Croton.c

Moncecia Monand.

®ett, 1083. &pf 1424.

I

]

LilyAfphodel,

CrotaIariae

febiferum.

Cafcarilla.

G. Poplar-leaved
S. Sweet-Jcented (

•Tallow- tree*

glabellum.

S. Smooth oval-leaved C

^ r;f

acerifolium.

S. Maple -leaved J

1

CUPRESSUS.

Moncecia Monand «

d&etu 1079. ^pt 1422.

juniperoides.

G. Cape

Cyprefs-tree*

Curcuma.

Monand. Monog .

Oett, 6. §>p, 3.

Cycas.

longa.

circinalis.

S. Long-rooted

dDeitt 1222. ^p, 1658.
S. Sago

Turmerick.

gu menus,
latifolia.

S . Guinea J

S. Broad-leaved J

-Palm.

Cyclamen.

Pentand. Monog.

201. g>p, 207.

indicum.

G. Perfian ]

• Sow Bread,

odoratum.

G. Sweet j

Cynanchum.

Daphne.

Delima.

Digitalis.

Pentand. Digyn .
hirtum.
fuberofum.

Qftand. Monog.
indica.
Cneorum.

Polyand. Monog .
farmentofa.

Didynam. Angiojp .
canarienfis.
obfcura.

Baccng , M.

Sago

®en, 304. ^p, 310.

S. American
S. Spongy

Oett. 485. §>p, 509.

S. Indian
S. Silver-leaved
Oen. 672. S>p. 736.

S. Branching

®ett. 75B. 866.

G. Canary
G. Black Spanijh

Pobon) M. * DaunMaat , M.

3 u

^Scammony.

^Daphne.

Delima.

| Fox-glove,

Dion^ea.

ji4

HO RTV S VPTONENSIS.

GENUS.

SPECIES, &c.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Dion^ea.

JJecand. Monog .

Mufcipula.

G. Venus

Fly-trap.

Dioscorea.*

Dicecia Hexand.

1122. 1462.

bulbifera.

S. Weft Indian

Yam.

Diosma.

Pentand. Monog.

0m* 272. &p. 286.

oppofitifolia.

Oppoflte-leaved

hirfuta.

rubra.

ericoides.

Hairy 1

Red >

Heath-leaved 1

African Spiroea,
or Diofma.

capenfis.

Cape J

POLICHOS.*

Diadelph. Dec and.

867. 1018.

fempervirens.

G. Evergreen

-

brafilienfis.

G. Brazilian ]

Dolichos, or

lignofus.

G. Ligneous

Creeper.

capenfis.

G. Cape

Dracaena,

Draco.

S. True *

|

v *

enfifolia.

erefta.

S. Sword-Jhaped leaved |

S. Upright 1

-Dragon-tree,

ter mi nabs.

S. Herbaceous Iron- tree

Dracontium.c

Gynand. Polyand.

0m. 1029. 1372.

pertufum.

S. . Perforate -leaved

Dragons^

Duranta.

Didynam. Angiofp .

0ett. 786. 888.

Plumieri.

S. Creeping prickly

[Duranta, or

Ellifia.

S. Upright

\ Caftorea.

Ec HITES.*

Pentand. Monog.

0m. 299. &p\ 307. 1671.

fu bereft a.

S. Upright

Echites.

Ehretia,

Pentand. Monog .

0m. 257. 274.

tinifolia.

S. Laurus-tinus leaved

-Ehretia.

Bourreria.

S. Hon eyfuckle -leaved \

Erica,

Off and. Monog.

0ett. 484. 501. 167:

..

triflora.

G, Three-flowered

carnea.

G. F lejh -coloured

< . r

cerinthoides.

G. Scarlet-flowered

abietina.

G. Juniper- leaved

auftralis.

G. Spanijh, or M edit err a-

,v. . ;

multiflora..

baccans.

G. Many flowered [ nean

G. Three-leaved

►Heath,

curviflora.

G. Curve-flowered

fucata.

G. Painted

longiflora.

G. Long-flowered

urceolens.

G. Pitcher

* f /■

arborea.

G. Shrubby ,

Er*geron.

Syngen. Polyg.fuperf,

0m. 951. &p4 1109.

foetidum.

S. Feet id

Erigeron.

* Jan Raja, Mi. * Takka, M.

** Gadjang, M. * Qarandas, M.

Erin us*

HO R TV S UPTONENSIS.

5*5

GENUS. SPECIES, &c.

English names.

Erinus.

Eriocephalus.

Erythrina.3

Eugenia.5’

Euphorbia.*

Didynam. Angiofberm.
alpinus.

Syngen. Polygam . necejf.
africanus.
racemofus.
Diadelph. Decand .
herbacea.
Corallodendron,
pidla.

Icofand. Monog .
Jambos.
malaccenfis.
nova fpecies.
Dodecand. Pentag .
antiquorum,
canarienfis.
officinarum.

Clavi Hercuiis.
neriifolia.
mauritanica.
cotonifolia.
cordifolia, vel
padifolia.
cereiformis.
Characias.

Caput Medufe.
Tithymaloides.
amygdaloides
variegata.
fpinofa.

Tirucalli.

}

771. &pf 878.
G. Purple Alpine
<25en. 994. £>p, ijio,
G. African
G. Silvery -leaved

®tlU 855. fcp* 992.
S. Herbaceous
S. True
S. Black /pined

616. &p, 672.
S. Weft Indict
S. Eaft India

S. New fpecies

(Ben. 609. &pf 646.
S. Triangular
S. Canary
S. Medicinal
S. Hercules Club
S. Oleander-leaved
S. African
S. Rhus-leaved

S. Padus-leaved

Torch-thijlle
Red-Jlalked
Medu/a’ s head
Myrtle-leaved

Erinus.

|Eriocephaius«
Coral Tree.

| Pom me Rofe.

>► Spurge*

G.

G.

G.

Striped

Prickly

Tree

Fagara.

Tetrand. Monog.

CDen, 150. *^p, 172.

Pterota.

S.

Iron-wood , or

Lechea.

V

Ferraria.

Gynand. Triand.

1018. &p, 1353.

,

undulata.

S.

Undulated Starry

Iris.

.Ficus.4

JPolyg. Polycecia.

(3m. niS. &p. 1513.

Ti

religiofa.

S.

Poplar-leaved

benghalenfis.

S.

Bengal

racemofa.

S.

Cluftered '

dumofa.

S.

Bujhy |

f A Agi vV^

indica.

S.

Indian • 1

pumila.

S.

Dwarf

* Geldga, M.

b Or Jambo/a-dcme/ica. $ the Malabar name I* Jam-
.hit. The Welt Indian, or Jambos, was brought
from the Halt Indies originally. Jatnhets, M.

* Sudu-Judu, M.

2

d Figs grow in great perfeftion in Carolina, and
would become a valuable trade, if the inhabitant*
had the method of curing them as in Turky. Va*
r ingin, M.

Frityillaria.

Si6

GENUS.

Frittillaria.

Galenia.

f

Gardenia.*

Genista*

Geraniums

H O RTU S VPTONENSIS.

SPECIES, £*.

Hex and. Monog.

regia. S.

nana. S.

O Eland. Digyn.

africana. G,

ENGLISH NAMES,

41 i'v 435.

Royal , or greater 1 ~ „ ,,

Lejfer | Corona Regalis,

®ett, 492. cic.

African

Rent and. Monogyn.
florida-fl. plen.

S.

d&ett, 492. 305. 16

Double-flowered

flore fimplici.

S.

Single-flowered

Diadelph. Decand.
canarienfis.

G.

<25en* 859. 997.

Canary

fpinofa

G.

Spinous

candicans.

G.

Montpelier

Monod. Enneand.
inquinans.

G.

832. 945.

Common fcarlet

papilionaceum.

G.

Butterfly

eucullatum.

G.

Hollow-leaved

peltatum.

G.

Ivy-leaved

acetofum.

G.

Sorrel-leaved

zonale.

G*

Horfe-fhoe

variegatum.

G.

Striped-leaved

vitifolium.

G.

Balm-fcented

capitatum.

G.

Rofe-fcented

alchemilloides.

G.

Lady' s-mantle-leaved

©doratiflimum.

G.

Mufk

groflularoides.

G.

Goof eberry -leaved

gibbofum.

G.

Gouty-flalked

fulgidum.

G.

Flaming red

lobatum.

G.

Vine-leaved

hybridum.

G.

Hybrid

rutilans.

G.

Multifid

terebinthinum.

G.

Aromatic-fmelling

eordifolium..

G.

Heart-leaved

glaucophvllum.

G.

Glaucous

orientale.

G.

Oriental

fcabrum.

G.

Rough

lacerum.

G.

Jagged

earnofum.

G*

Flefhy-ftalked

trigonum.

G.

Triangular-ftalked

trifle.

G

r Anemony -leaved, or

l Night -fmelling

hirfutum.

G.

Hairy

Isevigatum,

G.

Smooth-leaved

pinnatum.

G.

Wing-leaved:

lanceolatum.

G.

Spear-Jhaped

eotyledonis.

G.

OrbicularHeart-fhapec

glutinofum.

G.

Glutinous-

^Cape Jafmine.

Broom, or
' Cyciffus*

"I

Crane’s Bill,
Geranium,

or

Gotjt-pring, M*

Gesnirjju

GENUS.

Gesneria.

Gladiolus,

Gleditsia,

Gloriosa.

Gnaphalium,

Gordonia,

Gorteria.

Gossypium.*

Gouania.

Grewia.*

Guajacum.

Guilandina.4

a

t>

H 0 RTU S UPTONENSTS.

sir

SPECIES, &c.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Didynam. Angiofperm*
tomentofa.

S.

0ett, 749. 850.

Woolly leaved

Triand. Monog .
Ipicatus.

S.

57- 52.

Spiked

triftis.

G.

f Spotted-flowered, or

wi lit i.|J •

\ Jorrowful

anguflus.

S.

Narrow -leaved

blandus.

G.

Smooth-leaved

plicatus.

G.

Plaited

ftri-6fcus.

G.

Straight

byzantinus.

G.

Byzantine

Polygam. Dicecia.
monofperma.

S.

tot. 1159. 1509

Single-Jeeded

orientalis.

S,

Eaftern

Hexand. Monog*.
fuperba.

s.

413. 437.

Superb

Syngen. P olyg. Juperf.
feflilifolium.

G.

tiDert, 946. 1 1 91.

SeJJile- leaved

trifurcatum.

G.

Three- forked.

Staechas,

G,

Common.

orient aie^

G.

Eaftern.

ericoides.

G.

Heath-leaved

cylindricum..

G.

Oblong-leaved

flabelliforme.

G.

Fan-Jhaped

Gefneria,

Corn-flag, or
' Sword-lily.

}

Gleditfia,

Lily..

^TreeEverlafting.

Lafianthus.

G.. Loblolly Bay.

Syngen. Poly gam. Fruft.

ctDen, 982. Jap, 1283..

ringens..

G. Grinning

7

fetofa.

G. Briftly

yGorteria,

eiliaris.

G.. Hairy-leaved

j

Monand. Poly and..

tot, 845. 975..

arboreum.

S. Shrubby

iCottnn

religiofum.

S.. Vine-leaved

r V viiviJa

Poly gam. Moncecia.

tot, 1157-

domingenfis.

S. Domingo

Gouania.*

Gynand. Polyand.

(©tit. 1026. &p, 1367.

occidentalis,.

G. Elm-leaved

1

orientalis.

S. Eaftern

> Grewia,.

Microcos.

S. Panicled

1

Decand. Monog.

tot, 518. 546.

ofHcinale.

S. Officinal

7

fandtum.

S. Holy

> Lignum yitae,

afrum.

S. Myrtle-leaved

i

Decand. Monog .

tot, 517- 545s

Bonduc.

S. Indian

Nicker^tree,.

Capas,. M.

So called from Profeffor Gouan.

* CajoH-Cewm , M.
!* KUtti, M.

Bonducella,

V

S»8

EORTVS V P TO MENS P&

ENGLISH NAMES.

GENUS.' SPECIES, &c.

Guilandina. Bonducella.

S. Leffer ' ' *1

Moringa.*

S. ' Zeylon i

Nicker-tree,

lacerans.

Gurulla.

S. Rending 1

‘ ■ •

afiatica.

S. Afiatic

Gurulla.

H^manthus. Hexand. Monog.

dDett. 400. 412.

coccineus.

S. Tongue-leaved

|

puniceus.

ciliaris.

S. Waved-leaved j

S. Hairy |

j-Blood- flower.

villofus.

S. Villous J

l

H^EMATOXYX-um. Decand. Monog.

0en. 525. 549.

Campechianum.

S. Logwood.

. * a - iciaO

Halleria. Didynam. Angiofperm.

<25em 761. 872.

lucida.

G. African-fly

Honeyfuckle.

Hedysarum.” Diadelph. Decand.

dDen. 887." 1051.

ftyracifolium.

S. Storax-leaved \

f French

amcntaceum.

S. Amentaceous \

\ Honeyfuckle.

movens.

S . Moving Plant.

Helictires.* Gynand. Decand.

CEBU. .1025. 1366.

Ifora.

S. Screw-tree.

Heliotropium, Pentand. Monog.

CDen. 179. 187.

peruvianum.

S. Sweet-fcented , or Peruvian Turnfole,

Hermannia. Tetradyn. Pentand .

828. 941.

althseifolia.

G. Marfhmallow-leaved

1

candicans.

G. White

f

alnifolia.

G. Alder-leaved ,

fHermannia,

lavendulifolia.

G. Lavender-leaved

groffularifolia.

G. Goofeberry-leaved ,

1

Hernatjdia.4 Monodelph. Pentand.

<Den. 1049. &p+ 1391*

fonora.

S. Jack in a Box.

Hibiscus.* Monodelph. Poly and.

©en. 846. 975.

tiliaceus.

S. Lime-leaved

Rofa Sinenfis.

S. China Rofe

I

mutabilis.

S. Changeable Rofe 1

malvavifcus.

S. Mallow-leaved

>Syrian Mallow,

fpeciofus.

S. Shewy I

Abelmofchus.

S. Mujk -leaved

Sabdariffa.

S. Cut -leaved

3

Hippia.

frutefcens.

G. Ethiopian Shrubby

Tanfey.

Hopea.

tin&oria.

G. Called after Dr. Hope.

a Or Niflrhicum Lignum. The Malabar name is c Bonn-radja, M.

Moringu. In Ceylon it is called Katumurungha

, or 4 Cajo-raja , M.

Wattu-murunga. In Malay, Cancer dot .

* Daun-carot M.

b Cadjang-goenong, M.

V~- . -v '• f ‘ - ‘ f

Hura,

GENUS.

Hura.

H 0 R TU S V P T O N E:N S T S. m

SPECIES, ©V. . ENGLISH NAMES. '

Moncecia Monodelph* - Cot. 1087. 1431*

crepitans. i Sand-box tree .

Hydrocotyle. Pentand. Digyn. Con 325. fi>{n: 338.

aliatica. r'r?' S. Afiatic n .;f ;
Decand. Monogyn . Con 512. |^jn 537.

CourbariL S. Locuft, or Gum : r

Pentand. Monog. Can 247. ^pt 257.

aureus. G.

Polyadelph. Polyand. Cat. 902. hoi.
balearicunm G. Minorcan 1

olympicwti. y" ■ G, Olympian ui . Cst.

infant J

Hymen^ea.®

Hyoscyamus.

Hypericum.

I

monogyAUm. G. Chin eje Put fan

T\: 1 %.jhx — • a»... J J

Pennywort.

Elemi-tree.

Henbane.

John’s Wort.

Jasminum. Diand. Monogyn. b
grandiflbrum.
azoricum.

.QA

\N.

JatroEha.1

■ L’srif.

IlERIS.

.onrioi

. ■

odoratifllraum.

Moncecia Monad'.
multifida.
Curcas.
urens.
goflygifolia.
Petradyn. Siliculofa.
femperflorens.
lempervirens.
flor. variegatis.
gibraltica.

Cat. 17. 9.

G. Great flowered or Ca- a

G. - Azorian [talonian
q J Yellow Indian , or moft

Jafmine.

French'

X fragrant'

• Cat. 1084.. &p. 1428.

S. Multifid
S. Angular-leaved, or
S. Stinging [. American Phyiic-nut.

S. Goojeberry-leaved
Cat. 804. 904.

G. Broad-leaved
G. Narrow-leaved
G. Striped-leaved
G. Gibraltar

Candy Tuft-tree.

Ilex.

Illicium.

Indigofera.

JUNIPERUS.

JVSTICIA.*

faxatilis.

G.

Rock

Petr and. Petragyn.
afiatic a.

G.

Cot. 172. ^p. 18 1„

Perado-tree.

Dodecand. Polygyn.
florid an urn .

S.

Can 61 1. ^p. 664.,

Starry

Anifeed,

Diadelph. Decand..
fcandens.

s.

Cat. 889. ^p. 1061.

Climbing

^Indigo.

pforaloides.

s.

Pforalea-like

Dicecia Monadelph .
bermudiana.

G.

Can 1134. ^p. 147 O’
Bermudas. \

•Cedar,

phoenicea. 1

G.

Phoenician J

Diand. Monogyn.
Adhatoda.

G.

Can 27. &p* 20. 1 663..

Malabar Nut.

Ecbolium.

S.

Reflexed- flowered

hyflbpifoliai

s.

Hyjfop-leaved

» Malabar

pidta.

s.

Spotted, or painted

■ i _ t

* This tree is fuppofed to yield the true Gum grows wild in the American iflands, the Mofldt©
Copal, and that the difference between this and Gum Shore, and in Terra Firma,

Anime may be owing to foil and heat of climate ; it h Duun-Iylaas, M. c Dam-Preda, M.

IxiA>

MORTU S UP TO N EN SI S.

GENUS.

SPECIES,

1

SxiA«

friand. Monogyn .

1

pulcherrima.

G.

fqiial'ida.

G.

;nr7' vans'

longicaulis.

G.

plicata, •

G.

, ; T: Ju

chinenfis.

G.

fpeciofa.

G.

crocata. — •

G,

flexuofa.

G.

bulbifera.

G,

<... Vv • -,.J. T

Bulbocodium,

G,

polyftachia.

G.

violacea.

G.

maculata.

G.

tubiflora.

G.

•* ' ■ii-( • '

trifoliata.

G.

fxORA.®

Tetrand. Monogyn.

1

.

coccinea.

s.

K^MPFERIA.b

Monand. Monogyn .

1

Galanga.

s.

Kiggelaria.

Dioecia Decand.

1

africana.

G.

LAgHNAEA.

Q SI and. Digyn.

conglomerata.

G.

Lagerstroemia. Polyand. Monogyn.

1

indica.

S.

Lantana.

Didynam. Angiofperm.

lalvifolia.

G.

africana.

G.

involucrata.

S.

Camara.

S.

aculeata.

s.

trifolia.

s.

Lavandula.

Didynam. Gynofperm.

multifida.

G,

dentata.

G.

Lavatera.

Monadelph . Polyand.

olbia.

G.

Laurus.*

Enneand. Monog.

Camphora.d

G.

ENGLISH NAMES,

®en+ 56. ^ 51.^664.

Moji beautiful
Squalid

Plaited ,x.' \ '

Chinefe . . , * U( -

Shewy ;

Flexible-branched . j-Ixia.

JV"

.AV

\A

iviany jpiK,6Ci
Violet-coloured
Spot ted- flout), ered
Tube -flowered

®cti, 131; itjg.

Scarlet v\- . ■ < 4

0en*7- £>*>,.3.

Oval-leaved

<15cii, 1128. 1466,

African

€>en, 490, &$+ 514.

Cluflered
®en, 667. 7 33.

Eaflertt^ ag^rftroemia, or Munchaufia.
0en, 765. S>p, 873.

Sage-leaved
African Ilex-leaved
Round-leaved
Smooth Nettle-leaved
Nettle-leaved
Three-leaved

Wild J a fining
Galangal.
Kiggelaria.
Lachnea.

I

American
^Viburnum-

Canary

Serrated-leaved
dDett* 842. 972.

Small-flowered
d5*n* 593. 528.

Camphor-tree

^Lavender-tree.

Mallow.

Bay-tree.

Borbonica.

a Djarong , M worth enquiring into, as the effects of proportionable

* S "jorkor, M. quantities in medicine are furprizingly different; per-

« Laurus in the Malay is Randou. haps it may be owing to the great difference of heat

a The Camphire from Sumatra is greatly prefer- in the climates. Ellis on tranfplanting Seeds, p. 27.
able to that of Japan : we are not certain whether it It may be doubted whether we are yet in poffeJfion
is from a different fpecie* of tree ; but it feems well of the true Camphor-tree. In Arabic it is called
10 Capur ,

H 0 R T U S UP TONENSIS.

521

GENUS.

SPECIES, G?c.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Laurus.

Borbonia.

G. Carolina

indica.

G. Laurus Regis

fcetans.

G. Stinking

nobilis.

G. Noble

Cinnamomum.1

S. Cinnamon-tree

Caflia.

S. Bajlard ditto

Perfea.

S. Allegator Pear

Lawsonia.1*

Odland. Monog.

d3eiL 482. f^pf

Leea.c

fpinofa.

S. Spinous

crifpa.

S . Curie d-jlalked

asquata.

S. Dozuny-Jlalked

Lechea.

I Priand . Prigyn .

dDeiu 109.

major.

S. Greater

Limodorum.

Gynand. Diand.

CStti. 1013.

tuberofutn.

S. Purple

Linum.

Pentand. Pentagyn .

®etn 389. ^>p, ,

maritimum.

G. Sea

Lobelia.

Syngen. Monogam.

Oen, 1006. g>p+

longifiora.

S. Long-tubed

coronopifolia.

S. Swines-crejs

Lotus.

Diadelph. Decand.

C5en, 897. §>p, :

jacobseus.

G. Black

1

creticus.

G. Cretan , or filvi

Dorycnium.

G. Montpelier

Ludwigi A.d

Petr and. Monogyn.

0en, 153. ^pt :

ovata.

S. Ovate

Lychnis.

Decand. Pentag.

384. fep. 1

coccinea.

S. Scarlet Chinefe

coronata.

S. Crowned

Lycium.

Pentand. Monog.

dDen, 262. §>p, 2

barbarum.

G. Prickly

Malpighia.

Decand. Prigyn.

dbeu, 572. g>p, t

glabra.

S. Smooth - leaved

;Bay-tree,

I

Lawfonia.

Leea.

Lechea.

Helleborine.

672.

Flax.

| Cardinal Flower.

^}“ot

Ludwigia.

^Campion.

Box-thorn.

BarbadoesCherry.

Capur, and Cafur ; in Sumatra, Capoor Barroos.
Confult Marfden’s ingenious Hiftory of Sumatra,
juft publiihed, p. 120. fcff feq. Ksempferi Amcenitates,
p. 773. By a particular procefs, Camphire is pro-
cured in a liquid ftate, refembling oil, and is much
ufed by the Sumatrans in ftrains, fwellings, and in-
flammations. A refpedtable Surgeon in London has
informed me, that he applied this Camphire oil to
the fcrophulous glands of a child’s neck, foon after
which the difeafe difaopeared.

2 Though a fpecies of Cinnamon has been intro-
duced into the French Weft India iflands, its qua-
lity is fo much inferior to the bell: Ceylon, as to

excite a fufpicion that the Weft India is a different
fpecies. In Ceylon it is called Kurundu . In the
Moluccas, the illand of Batsjan, Java, and in Bor-
neo, there is a fpecies of Laurus nearly refembling
the Cinnamon ; it has more of the flavour of Cloves
than of Cinnamon, and is perhaps the Cinnamon of
Guadaloupe, &c. In Borneo it is called Culitlavjan.
Mr Le Poivre fays, that Cochin-China produces
Cinnamon, though in fmall quantity, yet much
fuperior in quality to the Ceylon.
b Patjar-tj along, M,
c Sajor-babek, M.
d Seroni-aiger , M.

ureas.

522

GENUS.

H O R r U S UPT0NENS1S.

i

SPECIES, 6V. ENGLISH NAMES.

Malpighia .

mens.

S.

Stinging ~i

Barbadoes

verbafcifolia.

S.

Mullein-leaved \

Cherrv.

Malva.

Monadelph. Poly and.

(Den. 841. 967.- 167c.

capenfis.

S.

Cape

Mallow.

Mammea.

Polyand. Monog.

(Ben. 656. 731.

americana.

S.

American

Mammee Apple.

Mangifera.

Pentand. Monog.

(Ben. 278. 290.

indica.

S.

Indian

Mangoe-tree.

Marrubium.

Didynam. Gymnofp.

(Ben. 721. 815.

Pleudodibtamnus.

G.

Baflard Dittany

Horehound..

Martynia,

Didynam. Angiofp.

§>p. 862.

perennis.

S.

Perennial

Martynia.

Medeola.

Ilexand. Prigyn.

(Ben. 455. 483.

afparagoides.

G.

Baflard

Afparagus.

Medicago.

Diadelph. Dscand.

(Beil. 899. 1096.

arborea.

G.

Shrubby

Moon Treefoil.

Melia.3

Decand. Monog.

(Ben. 527. 550.

Azederach.-

G.

Comm on 1

Bead-tree.

Azadirachta.

G.

Indian f

Melianthus.13

Didynam. Angiojp.

(Ben. 795. 892.

major.

minor.

G.

G.

Greater lTr „

Leffer f Honey-flower.

Mentha.

Didynam. Gymnofp.

(Ben. 713. §>p. 804.

canarieniis.

G.

Shrubby \

Canary-mint..

paniculata.

G.

Panicled 1

Mesembryan-

Icofand. Pentag.

(Ben. 628. 68 7.

TKEMUM.

geniculiflorum.

G-

Jointed

nodtiflorum.

G.

Night -flo veering

fplendens.

G.

Shining-flowered

' '

umbellatum.

G.

Umbellate d

calamiforme.

G.

flhiill -leaved

Tripolium.

G.

Plain-leaved

bellidiflorum.

G.

Daify -flowered

deltoides.

G.

Delta-Jhaped.

var. major,
var. minor.

G.

G.

Greater Delta
Defer Delta

r-Fig Marygold,

barbatum.

G.

Bearded

humile.

G.

Dwarf-bearded

hifpidum.

G.

Briftiy -/talked

' 1

ftriatum.

G.

Striped-flowered

viliofum.

G.

Downy -leaved
Rough-leaved

fcabrum.

G.

emarginatum.

G.

Notched-flowered

pugioniforme.

G.

Dagger-leaved

* Foela-moergatti , M,

b Taratti-ki/jil, M.

uncinatum.

TORTUS UPTON ENSIS

523

GENUS.

Mesembryan-

THEMUM.

SPECIES, &.c. ENGLISH

uncinatum.

G.

var. major.

G.

. fpinofum.
tuberofum.

G.

G.

Eipuiaceum.

G.

craffifolium.

G.

falcatum.

G.

glomeratum.

G.

loreum.

G.

ftlamentofum.

G.

acinaciforme.

G.

forficatum.

G.

edule.

G.

bicolorum.

G.

ferratum.

G.

micans.

G.

roftratum.

G.

veruculatum.

G.

glaucum.

G.

corniculatum.

G.

var. minor.

G.

expanfum.

G.

tortuofum.

G.

ringens caninum.

G.

ringens felinum.

G.

aggregatum.

G.

gibbofum.

G.

pubefcens.

G.

procumbens.

G.

ciliatum.

G.

carinatum.

G.

cordifolium.

G.

fifTum.

G.

capenfe.

G.

laevigatnm.

G.

fucculentum.

G.

echinatum.

G.

fcalpatrum.

G*

villofum.

G.

Tripolium.

G.

tefticulatum.

G.

dolabriforme.

G.

difforme.

G.

albidum.

G.

Lejfer hooked-leaved
Greater ditto
Prickly

Tuberous -rooted
Upright Jhrubby
Thick-leaved creeping
Crooked-leaved
Crowded
Leathery -ft alked
Six-fided purple
Scymiter-Jhaped
Forked

Eatable-fruited

Two-coloured

Saw-leaved

Glittering

Beaked

Spit-leaved

Glaucous-leaved

Greater horned

Lejfer horned

Broad-leaved

Twifted-leaved

Dog's chops

Cat's chops

Cluftered

Gibbous

Downy

Procumbent

Fringed

Keeled

Heart-leaved

Cloven

Cape

Smooth-leaved

Succulent

Prickly

Broad-leaved

Hairy

Sea-ftarwort

Tefticulated

Hatchet-leaved

Deformed

White

NAME S.

Fig Marygold.

linguiforme.

H 0 R TU S UPTONENSIS.

GENUS,

SPECIES, &c.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Mesembryan-

THEMUM,

linguiforme.

G.

'Tongue-leaved

aureum.

G.

Golden

decumbens.

G.

Proftrate

Fig Marygold

auftrale.

G.

Southern

tenuifolium.

G.

Slender-leaved

Mimosa,* J

°olygam. Moncscia,

Cetn 1158. ^p, 1498.

latifolia.

S.

Broad-leaved ^

pernambucana.

S.

Pernambuque , ox Italian

cornigera.

S.

Horned \

arborea.

s.

Indian-tree

nilotica.

s.

Gum Arabic

tamarindifolia.

s.

Tamarind-leaved

pudica.

s.

Humble Plant

farnefiana.

s.

Indian Gazia

latifiliqua

s.

Broad-podded

virgata.

s.

Twigged

unguis Cati.

s.

Twijled-podded

jamaicenfis.

s.

'Jamaican

vaga.

s.

Fraxinella-leaved

1 Acacia, or

pundtata.

s.

Dotted

f Senfitive Plan

japonica.

s.

Japonic

monofperma.

s.

Single-feeded

reticulata.

s.

Reticulated

glauca.

s.

Glaucous

horrida.

s.

Horrid

peregrina.

s.

American

Intfia.

s.

Indian

circinalis.

s.

Spiral

fimplicifolia.

s.

Simple-leaved

montana.

s.

Mountain

Lebbeck.

s.

Egyptian

pigra.

s.

Long-Jpined +

■

MoRiEA.

! Triand . Monogyn.

Cetn 60. g>p, 59.

vegeta.

G.

Sword-Jhape leaved

iridioides.

G.

Iris-leaved

r tTXvyi CKs Cl a-

Murraya.

exotica.

s.

Exotic

Murraya.

Musa.

Polygam. Moncscia.

Cetn 1141. &p. 1477.

paradifiaca.

s.

Plantain-tree.

Myrica.

Dicecia Pentand.

Celt, 1107. fe>p, 1453*

quercifolia.

G.

Oak-leaved \

1 Candleberry

cereifolia.

G.

Cereus-leaved

\ Myrtle.

Myrsine.

Pentand. Moncg.

Cesn 269. *a>p, 285.

africana.

G.

African

Box-tree.

Par rang, M.

Myrtus,

H 0 R TU S UPTONENSIS,

525

GENUS. SPECIES, &c.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Myrtus.1 Icojand. Monog. (iBeft, 617. §>p. 673,

communis.

G.

Broad-leaved

romana.

G.

Roman

tarentina.

G.

Box-leaved

italica.

G.

Upright

boetica.

G.

Orange-leaved

mucronata.

rofmarinifolia.

G.

G.

Nutmeg-leaved
Rojemary- leaved

* Myrtle,.

maculata.

G.

Blotch-leaved

trifoliata.

G.

'Three-leaved

zeylanica.

S,

Zeylon

Pimento.

s.

Al If pice, or long-leaved

var. rotundifolia.

S.

Round-leaved

NERIUM.b

Pentand. Monogyn.

Oen, 297. 305.

Oleander.

G.

Single red

var. flore pleno.
divaricatum.

G.

G.

Rouble red
Rouble -flo-wered

■Rofe Bay..

americanum.

G.

Carolina Olive, or

Nyctanthes.

Riandria Monogyn .

dBen, 16. 8.

Sambac.

S.

Single Arabian

var. flore pleno.c

s.

Rouble ditto

> Jafmine*.

fol. variegatis.

s.

Striped ditto

\

Ol e At,

Riandria Monogyn.

dDen, 20. it.

americana.

G.

American

odoratiflima.

G.

Sweet-fcented \_European

europasa latifol.

G.

Common broad-leaved, or(

Olive-tree,.

var. anguftifolia.

G.

Narrow-leaved (

var. buxifolia.

G.

Box-leaved \

capenfis.

G.

Cape

Ononis.

Riadelph. Ddcand.

CBCtl, 863, 1006.

Natrix.

G.

Vifcous

t

rotundifolia.

G.

Round-leaved

sReft Harrow.

crifpa.

G.

Curled

tv

Ophioxylum/

Poly gam. Monoecia.

dDen, ii/t-2. 1478.

ferpentinumf

S.

Snake-like

Ophioxylum-

Origanum.

Ridynam. Gymnofp.

dDeii, 726. §>{j. 822.

aegyptiacum.

s.

AEgyptian

\

Didtamnus.

Rittany of Crete |

. 1VT anAH m

fipyleum.

Rittany of Mount Sipylus 1

Majorana.

Sweet Marjoram

a Hlvecmg, M.
l) Sidarraja, M.

c Or Goa Jafmine, with a very large doable flower,
of an exquifite fcent. In the Malabar tongue it is
called Katu, or Kudd.i Mulla ; in Malay, Malati ; in
Sumatra corrupted to Melloor, or Melattee.
d Boa-ati, M.

e Or Lignujn Colubrinum. In Ceylon it is called
Rametul , or Carnet ul ; in the ifland of Rot the, and of

Timor, it is called Caju Najfi ; in Siam, Malacca,
and Sumatra, Caju TJlar. it is the Kudda IMulla of
the Hortus Malabaricus. fafminum Indicum Mali
Bur anti a foliis , fiore alba , plena amplijjimo. This beau-
tiful double- flowering Indian jafmine was brought
from Goa, in 1690, to the Grand Duke of Tufcany,
who would not fuffer cuttings or layers of it to be
given to any body. The root of this plant is faid to
be a powerful vermifuge.

Ornithogalum.

526

GENUS.

Ornithoc-alum.

OST EOS PER MUM*

Othonna.

OxALIS.*

Pancratium.15

Passerina.

Passiflora.

Patac-onula.

Paulinia.c

H 0 R T U S U P T 0 JSf E N S I S.

SPECIES, iflc.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Hexand. Monog.

fen 418. 439.

latifolium.

G. Broad-leaved

arabicum.

G. Arabian

luteum.

G. Yellow

Syngen. Polyg. neceffaria. (feu 992. fgm, 1308.

pififerum.

G. Pca-fhaped

fpinoium.

G. Spinous

moniliferum.

G. Poplar-leaved

rigid um.

G. Rigid

Syngen. Polyg. neceffaria. (fen 993. 1309*

bulbofa.

G. Bulbous

gibbofa.

G. Gibbous

cheirifolia.

G . Spear-leaved

parviflora.

G. African

pedtinata.

G. Comb -leaved

Decand. Pentagyn.

(fin, 582. 620.

purpurea.

S. Purple

flaua.

S. Yellow

Pes caprse.

S. Umbelliferous

Hexand. Monogyn.

felt* 404- 417*

carolinianum.

G. Carolina

zeylanicum.

S. Zeylon

mexicanura.

S. Mexican

Calpenfe.

S. Gibraltar

africanum.

S. African

caribteum.

S. Car ib bee

amboinenfe.

S. Broad-leaved

0 St and. Monogyn.

(Bern 489. &pf 513.

filiformis.

G. African

Gynand. Pentand.

(feu 1021. 1355.

incarnata.

G. Phree-leaved

rotundifolia.

G. Round-leaved

jamaicenfis.

S . famaican

laurifolia.

S. Laurel-leaved

pundlata.

S. Spotted-leaved

Murucuja.

S. Moon-Jhaped -leaved

fuberofa.

S. Cork-barked

minima.

S. Small-lcaVed

normal is.

S. Squared

Pentand. Monogyn.

.(fen 208. 212.

americana.

S. American

Oil and. Prigynia.

(fen 497- 52 4.

aurea.

G. Yellow -flowered

barbadenfis.

S. Barba does

Cururu.

S. Eaflern

1 Star of
f Bethlehem.

( African
| Chryfanthemum.

> Rag worn

° , '..i; ' -

Wood Sorrel.

Narciffus.

Sparrow Wort.

/

r'Pafllon Flower.

Patagontila.

"j-Paullinia.

Daun-idop, M.

b Liat-Saare, M.

Cururu, M.

Pentapetes.

H 0 R r U S' U P T 0 N E N S I S.

5*7

GENUS.

pENTAPETES.*

Periploca.

PeTIVERIA.

SPECIES, &c.

Monodelph. Dodecand.

phcenicea.

Pent and. Digynia.
africana.
grasca.

Hex and. Petragyn.
alliacea.
octandra.

ENGLISH NAMES.

(Ben, 834. i)|j, 958.
S . Indian Vervain
(Ben, 303. 309.

G. African climbing
G. Grecian

(Ban 459. g>p, 468.
S. Guinea
S. American

Mallow.

I Apocynum.

^HenweecL.

Philadelphia.

Icojand. Monogyn..

(Ben, 614. 671.

aromaticus.

G. Broad-leaved

[New Zealand.

rubicaulia.

G. Shining-leaved

\ Tea.

Phoenix.

Diced a Priandria.

(Ben, 1224. jap, 1659.

daftylifera.

S. Date

Palm.

Phlomis.

Didynam. Gymnojp.

(Benp'723. 818.

'.•d c -» ■ • "'j ]

purpurea.

Leonurus.

G. Purple
G. Lion' s-t ail

-Jerufalem Sage,.

Phylica.

Pentand. Monogyn.

(Ben* 266. g>p, 283.

ericoides.

G. Heath-leaved

[ Baftard

buxifolia.

G. Box-leaved

i A1 at emus.

PHYLANTHUS.b

Moncecia Priand.

(Ben, 10 co. 1392.

EmblicaA

grandiflora.

S. Pinnated 1 c r , T ,

rr j n f Sea-iide Laurel.,

b. Large -flowering j

Phyllis.

Pentand. Digynia.

(Ben, 323. 335.

nobla.

G. Simpla Nobla of the Canaries.

PhysalisA

Pentand. Monogyn.

(Ben, 250. 261. 167

0.

flexuofa.

G. Flexuoje Indian

vifcofa.

S . Vijcous

Alkekengi, or

curaffavica.

S. Curaffao

’Winter Cherry.

peruviana.

S. Peruvian

Phytolacca.

Decand. Decagynia.

(Ben, 588. 631.

dioica.

S. Tree -like American

Nightfnade.

Piper.

Diand. Prigynia .

(Ben, 43. 40.

Amalago.

S. Jamaica long

obtufifolium.

S. Obtufe-leaved j

• Pepper.

verticillatum.

S. Whirled J

Piscidia.

Diadel'ph. Decand.

(Ben, 856. 993.

Erythrina.

S. Oval-leaved

Dogwood-tree,

Pisonia.

Poly gam. Dicecia.
acuieata.

(Ben, 1162. 1 51 1.

S. Prickly

Fingrigo.

PlSTACIA,.

Dicecia Pentand.

(Ben, 1108. £?p.

vera.

G. Prue 1

trifolia.

G. Three-leaved !

• Piftacia Nut- tree.

Lentifcus.6

G. Mafiick-leaved j

a Conga-haram, Mr
b Daun-Jinta, M.
c In the Malabar, Nelli-camaram.
d Peretti , M.

e Gum Maftick from the Me of Scio. As this
tree, commonly called the Lentifcus, is doubled to
be the genuine Maltick-tree, le ds of the true kind
may be procured from the Me of Scio.

i LUMBAGO.

528

H O R ru S UPTONENSIS .

GENUS. SPECIES, UV.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Plumbago/

Pentand. Monogyn .

<H5eu* 213. f©p. 215.

zeylanica.

fcandens.

S. Ceylon 1

S. Climbing 5

Leadwort,

Plumeria/

Pentand. Monog.

0en. 298. £&>p* 306.

rubra.

S. Red Weft Indian 1

alba.

S. White ditto i

Jafmine.

obtufa.

S. Obtufe-leaved \

Poincinia/

Decand. Monog .

0f!t. 515. &p. 544.

pulcherrima.

data.

S. Barba does ]

S,. Fall \

Flower Fence.

Polygala.

Diadelph. 0 Eland.

0eu. 851. &p+ 986.

myrtifolia.

G. Myrtle-leaved ■ ]

Milkwort.

fpinofa.

G. Prickly \

Polypodium/

Cryptogam. Filices .

0etn 11 7 9. ££>p* 1542.

S. Golden , or Flare' s -foot

aureum.

auriculatum.

S. Fared

Polypody, or

trifoliatum.

S. Three-leaved

Fern.

effufum.

S. Spreading

Portulaca.6

Dodecand. Monogyn .

dDeit. 603. £^p. 638.

-

Anacampferos.

S. Shrubby

Purflane.

Prasium,

Didynam.. Gymnofp .

©en. 737. ^p. 838.

majus.

G. Shrubby

Hedge Nettle.

Protea,,

Tetrand. Monogyn .

0ett. hi. 137.

argentea.

G. Broad-leaved, or Cape

pallens.

conifera.

G. Pale

G. Upright narrow -leaved

Silver- tree, or
Protea.

glauca.

G. Smooth

faligna.

G. Oblique Jpear-fhaped

Psidium.*

Icojand. Monogyn .

0ett, 615. *£>p. 672.

pyriferum.

S. Pear-Jhaped

pomiferum.

S. Apple-fhaped

>Guava.

montanum.

S . Mountain

vittata.

S . Filleted

Psoralea.

Diadelph. Decand.

0em 894, 1074.

pinnata.

S. Pinnated-leaved

Jupiter’s
. Rpard

aculeata.

S. Prickly -leaved

bituminofa.

S. Bituminous

or Trefoil.

brafteata.

S. Floral-leaved

Pterocarpus/

Diadelph. Decandria.

0eit, 854. §>p, 1662.

polygonoides.

aphyllus.

S. Knot-grafs ‘

S, Leaflefs .

•Pterocarpus.

* Akar-binaJJiy M.
b Sambodja, M.

* Bonga-merak, M.
a Simbor, M.

c Gelang, M.

r Gujave, M.

s This grows to a very large tree, and produces
that moft beautiful and ufeful wood, for cabinets,
doors. See. called /imboina-ivood. Jn the Malay it is
called Lingoum, or more frequently Lingoa.

9

Pteronia.

H 0 RTU S UPTONENSIS .

529

GENUS.

Pteronia.

PUNICA.

Randia,

Ranunculus.

Rauvolfia.

Rhododendron,

Rhus.

Rivinia.

Rondeletia.*

RoSA.b

Royena.

Rubia.

Rudbeckia.

SPECIE S, &c.

Syngen. Toly gam. Squalls.
camphorata. G.

oppofitifolia. G.

lavendulifolia. G.

Icojand. Monogyn.

nana. G.

Pentand. Monogyn.
mitis. S.

aculeata. S.

Tolyand. Polygynia.
alpeftris. G.

aconitifolius. G.

Pentand. Monogyn.
nitida. S.

maximum. G.

ferrugineum. G.

ponticum. G.

hirfutum. G.

Pentand. Prigynia.

tom en tofu m. G.

anguftifolium. G.

Cobbe. G.

lucidum. G.

var. minor. G.

laevigatum. G.

odoratum. G.

Copallinum. G.

fuccedaneum. G.

Petr and. Monogyn.

humilis. S.

Pentand. Monogyn .

americana. S.

Icojand. Polygynia.

indica. G.

Decand. Digynia.

lucida. G.

latifolia. G.

myrtifolia. G.

Petr and. Monogyn.

peregrina.® G.

Syngen. Poly gam. Frujl,
laciniata, G.

ENGLISH NAMES.

^Pteronia.

Pomegranate.
| Box-thorn.

J Crowfoot.
Rauvolfia.

IRhododen-
■ dron.

€ett. 937. 1 17 6.

Camphor-leaved
Oppojite-leaved
Lavender -leaved
(Den. 618. fyp. 676.

Dwarf

(Den. an. 213.

Mild) or round-leaved
Prickly

0ett+ 699. fyp. 772.

Alpine
Monk's-hood
dDen. 293. 30 3.

Four-leaved Jmooth
562.

Large
Ferruginous
Pontic
Hairy

(Deit. 369. 379. 1672.

Hairy-leaved
Narrow-leaved
Ceylon

Shining-leaved

Lejfer ditto )-Sumach,

Smooth-leaved
Sweet-fmelling
Copal

Succedanqous
(Den. 162/ fyp. 177. 1679.

Dwarf Rivinia.

(Den. 224. 243. 1671.

Pinus-leavedy or American Rondeletia.
(Den. 631. fyp. 703.

China

(Den. 555. 568.

Shining-leaved
Broad-leaved
Myrtle-leaved
(Den. 127. &p. 159.

Purky

(Den. 980. frp. 1279.

Jagged

Rofe.

^Royena,

Madder.

Rudbeckia.

* Karak-N aJJj , M.

* Combang Marrer, M.

* Suppofed to be the fame that is now cultivated
in Smyrna for a crimfon dye.

3 Y

Ruse us.

S¥

Ji O R, T U S UP TONE NS' IS.

GENUS.

Ruscus.

SaCCHARUM;1

■

(

Sagina.

•SPECIES, ,&c. . ENGLISH NAMES.

Dice.cia Syngenefla. (Pen, 1 139. 1474.

androgynus. G, True ... Alexandrian Laurel,

Triand. Digynia. (Pen, 73.. g>p, 79.

officinale. S. Sugar 1

pumilum.. 'S. Dwarf Sugar ^Lane.

Tetrand. Tetragynia. (pen, 176. £^p, 1.85.

procumbens. G. Procumbent Pearlwort.

yn. .(Pen, 10. c.

Glaffwort.

^Glaffwort.

SALICORNIA.

Monand. Monogyn .

.(Pen, 10. ^p, 5,

fruticofa.

G. Shrubby jointed

Salsola.

Pent and. Digynia.

(Pen, 31 1. (®p, 322.

f*

* rv V

capenfis.

G, Cape

. •' ! J |

fruticofa.

G. Shrubby

Salvia.

Diandria Monogyn.

(Pen, 39- &P* 33.

coccinea.

G. . Scarlet

canarienfis.

G. Canary

C

paniculata.

G., P anicled-fiowered

•xi iboboilil \

africana.

G- African

.noif* )

nilotica.

G. Egyptian

1

aurea.

G.. Yellow

pinnata.

G. Feathered

mexicana.

G.. Mexican

capenfis.

G.. Cape

Sanguisorba.

Tetrand. Monog.

(Pen, 146. ^p, 169.

fpinofa.

G. Spinous

dioca.

G. Dioicous

Sapindus.5

Q El and. Trigynia.

.(pen, 499. £>p, 526.

Saponaria.

S. Indian

americana. .

S. American

Saxifraga,

Decand. Digynia.

(Pen, 559. £>p, 570.

ftolonifera.

Q. Chinefe

. ;;k 7; /!

mutata.

G. . Silver-edged .

bryoides.

G. Mojfy

afpera.

G. Rough

Scabiosa,

Tetrand. Monogyn.

(Pen, 1 15. ^p, 141.

africana.

G. African

cretica.

G. Cretan

n r

rigida.

G. Stiff-leaved

atropurpurea.

G. Purple-flowered

_

ECHINUS#

Ditecia Decandria.

(Pen, 1130. £>p, 14^

molle.

G. Soft

SciLLA.

Hexand. Monogyn.

(pen, 419- 442.

autumnalis. -

G. Autumnal

peruviana. .

G. Peruvian

Scrophularia.

Didynam. Angiofp.

(Pen, 756. g>p, £63.

lucida.

G, Shining-leaved

* Tohoe, M.

® Rarax, M.

/“Sage.

^Burnett.

| Soap-berry.

Saxifrage.

■Scabious.

Maftick-tree.

^Squill.

Figwort.

canina.

H 0 R T U S V P T 0 N E N S 1 S;

53 1

GENUS.

SPECIES, &c.

ENGLISH NAMES.

ScROPHULARI A.

cabin a:

• *■ '

G.

Dogs-rue

frutefeens.

G.

Shrubby

aquatica.

G.

Aquatic

Sedum.

Decandria Pentagyn.

(Sett. 579. *^p. 616.

Cepsea.

G.

Purjlane-leaved

rubens. • ’

G.

Red

Selago.

D idynam. Angio/perm.

(Sett. 769. ^p. 876.

corymbofa.

G.

Upright -/talked

Sempervivum.

Hodecand. Poly arid.

(Sett. 612. ^p. 66 4,

arboreum.

G.

Pree-Sedum

globiferum..

G.

Hen and Chicken

canarienfe.

G.

Canary

arachnoideum. *

G.

Cobweb

Senecio.*

Syngen. Poly gam. flip erf.

(Sen. 953. ^p. 1 21

Pfeudo-China.

S.

Tellow China-root

peftinatus.

G.

Pebiinated

Doria.

G.

Sea Lavender

}

Figwort.

|stonecrop.

Selago,

►Houfe-Leek.

Sid A.h

Sideritis.

SlDEROXYLUM.'

SlLENE.

SlSYRINCHIUM.

Skinnera.

elegans.

Rigidus.

Coronopifolius.

Monadelph. Polyandria.
cordifolia._
rhombifolia.
Abutilon.
multiflora.

Didynam . Gymno/perm.
fyriaca.
canarienfis.

Pentand. Monog.
inerme.
tenax.
lycioides.
oppofitifolia.

Dec and. Prigynia.
fruticofa.
acaulis.
vallefia.
capenfis.

Gy nan d. Priand.
bermudianum.
graminifolium.
capenfis.
palmifolium.

G. Elegant
G. Rigid

G. Buck' s-horn Plantain

Ocn. 837. *sp. 960.

S. He art -/leaped

S. Rhomboid
S. Heart-Jhaped undivided
S . Many -flo wered

(Sett. 712. &>p. 801.

G. Syrian
G. Canary

(Sen. 264. &p. 278.

S. ^Ethiopian
G. Carolina
G. Prickly , or Canada
G. Oppofite-leaved

(Sett. 567. &>p. 594. 1673
G. Myrtle-leaved
G. Mo/s
G. Valle fian

G. Cape

tot. 1017. g>p. 1353.

G. Greater
G. Gra/s-leaved
G. Cape
G. Palmated

l

S

Groundfel.

•Indian Mallow.’

Stachys, or
Ironwort.

Iron Wood.

JVifcous
Campion.

}

Bermudiana.

Capenfis.
a Saijor-bali, M.

G. Cape

Skinnera.

b Silagouri-panjang , M.

3 Y 2

c Caco-mlli, M.

Smilax.

J3*

HO RT US UPTONBNSIS.

GENUS. SPECIES, fcfc.

ENGLISH NAMES.

$ MIL AX.*

Dicecia Hexandria .

dfcrn ii2o. 141

afpera.

G.

Rough

excelfa.

G.

Eaflern

floridenfis.

G.

Florida

Sarfaparilla.*

G.

Sarfaparilla

SOLANUM.*

Pentand. Monogyn .

®eit. 251. 263.

quercifolium.

G.

Oak-leaved

guinenfe.

S.

Guinea

papilionaceum.

S.

Papilionaceous

acanthifolium.

S.

Acanthus-leaved

bonarienfe.

s.

Free

mammofum.

s.

Pear-fruited

radicans.

s.

Creeping

indicum.

s.

Indian

fodomeum.

s.

Apple-bearing

verbafcifolium.

s.

Verbajcum-leaved

tomentofum.

s.

Downy-leaved

igneum.

s.

Red-Jpined

Soloamella.

Pentand. Monogyn .

<5ett* 199. &p. 20 6.

alpina.

G.

Alpine

SqPHORA.®

Decandria Monogyn.

<®tn. 508. 533.

tomentofa.

s.

Zeylon filver

lupinoides.

s.

Lupine

alba.

s.

White-flowered

biflora.

s.

Double-flowered

capenfis.

s.

Cape

angulata.

s.

Angular-leaved

microphylla.

Small-leaved

Spartiuai.

Diadelph. Dec and.

<H3em 858. 995.

fpinofum.

G.

Prickly

fphaerocarpum.

G.

Round-fruited

complicatum.

G.

Montpelier

radiatum.

G.

Starry

Spondias.

Decand. Pentagyn.

ton 577. 612.

Myrobalanus.

S.

Black

Stachys.

Didynam. Gymnofperm.

©ett. 719. &p,.8u.

tomentofa.

G.

Downy-leaved

hirta.

G.

Hairy -leaved

asthiopica.

G.

A Ethiopian

J, ..

capenfis.

G.

Cape

Stapelia,

Pentand. Digyn.

307. j&p* 346.

hirfuta.

S.

Greater

variegata.

S.

Lejfer

mammillaris.

s.

Warty

1

Bindweed.

>-Nightfliade.

Soldanella,

l

S

]

Broom.

American Plumb.
1674.

/ Bare-

li Horehound.

H”- .

a Cafo-Tjinautan, M. and might eafily be propagated in Florida. Ellis.

* It is brought from the Bay of Campeachy, and p. 29.
uhe Gulpii of Hondasras, where it grows in plenty, c Irong, M. & Upas-lidjt, M.

Statice.

HO RTU S UPTONENSIS •

SH

GENUS. SPECIES,^. ENGLISH NAMES.

Statice.

Pentand. Pentagyn .

38 8. &p, 394.

monopetala.

G.

Narrow-leaved

fuffruticofa.

G.

Shrubby

Struthiola.

virgata.

G.

Spear-Jhaped-leaved

ereda.

G.

Erebl

Styrax.

Dodecand. Monogyn.

®ett, 595. &p» 635.

lasvigatum.

G.

Smooth-leaved

grandifolium.

G.

Large-leaved

officinale.4

G.

Medicinal

SwiETENIA.

Decand. Monogyn .

©em 52 1. £p. 548.

Mahagoni.

S.

American

Tamarindus.

1 Triand . Monogyn .

(Beit. 46. ^p, 48.

indicus.b

S.

! Tamarind-tree .

Tarchonan-

THUS.

Syngen. Poly gam. Adqualis.

©etc 940. $^p, 1 179-

Taxus.

camphoratus.

G.

African

Dicecia Monadelph .

©etc 1135. &p, 1472

elongata.

G.

Broad-leaved

nucifera.

G.

Nut-bearing

Titragonia.

Icojand. Penlagyn,

©en. 627. 687.

cornuta.

G.

Horned

herbacea.

G.

Herbaceous

Teucrium,

Didynam. Gymnojp.

©etc 706. &p, 786.

fruticans.

G.

Common Spanijh

Marum.

G.

Syrian

Polium.

G.

Shrubby

luteum.

G.

Tellow

album.

G.

White

coccineum.

G.

Red

creticum.

G.

Cretan

Thea,

Polyand. Monogyn .

©ett. 668. ^p, 734.

viridis.

G.

Green

bohea.

G.

Bohea

Theoeroma.

Polyadelph. Pentand.

©ett. 900. ^p. iioo.

Cacao.

S.

Chocolate

Guazuma.

S.

Bajlard

angulta.

s.

China >

^Sea-Pink.

Jstruthiola.

^Storax-tree.
Mahogany- tree.

Fleabane,

| Yew- tree.
^Tetragonia.

Germander

Marum.

Mountain Poley.

}

!

|Tea.

Nut.

^Cedar.

a There 5s a refmous juice, which, by age, hardens
Into a folid brittle refin, of a pungent, warm, bal-
iamic tafie, and very fragrant fmell, not unlike the
Storax Calamita, heightened with a little Amber-
greafe, which is produced from the Styrax Aceris
folio, or Liquid Amber ftyraciflua of Linnaeus, Sp.
PI. 1418, which grows in perfection in the Floridas.
This, Dr. Lewis, in his Materia Medica, p. 353,
fays, might be applied to valuable medicinal pur-
pofes. The French, in Du Pratz’s Hiftory of Lou-

ifiana, fpcak with rapture of its healing qualities,
and the high efteem it is in among the Indians of
Florida, on account of its virtues. It is known to
the Englilh by the name of the Sweet Gum-tree , ami
to the French by the name of Copalm. This we can
have genuine, whereas the Storax from 'he Eaft is
often adulterated. Ellis’s Dire&ions for tranfport-
ing Seeds, p. 24.

b AJfam, M. i. e, acid urn.

Thuja,

H(Q.R T U S U P T 0 N E N S I S.

\

534

GENUS.

SPECIES, &c.

Thuja.

Mo need a Monadelph .

orientalis.

Thymbra.

Didynam. Gymnofp.
fpicata.
verticillata.

Thymus.

Didynam. Gymnofp .

maftichina.

Tournefortia.2

Pentand. Monogyn.

ferrata.

volubilis.

Ehretia.

diffufa.

Trachelium.

Pentand. Monogyn.
cseruleum.

Trichilia.

Decand. Monogyn.
glabra.

Trichomanes.

Cryptogam. Filices.
canarienfis.

Triopteris.

Decand. Trigynia.
. jamaicenfis.

Trollius.

Polyand. Polygyn.

afiaticus.

TROPyEOLUM.

OEland. Monogyn.
majus fl. pleno.

Verbena.

Diand. Monogyn.
bonarienfis.
indica.

Vinca.1

Pentand. Monog.
rofea.
var. alba.

VlTEX.'

Didynam. Angiofp.
trifoliata.
Negundo.

VlTIS.d

Pentand. Monog.
trifolia,
indica.

Voekameria.®

Didynam. Angiofp.
inermis.

N

aculeata.

Wachendorfia,

•

thyrfiflora.

WlNTERANA.

Dodecand. Monog.

Canella.

1 aromatica.

ENGLISH NAMES.

©fll 1078. g>p. 1421.

G.

Oriental

0m. 708. f^p. 795.

G.

Spiked ]

Mountain

G.

Rough narrow-leaved j
0m. 727. £>pt 825.

Hyfiop.

G.

Maftick

0m. 192. £^p. 201.

Thyme.

S.

Serrated-leaved

S.

s.

T zvining- ft alked
Ehrets

•Tournefortia.

s.

Spreading

0m. 221. ^p. 243.

G.

Blue

Throat- wort.

0m. 528. &p. 550.

G.

Smooth

0m. 1181. ^p. 1560.

G.

Portugal

0m. 574. g>p. 612.

Fern.

Triopteris.

G.

Jamaica

0m. 700. £>p. 782.

*

G.

Afiatic

0en. 466. g>p. 490.

Globe-flower.

G.

Double

0m. 32. §>p. 27.

Nafturtium,

G.

G.

Tallefi fpiked ‘

Indian '

►Vervain.

0m. 295. ^p. 304.

S.

Madagafcar ]

• Periwinkle.

s.

JVhite-fpotted-flowered \
0m. 790. §>p, 890.

G.

G.

Three-leaved ’

China , or five-leaved

-Chafte-tree.

0m. 284. £>p. 293.

S.

s.

Three-leaved

Indian

►Wild Vine.

0m. 788. £&>p. 889.

s.

Smooth-ftalked

►Volkameria.

s.

Prickly -fialked

G.

Spear-Jhaped
0m. 598. &p. 636.

Wachendorfia.

s.

Bafiard Cinnamon

^Winter’s Bark.

s.

Aromatic

d Daun-Capialon , ,M.
c Moegri, M.

1 Moral-Cahulu, M.
b Foela-malega, M.
c Penarrar -Jamli, M.

5

Xeranthemum.

H 0 RTU S UPfONENSl S,

535

GENUS.

Xeranthemvm.

Xylophylla.

Yucca.

Zamia.

Zygophyllum.

SPECIES, &V.

ENGLISH NAMES.

Syngen. Polygam. fuperf. Cm. 947. 1201.

retortum.

fulgidum.

G. Retorted
G. Shining

TEverlafting
J Flower.

longifolia.

S. Long-leaved

| Love-flower.

latifolia.

S. Broad-leaved

Hex and. Monogyn .

Celt. 429. 4 56.

aloifolia.

draconis.

G. Aloe-leaved
G. Dragon-leaved

| Adam’s Needle.

Moncecia Enneand.

Celt. 1227. &P* 1659.

pumila.

S. Dwarf Jaw-leaved

7

fpinofa.

S. Prickly-leaved

IPalm.

integrifolia.

S. Entire -leaved

I

Dec and. Monogyn „

Celt. 530. 551. 1673.

feflilifolium.

G. Seffile

|lkan-Caper.

Morgfana.

G. Four-leaved

CORRESPONDENCE.

3

'

CORRESPONDENCE.

[ S3® ]

jr A RG E is the catalogue of human maladies , and thefe are not ^infrequently
as complicated as the machine upon which they aft. A phyfician, therefore , of
celebrity , will often have his fagacity exercifed, by the application of patients, whom
5 pain , or long continuance of difeafe , has compelled to feek for relief where ante -
cedent advice has not been fuccefsful : phyficians , likewife, from a principle of
humanity , are no lefs difpofed to encourage fuch applications for additional advice ,
where their own has been baffled. Hence Dr. Fothergill was frequently confulted
from various parts of the kingdom , as well as of Europe and America. Applica-
tions of this kind were too numerous , with his other labours , to admit of many words
in reply ; but what he fuggefted was generally fo pointed, or, what is the fame thing ,
fo fuccefsful , that it may be concluded, were his confutations collefted together ,
much inflruftion might accrue , at leaf; to young praftitioners.

A here are fymptoms in many difeafes , which may for a long time agitate the pa-
tient, or elude medical art, and wherein, perhaps, great penetration and long ex-
perience may difeover fome fimple yet efficacious remedy, that did not before occur.
Ahere are difeafes, indeed, rebellious to all medicine : the humane phyfician, never -
thelefs, in fond hope of procuring more beneficial aid, may laudably appeal to others
of his profeffion, to clear up his doubts , or to lefifen the ; folicitude of his patients.
Ahe known fagacity of Dr. Fothergill, his long and fuccefsful praftice, and not lefs
his philanthropy, combined to point him out as a confulting phyfician. From fome
letters, entrufled to me by gentlemen who are an honour to their acquaintance, I
have inferted a few inflances of the Doftor's familiar manner of communication .
As Jingle cafes, they may not appear very important ■, but, I trufl , few praftitioners
will deem them ufelefs „

CORRESPONDENCE,

CORRESPONDENCE,

DR. Cuming is perfonally unknown to me; and it was fubfequent to the
deceafe of our mutual friend, that our correfpondence commenced : it
has, however, afforded me fo much fmgular pleafure, that I regret it did not
commence fooner. Whether it is that I perceive in the living friend a fimi-
litude of the deceafed Fothergill, or that this epiflolary intercourfe has afforded
me the molt pleafmg inftrudtion, I know not; but I confefs, without referve,
that I recollect the fhort period of our correfpondence as one of the moil happy
events of my life.

Letters written in the hurry of conftant employment, between familiar
friends, are rarely written with grammatical precifion ; they may, neverthelefs,
contain too much ufeful matter to be fuppreffed ; and at the fame time exhibit
that acute judgment, and quick difcernment, of the pradlitioner, in a point
of view which is lefs ftriking in elaborate performances, becaufe in them
we naturally expedl to find judgment and precifion united.

Dr. Cuming has communicated to me fome letters of Dr. FothergilPs,
containing his opinion and advice on the cafes of a few patients fubmitted
to him by Dr. Cuming. The letters of Dr. Cuming are loft 5 having, how-
ever, received fome detached memorandums haflily written by the Doctor,
when he vifited his patients, memoria caujd , from which he was afterwards
enabled to compofe regular hiftories of the feveral cafes to be tranfmitted
to his correfpondents ; I have taken the liberty to infert them in their prefent
form, in order to explain Dr. FothergilPs anfwers,

“ Mrs. D— — , aged about twenty-four, of a lax delicate habit, fubject aboat
two or three years ago to the fluor albus, and accuftomed to have the
menfes very irregularly, in the month of March laft fuffered a mifcarriage
in the third month of her pregnancy fubjedl at times to a pain in her back,
which fhretched forwards, not in the diredtion of the ureters, but towards her

3 Z 2 llama ch*

CORRESPONDENCE .

54°

flomach. In the latter end of September laft, fhe bathed in the fea ten
or twelve times. About the 20th of Odtober, on catching cold, (he felt
a pain in the region of the bladder, with a frequent defire of making
water. In a day or two, the menfes appeared ; this pain increafed, but did
not prevent her going abroad and taking fhort journies : however, Ihe dr-nk
plentifully of mucilaginous liquors, and ufed an emollient fomentation. When
1 firft: vifited her, November the 5th, the pain was become more violent j her
face flufhed, her pulfe full and quick, with a confiderable heat on her fkin ;
her defire of making water was frequent ; Ihe had no ftoppage, made it in
confiderable quantity, but the pain was acute for fome time afterwards. I
ordered about a pint of blood to be taken off ; emollient fomentations to be
frequently applied j draughts of fpermaceti, oil of almonds, with a few grains
of camphor and nitre, &c. to be taken fextis horis, and to drink largely of
an apozem ex rad. conf. mag. &c. with gum Arab. Her pain became, on
the ufe of medicines, much more tolerable, and continued daily to abate. As
ihe drank, at this time, very plentifully of thefe aqueous, lubricating, balfamic
liquids, her water was in great quantity, and often quite limpid; but, in general,
there was more or lefs of a purulent-like fediment of fmall membranulas float-
ing in the urine. About the 8th of November, an univerfal efllorefcence ap-
peared on her fkin, attended with a confiderable itching : by keeping in bed,
and plentiful perfpiration, this went off in about two or three days. From
that time Ihe has been gradually gaining ground; the pain has abated, fo as not
now to be pungent and acute ; but, to ufe her own words, Ihe feels, as it
were, a forenefs or rawnefe in the part ; this is generally moft troublefome about
bed-time. The quantity of matter depofited is, upon the whole, lefs in a given
time. The water made firft after waking contains moft of this purulent-like
fediment, for obvious reafons; but, as is ufual in fuch cafes, the quantity of the
fediment is fome days more, fome days lefs ; the fediment too is become whiter
and lighter, though, in fome glafles, it has appeared flighdy tinged of a pink
colour. I have vifited her two or three times fince. The medicines have been
occafionally varied. After the rafli difappeared, fhe took two gentle dofes
of rhubarb and manna, which moved her moderately three or four times :
and for thefe three weeks paft fhe has taken the following ; with a decodtion
of pearl barley, gum Arabic, and balfamic fyrup, for common drink :

cc £2. Spermat. Ceti,

Pulv. e Tragac. comp, a fcrup. i.

Balfam. Gilead, gut. iv.

Syr. Rofar. folut. q. f. fiat Bolus, ter in die fumendus, ex cochlear,
quatuor mifturas fequends ;

** J& Emulf.

CORRESPONDENCE .

S4*

ff 5^. Emulf. Arabic, unc. vi.

Olei Amygd. drachm, x.

Syr. Balfam. unc. i.

TinCt. Cinnam. drachm, ij. mifce.

« In every other refpeft, fee is in good health; no heat or third; her
appetite is good, which fee does not indulge ; fee deeps well, and is in general
tolerably chearful ; fhe has had no return of the monthly difcharge fince fhe
defided from bathing in the fea. She has likewife, by my advice, drank afTes
milk twice a day. She eats, at dinner, boiled mutton, chicken, calves feet,
puddings, hartfhorn jellies ; for fupper, barley gruel, fago. During the whole
time of her illnefs, fhe has lain in a recumbent, horizontal poflure; as an eredt
•one always increafed her pain, till of late.

<c The pain fhe defcribes is very different at different times. Particularly,
about a fortnight ago, fhe fays, fhe was feized, two or three times a day, with
frequent momentary, acute, darting pains, more pungent than at any time of
the diforder : thefe ufed to moled her during the interval of making water; and,
upon the next difcharge of urine, the pains went entirely off, and continued
fo for feme hours.

“ For feme days before I faw her, fhe had a condant teazing pain in her
bowels, with, generally, every day, three or four griping loofe dools, which
were removed by feme gentle dofes of rhubarb.

“ Her water, at this time, is in general quite pale, though fometimes of an
amber colour, and foon depofits a white purulent fediment, with films and
flreaks of membranes of different fizes. For feveral days before I faw her, her
water had, in a leffer degree, the fame appearance, though not made in fuch
large quantity.”

“ Dear Doctor,

tc It was not till this morning that I received Mrs. D — - — ys cafe. I have
confidered it with attention; and though it is drawn up in fo clear and didinCfc
a manner, yet I own myfelf at a lofs to determine what the difeafe really is.

« That the bladder is the feat of it, is evident ; but whether a done, an
affeCtion of the coats of the bladder by its being thickened, or an excoriation,
is not quite fo clear.

« I wife the lady would fubmit to a fearch. If there is a done, the indi-
cations would be certain ; if there is none, our conjectures would be more
confined.

« If

542

CORRESPONDENCE .

(C If this cannot be complied with, we can only have recourfe to palliatives
for a difeafe we do not perfe&ly know; a mortifying fituation for the phyfician
and his patient !

tf This, therefore, I could wifh might be done in the firft place; that fome
able accoucheur, if fuch you have, might carefully examine the ftate of the
bladder.

<c If there is a ftone, it will moft probably be difcovered ; if the bladder is
fmall, contracted, and its coats thickened, thefe alfo, by a fkilful hand, may
be known, and the cure directed accordingly. Perfons of Mrs. D — - — ’s age,
are feldom fubjeCted to ulcers in the bladder : I have never feen an inftance of
this kind ; nor do I apprehend the difcharge is purulent. Does it not adhere
to the glafs or pot, and, when poured out, remain till the urine is gone, and
then cling to the vefiel, as the whites of eggs would do? or elfe is it merely
flocculent ? Pus, the produce of an ulcer, will clearly fliew itfelf.

“ Till we can be extricated from thefe uncertainties, will not the following
indications be reafonable ?

“To mitigate the pain of the part affeCted, abate acrimony, and ftrengthen
the whole habit.

“ Would anodyne clyfters be improper ? If nothing better than the form
(A) occurs, fuppofe it be adminiftered ? If this cannot be complied with, the
draught (B) will probably anfwer the purpofe.

cc Briftol water, drank on the fpot, is often a fovereign remedy for difeafes
of the bladder; and if there be no juft grounds to fuppofe a ftone, winter
as it is, I fhould think this place moft proper, and to drink as much of the
water as poflible. Afles milk, a light nutritive diet, and a moderate ufe of
wine, will not, I imagine, be improper.

« If this ftep fhould be judged inconvenient or improper, I cannot at
prefent fuggeft any thing better than the following formulae (C). Dr. Cuming
wilTbe kind enough to confider thefe as hints, not directions, for his procedure ;
and will accordingly vary them as emergencies may require.

“ I fhall return an anfwer to another letter I received, as foon as poflible^
and in the mean time fubfcribe myfelf,

cc Dr. Cuming’s affectionate friend,

“ John Fothergill.’*

C A. )

e< I£. Gelat. Amyl.

Olei Amygd. Dole, a unc. ij.

TiaCh Thebaic, gut. xxv. fiat enema hora fomni injlclendum ; vel,

(B.) “ Pulv.

CORRESPONDENCE .

543

(B.)

§2. Pulv. e Succino Comp, fcrup. i.

Aq. Alexit. Simp, drachm, x.

— - Nuc. Mofchat.

Syr. Balfam. a drachm, i. m. fiat hauftus fumendus horafomni, addendo^
li opus fuerit, Pulv. Rhabarb. gran. viii. vel x.

(C.)

<( I£. Balfam. Traumat.

Elix. Paregor. a gut. xxv.

TinCt. Cort. Peruvian. Simp. gut. xxx.

Aq. Purse, drachm, x. fiat hauftus fumendus meridie et vefperi.

** December 18, 1761. J. F.'*

I am not in pojfejjion of Dr. Cuming's minutes , to which the following refers $
hut this is introduced fo much in the manner of recapitulation^ that the lofs of the
former is of lefs confequence \

“ Dear Doctor,

« I embrace the firft leifure moment I have to communicate what occurs to
me, upon a careful confideration of the additional circumftances I have juft re-
ceived in relation to Mrs. D ’s cafe.

tc I know Dr. Cuming’s precifion too well, to have the leaft doubt but he has
conveyed to me as much information, perhaps more, than I could have been
able to have collected if prefent. It is owing to the concealed nature of the
cafe, that I could form no clearer idea of it ; and not for want of my friend’s
judgment in collecting, or accuracy in defcribing, fo equivocal a complaint.

cc The fearch has informed us of two things ; that there is moft probably no
ftone, nothing foreign in the bladder itfelf, and that there is one part that
'difcovers a particular tendernefs ; and farther, that no obvious thicknefs of
the bladder itfelf was difcovered. Thefe circumftances reduce our conjectures
into a lefs compafs ; and that either an excoriation of fome part of the bladder,

or

544 CORRESPONDENCE.

or acrimony, or both, are the caufes of the prefent complaints. The fearch,
I think, declares in favour of the firft fufpicion; and that we may fafely con-
clude, that the complaints proceed from an ulceration, fuperficial I hope, and
therefore I have called it an excoriation j and as fuch we may fafely treat it.
All that we can do, in fuch cafes, I imagine, is to remove as many caufes as we
can of its not healing, by mitigating pain, leffening the activity of the urinous
falts perpetually diftilling upon the wound, and, by filling the veffels with
good blood and juices, enable nature to do what art cannot pretend to, heal
the ulceration.

“ I have ventured, with good fuccefs, in fome fimilar cafes, to give the
extract of hemlock, and found it Angularly beneficial. It is anodyne ; but,
in a juft dofe, it neither affedts the head like other anodynes, nor occafions
coftivenefs ; of fharp corrofive juices, it often forms good pus ; and, under
Dr. Cuming’s care, cannot pofiibly do harm ; but ftands a fair chance, I think,
of being beneficial. Eight grains, at bed-time, in a bolus, with a little
conferve of rofes, may be given with fafety, and fix, a little before dinner,
encreafing the dofe to eight in the morning, and ten at night, in three or four
days, if it agrees ; that is, if it produces eafe, abatement of the difcharge,
and fymptoms of returning health. But, if it excites a kind of pufhing,
uneafy fenfation at the bottom of the orbits, a head-ach, or glimmering of
the fight, the dofe muft be leffened ; for that dofe is too much, that produces
thefe effedts; and one may fafely proceed in augmenting the dofe, till fome
fuch fymptom is perceived.

(t There is no officinal medicine differs from itfelf fo much, in point of
efficacy, as this extradt. For I have occalion to believe, that a few days in
the age of the plant it is made from, will make the extract ftronger or weaker.
I know where to have fome of tried efficacy, if none is to be met with at
Dorchefter, and fhall fend fome down, if it is wanted.

“ But in cafe this method fhould feem lefs to be relied on, than thofe medi-
cines with whofe effedts we are in general better acquainted, I would propofe the
plan enclofed, fubmitting it entirely to my friend’s corredtion and amendment.

“ The diet muft be mild and nutritive. Affes milk once a day at leaft, or
twice ; Tilbury water, with a little milk, and a very fmall portion of the beft
old French brandy, for common drink ; light animal food, rather boiled than
roafted, and with as little fait as may be. Acids may be ufed moderately ; and
s. glafs of good Cyprus, a little diluted, at meals occafionally. Our objedt
being to keep every thing out of the urine that is in itfelf acrimonious, and
at the fame time guarding againft its becoming alkalefcent; for this reafon
jj liquid diet, on milk efpecially, will be ufeful.

“ I am a little doubtful how far injedtions may afiift us. At firft view,
a ibey

CORRESPONDENCE .

545

they may feem to favour our intentions, by conveying immediately, to the
part affedted, balfamic liquors, capable at once of abating the urinous acrimony,
and deterging or defending the excoriations.

tc But when I reflect on the tendernefs of the bladder, the difficulty of
introducing a fluid, exadtly of the fame temperature in refpedt to heat ; the
neceffity of fuddenly ftretching a membrane we would wilh to keep at reft ;
the liability of walking off the beginning efforts of nature to cicatrize ; the
poflibility of making it a fort of open fiftula ; thefe things difcourage me.
However, if fomething of this kind fliould be thought neceffary, would any
thing be eafier than a folution of ftarch, or a thin mucilage of quince feeds ?
Nothing ftyptic or irritating, or what is not of the moft lenient quality, can,
I think, be ufed with fafety. I fliould likewife fufpect, that as the feat of the
difeafe is very near where the inftrument muft be introduced, there would be
fome hazard of protradting the difeafe by introducing a remedy. Thefe ideas,
however, may be vague j and I hazard them the more freely, as they will
have no weight with Dr. Cuming, if he fees them trifling..

“ I have endeavoured to form a compofition, on the other fide, that I could
wifh might have thefe effedts ; to mitigate pain, and to keep the body gently
foluble. Should the proportion of rhubarb be found too fmall, a few grains
may be added to the night bolus if too much, a mixture may be made without
rhubarb, of which to form the morning bolus, which may be then encreafed
to half a drachm.

“ Perhaps thirty drops of the Ample tindture of bark, with five or fix only
of elix. vitriol, and one drop of tindt. thebaic, might be ufeful at noon, in a
glafs of warm Briftol water j and again in the evening, if it fliould not
difagree.

« I am, with great efteem. Dr. Cuming’s affured and affectionate friend,

<c J. Fothergill.”

« Eledt. e Cafiia, unc. i.

Pulv. e Tragac. Comp, drachm, ij.

Rhei, drachm, i.

e Succin. Comp, fefquidrachmam fiat eledt. cujus 3fs. vel 3ij.

fum. om. nodte, fuperbib. cochl. ij. Julep, fequentis:

“ 5C Aq. Menth. Simp, unc, ij.

Tindt. Helvet. fefcunciam.

Syr. Simp, drachm, ij. mifce.

« Eledt. fupra prsefc. 3i. fia.t Bolus fumendus mane, fuperbibendo coch.
ij. Julep, praefcripti.

“ December 2 6, 1761. J> F.”

4 A. CASE

i

54$

CORRESPONDENCE.

CASE II.

“ Mr. rifes daily with the fun, or before it : every day, when the

weather is tolerable, he ufes exercife for two, three, or four hours, fometimes
on foot, fometimes on horfeback, in vifiting his friends, infpedting his work-
men in the fields, fhooting, &c. He eats moderately of plain food, (his
appetite is very good ;) drinks three or four glaftes of Port wine after dinner
and fupper, and goes regularly to bed by eleven. Soon after he returned into
the country, he made a glafs or two of urine, in which there was evidently
fome blood, fome rough fand, and fome fmall particles of gravel, about the
fize of the head of a fmall pin ; fince that time, no palpable fand or gravel.
Sometimes, after two or three hours- exercife, his water has been ftrongly tinged
and foul ; next day,, perhaps, after the fame exercife, it has been clear, without
any fediment, only a cloud towards the bottom; and, at different times, without
any affignable caufe, has been of the colour of Port wine, diluted by a great
quantity of water (though this feldomer of late than ufual) : fometimes like,
and of the colour of, foul fmall-beer ; fometimes of an amber or lemon colour ;
and fometimes quite limpid. I have feen, at one time, especially/ when the
water is pale, a very fmall quantity of white fediment juft covering the bottom
of the glafs ; and at other times the fediment is in a greater quantity, and
like red coral: fometimes it is like a cloud that has juft weight enough to
reach the bottom of the glafs. Thus much for the appearance of his water,
which he makes in greater quantity fince he began the ufe of the lixivium and
broth. The pain about the region of the fpleen, ftretching towards his ftomach,
and attended with flight momentary dartings from thence towards his back,
he ftitl feels at times ; as alfo in his back, ftretching upwards as high as the
points of his fhoulder blades : but neither of them are violent, or interrupt his
exercife. His pulfe is regular, flow, foft, and below ftandard ; his fpirits
are tolerably chearful; he fieeps but badly; mentions fomewhat of a clam-
minefs in his mouth, though he has no foulnefs on his tongue ; and likewife
an aukward, uncomfortable drynefs, and want of proper genial warmth, in his
hands and feet.

“ He goes regularly to ftool once, fometimes twice, every day; can lie equally
eafy upon either fide, and bend his body in every direction, without any degree
of pain. Pie never has any obftrudion or difficulty in making water.”

«<- Dear

correspondence .

547

« Dear Doctor,

tc To what caufe can we afcribe the effeds we perceive in our worthy, fenfible

friend J , Efq; if not to a ftone in the kidney ? I wifh moil: cordially to be

perfuaded that I am miftaken in thinking fo. Let us trace its progrefs. —
The urine now and then, without manifeft caufe, fometimes with fuch circurn-
ftances as feem likely to produce it, appears with fuch a hue, that we muft
think it bloody. This muft proceed either from a ftone bedded in the kidney,
in fuch a manner, as, though it gives little pain, yet has injured the con-
tiguous blood-veflels fo, as that, every now and then, either when the tide
of the blood runs higher, from internal caufcs, or from external motion,
blood oozes from the wounded veflels, mixes in the urine, and fhews itfeir
plainly to the fenfes : or elfe, by fome other caufe, not to me obvious, the like
effects enfue. Let us fuppofe it fcorbutic acrimony. Would this confine itfelf
folely to the urinary paffages ? would it not be difcoverable by other effeds,
deducible from the fame origin ? yet I fee none ; neverthelefs, 1 am diffident
of my own opinion, when Dr. Cuming is not quite of the fame judgment,
in a cafe that he has confidered fo attentively, and under fo many fituation
that none but himfelf can judge of fo completely.

“ Shall we not have difcharged the duty of able phyficians, if we take ou
indications from the moft obvious appearances? Rationalem quidem puto medi-
cinam ejfe debere et injtrui ab evidentibus caufis , is always uppermaft with us
both. Nothing more commonly produces fuch appearances in the urine, than
a ftone, either in the kidney or in the high road to the bladder. Suppofing it
a ftone, what better diffolvent have we than lime ? That preparation of lime,
that gives us its folvent properties in the leaft compafs, is the beft, No ex-
perimentsjiave difcovered any thing better, that I know of, than foap-lees : the
power of lime is here ftrongly concentrated. Fraud, avarice, or worfe motives,
may have raifed many medicines of this clafs into reputation for a time ; but
quo fimpliciuSy eo melius , is an axiom of undoubted truth.

{C If thefe notions correfpond with my good friend’s, let the lixivium, in
any Ihape, be continued for weeks, nay months, without any limitation, unlefs
fome obvious inconvenience arifes from it.

“ Dr. Cuming will not be at a lofs to know if any fuch appear, and to dired
accordingly.

<c Believe me, aftedionately,

(< Thy friend,

tf December 26*1764. <( J. Fothergu-l.’*

4 A 2

C A S £

CORRESPONDENCE'.

5+8

\

CASE III.

M Mifs is a young lady of twenty-feven years- of age, of a fanguine-

conftitution, plump habit, and of a chearful, lively difpofition. She enjoyed an
uninterrupted ftate of health till the year 1734, when fhe was feized with a
pleuretic fever, from which fhe recovered; but, for feveral years-, was fubjeCt to
acute pains in the- fide firft affecfted, which were always removed by bleeding.
During this time fhe fuffered a very broken ftate of health. — About the middle
of the' year 1739 I firft vifited her, when I found her labouring under many of
the fymptoms of a beginning phthifis, from an obftruCtion of the menfes.
When the moft threatening fymptoms were removed, a fluor albus appeared :
that too was cured ; but ftill her monthly courfes did not return, either at the
proper periods, or in due quantity. A violent hemicrania next feized her (to
which flie had before been fubjett in a leffer degree), which withftood the united
force of the moft efficacious medicines that I know for that diftemper, for
almoft a twelvemonth : at length it yielded. It were endlefs to tell you the
efforts I made to remove this obftinate, this ftubborn diftemper, or to defcribe
to you the pain and mifery fhe endured. What expedient did I leave untried,
what method unattempted ? At laft I lucceeded. After her recovery, a courfe
of the Bath waters reinftated her, and confirmed her former health. Thus
fhe continued, free from any complaint, (her menftrual evacuations returning
regularly) till about the month of April laft, that my advice was afked on ac-
count of a great difcharge of blood by ftool, unattended by any pain, which
fhe had three or four times before laboured under. The quantity was exceffive.

I ordered ten ounces of blood to be taken from her arm, and prefcribed a few
gently aftringent draughts, with a foft balfamic diet, and reft. After taking
two of- her draughts, the difcharge became extremely moderate. I ordered,
from time to time, fome gentle opening medicines, to prevent her being
coftive: Thus fhe continued for fome weeks, fometimes voiding blood in fmall

quantities, without, pain ; but foon felt an uneafinefs and pain upon, or foon
after, going to ftool. As I imagined the cafe to be a varicous vein broke a
little way up the reCtum, I ordered fome anodyne and gently aftringent in-
jections, with doffils, dipped in an ointment of the fame nature, to be thruft
up the anus ; and prefcribed the zEthiops mineral, with the teftaceous powders ;
taking care that fhe fhould not .be coftive. Thus fhe continued pretty eafy :
but, about the middle of June, fhe obferved fome fmall miliary pimples,, at
firft in the arms, then over all her body, attended with a great itching. As
the complaint in her bowels was now eafy, I purged her; ordered the zEthiops

min.

CORRESPONDENCE ,

549

min. to be continued; afterwards the pilulas iEthiop. of the Edinburgh difpen-
fary; and, laftof all, acourfe of Plummer’s pills, with a decoCtion of the woods.
To this the eruption feemed to give way ; the pimples were fewer in number,
and the itching lefs. About the beginning of Auguft, fhe returned from a
vifit to the country, when the pains in her bowels were become much more
violent than ever, and beyond her patience. I ordered eight ounces of blood
to be taken off; the former injections, with fome drops of laudanum, to be
repeated pro re nata ; with a decoction of confolida maj. &c. for ordinary drink.
Small ftreaks of blood would now and then appear in her ftools ; but nothing
of pus, upon the ftriCteft enquiry. For fome time before, I had perceived a
fmall cartilaginous excrefcence on the right fide, and clofe to the fphincter ani,
from which fhe feemed to think her pain folely proceeded ; and, upon preffing
upon the root of this, her pain was greatly aggravated. A fpoonful or two
of common digeftive, mixed with oL rofar. was frequently thrown up the
anus, and digeftive alone applied to this excrefcence. The pimples now ap-
peared in greater number, and the itching increafed. In a few days, when fhe
could bear it, fhe took a few grains of calomel, which was purged off next
morning ; this was repeated, and Plummer’s pills brought again upon the
ftage. I ordered a lixivium of fait of tartar to vvafh with, and made the ex-
periment of an ointment with white precipitate, upon her arms and hands, in
Boerhaave’s proportion ; one ounce, to one and a half of pomatum. But
thefe failing, fhe was at length cured of this troublefome complaint, by anoint-
ing her body with a fulphur ointment, which till now fine would not hear of.
This eruption had not the appearance cf a genuine itch, nor was it at all in-
fectious ; for the family did not avoid the moft familiar intercourfe with her,
and more than one of them flept with her for feveral weeks. Thus I had brought
matters, till towards the end of OCtober, 1764; when the pains about her fun-
dament returning, and fhe pofitively afferting, that they proceeded, as far as
fhe could judge, from that excrefcence before mentioned, various methods
were ufed to loften and difcufs it. But, though they gave her a truce from
pain for feveral days together, and fire imagined it was thereby become lefs
and fofter, yet her pains returned fo violently, about the middle of lafb month,
beyond any thing fhe had ever buffered, that it was cut off. . Pier pain was
exquifite for about two hours after this operation ; but, after that, fire enjoyed
much eafe. However, as I was fenfible there flill remained another caufe
of her pain (whatever firare the excrefcence might have had in it) I ordered
her an eledtuary, compofed of balf. Lucatel. fl. fulph. fperm. ceti, amyg. &c.
with a decoftion of the fymphit. eryngo, fern, papav. alb. &c. ; and a fpoonful,
morning and evening, of a folution of the balf. capaivi. Upon taking thefe
medicines, fire continued tolerably eafv for eight or ten days ; and when her

pain

CORRESPONDENCE.

55°

pain returned, an injedtion of ftarch fize, with a little ol. lini, and twenty
drops of laudanum, was thrown up. But, after having talked fo much of thefe
pains, you may expedt that I ffiould give you a more particular defcriptton
of them.

(C The feat of them feems to be about the verge of the anus, on the right
fide, ftretching a little upwards upon the os facrum, and downwards along
her thigh, and fometimes acrofs on the fame fide. They giye her no uneafinefs
when going to Ilool, nor till an hour or two afterwards ; and I have known
them continue upon her for feveral hours, nay, a whole night, without half an
hour’s intermiffion. Her pulfe (which is furprizing, confidering the violence
of them, as they are exceffively acute, and have fometimes almoft deprived
her of her fenfes) is not fenfibly raifed by them ; and while they are upon her,
die labours under a great difficulty of making water ; which may eafily be
accounted for, from the proximity of the parts concerned. She goes regularly
to (tool ; and, when free from thefe pains, is chearful, and, in every other re-
fpedt, in good health. I ought, indeed, to have told you, that, though ffie is
regular as to the time, her menfes have been in very fmall quantities thefe
three months,; and, likewife, that, within thefe three weeks, a fmall quantity
of pus has been difcovered in her ftools.”

Dear Doctor,

“ If I have appeared to be remifs in anfwering the cafe I received a few
pofts ago, it has been for a reafon, that ought, above all others, to plead my
excufe : it was folely to have leifure to refledt upon every part of that obftinate
diforder, which affords a more doubtful prognoftic, as it has not wholly yielded
to fuch judicious methods as have already been tried.

“ The young lady’s misfortunes are very juftly deduced from that unhappy
attack of the pleurify. The methods neceffary to relieve this, and the weaknefs
left in the part affedted, occafioned the repeated neceffity of contributing to
what has fince happened. She had fcarce time to recover the weaknefs which
frequent bleedings occafioned, before a freffi attack rendered the like meafures
neceffary. The blood, by this means, was ftill depraved, the habit weakened,
and a fcorbutic acrimony feems to have become predominant.

“ It is very likely that the young lady, either in her infancy, or as ffie grew
up, had fome cutaneous eruptions in fome part of her body; or it might only
ffiew itfelf in branny fcales. If nothing of this kind was difcoverable in
her, I ffiould fufpedt that her parents had it, or that her mother had very ill
health during geftation. Thefe I only mention as ftrong fufpicions, from what

7 I have

CORRESPONDENCE. 551

B have obferved, in fome cafes that have occurred to me, not wholly unlike
the prefent diforder.

“ Whilft the young lady enjoyed uninterrupted health, the natural foftnefs,
and proper difpofition of the juices, would prevent any thing of this kind from
appearing ; but, when once the ftrength of the folids was impaired, and the
fluids confequently altered from their natural texture, any latent fharpnefs
would difcover itfelf, and aft with more force, in proportion to what the
conftitution had fuffered.

" The violent hemicrania, fuoceeding the fluor albus, feems to confirm
a fufpicion of this kind: vifcidicy alone could not have produced fo much
pain, without acrimony conjoined. The fame caufe feems at length to have
fixed about the reftum. The irritation was, at firft, but fufficient to folicit a
larger flow of the blood to thofe parts than naturally ought to flow thither j
the vefiels became varicous, and at length burft ; the difcharges weakened her :
the blood loft of its mildnefs }. the acrimony increafed, and fixed upon thofe
parts to which the blood now ftrongly tended, and gave inceflant pain.

“ Proper applications checked the bleeding, eafed the pain, ftrengthened
her conftitution, and the caufe was thrown upon the fkin, the part to which
acrimonious humours are naturally direfted. The miliary puftules, I apprehend,
were owing to the fame caufe that had excited her fo much pain about the
reftum : for thefe no fooner difappear, than her bowels are again affefted, and
a fungus, almoft carcinomatous, appears. The extirpation of this, and the
difcharge which attended it, gave her eafe in that part, which a frefh crop of
puftules on the fkin made more durable.

“ From this view, I imagine, it will be eafy to account for feveral appearances
that fucceeded; and why the diforder has been fo extremely obftinate and re-
fraftory to the belt- concerted meafures.

“ I fhall therefore proceed to offer my fentiments upon the queries which
are fo judicioufly propofed, in as narrow a compafs as poflibly I can ; which
will lead us to what is of the laft importance to the young lady, if we are
fo happy as to fucceed in it, the method of cure.

“ 1 ft. I think the blood difcharged is from the htemorrhcidal veins become
varicous •, and that there may be a finous ulcer in the reftum.

“ 2d. I apprehend the pains arife from a particular acrimony in the blood,
either derived from her parents, contrafted in her infancy, or produced by
the neceflary debilitation of her habit by repeated bleedings ; and that the
excrefcence was the effeft of the fame caufe, which produced the pains, the
bleeding, the puftules, and her prefent complaints of pain and uneafinefs about
the reftum and os facrum. This is, likewife, the belt caufe I can aflign as an
anfwer to query 3d.

‘c 4th. It

CORRESPONDENCE .

552

“ 4th. It appears to me, that the propered method of cure would be, to
ftrengthen her habit in general, and promote the natural fecretions :

“To intermix gentle evacuations, as far as may be done confidently with
the firft intention :

“ To make an artificial ulcer as near the part affecfted as we can j and to
attempt, by fpecifics, to correct the peccant acrimony.

“ It is unnecefifary for me to fay any thing with refpeft to diet, exercife,
&c. as that is already fo prudently adjuded. Garden-duff, fruits, acids, fait.,
butter, and cheefe, in any quantity, mud be avoided. Water merely tepid,
with a . toad, would be the bed liquid j and a glafs or two of red wine may be
allowed. If beer cannot be eafily given up, what flie drinks ought neither to
be new or dale.

ff With refpe£l to medicines, I apprehend thofe directed in the enclofed may
pofiibly be of fome advantage. The mercurial is of the mod mild kind, and
has fometimes proved very beneficial. The quantity of purgative ingredients
may be added or diminifhed pro re nata : if fhe has a motion every day, it will
be diffident. An i due, I think, fhould be made with a caudic on the infide of
the thigh, jud above the gartering place, capable of holding two or more peas,
as foon as pofiible. If fhe dreads the caudic greatly, it may be done by the
lancet. This, perhaps, will be a very ufeful drain, and cannot fafely be
difpenfed with.

“ When the feafon is proper, the ufe of fome chalybeate purging water, I
believe, would he of great advantage. Whether you have any fuch in your
neighbourhood, I know not. The Scarborough waters are of this fort, if the
didance is not too material an objection.

“ When the eruption appears, as the menfes are not in due quantity, a day
or two before the expected period, a few grains of pil. Ruf. difiblved by rubbing
in aq. rutae and brionae. c. may be given, without any danger to the parts
at prefent affefted. Pediluvia may then be ufed, and fitting over a pan, with
warm water, and fome aromatic herbs infufed in it.

“ ££. Sapon. Venet.

Gum. Ammoniac, a fefquidrachmam ;

Salis Martis femidrachmam ;

Extrad. Gentianae liquid, q. f. fiat mafia in pilulas 1. formanda, quarum
iij. vel iv. hora ante prandium fumantur, infuper bibendo coch. iij. infuf. feq.

ef 5?. Pulv. Cortic. Peruvian, drachm, vi.

Winterani, drachm, ij.

Aq. Fontan. unc. xij.

— ■ Abfinth. Comp, unc vi.leni calore per triduum digere, tincduram cola.

“ Hydrarg,

553

CORRESPONDENCE.

•s< |£. Hydrarg. pur. drachm, ij.

Gum. Guaiac.

Olei Amygd. Dulc. a fcrup. ij. fimul tere ad extindionem mercurii,
adde dein pilul. coccire femidrachmam, pulveris glychyrrhizae q. f. fiat mafia
in pilulas xxx. formanda, quarum ij. fingulis vel alternis nodibus fumanrtur.

ff ]^. Aq. Rut^, fefcunciam ;

— Brion. Comp, femidrachmam ;

Pilul. Rufi, gran. vi. vel. viij.

Syr. Croci, drachm, ij. fiat hauftus fumendus cubitum itura: tribus
circiter diebus ante menfium periodum, et pro re nata, repetendus.

“ December 23, 1764. J. F.”

With relation to the event of thefe three cafes. Dr. Cuming has informed me,

in general, that they all terminated favourably. Mrs. D gradually got

well, and never had any return of her complaint. Since that time foe has
borne feveral children, and is now alive and in good health.

The young lady, labouring under a hemicrania, married Tome years after,
and removed at a diftance from Dorchefter. Since that time he has feen
her occafionally feveral times, and has been confulted by her, but never
heard her complain of the hemicrania. She has been a grandmother for fome
years paft, and now enjoys good health.

The gentleman, too, who had fome threatening appearances of the ftone,
has, fince he took the lixivium, been, in general, free from thofe complaints,
and is now, at the age of feventy-three, lufiy and ftrong, fubjed only, at
times, to occafional fits of an hereditary gout.

\

A N intimate acquaintance had long fubfifted between Dr. Fothergill and
Dr. Percival. A friendfoip of ingenious minds is ever productive of public
benefit ; for what is the objed of philofophy, but the intereft of the community ?
This was their mutual purfuit. Many are the letters written by the deceafed,
which the unreferved poiitenefs of Dr. Percival has entrufted to me, and l
have availed myfelf of fome of them, in the annexed Life j but I am concerned
to add, that the multitude of Dr. Percival’s engagements have prevented him
from preferving copies of the cafes of the patients communicated by him to Dr.

4 B Fothergill

CORRESPONDENCE .

554

Fothergill for his opinion, which would otherwife have rendered their corre-
fpondence invaluable, in a medical point of view. I have, however, collected
the following detached obfervations, as not immediately requiring previous
elucidation.

Extract of a Letter from Dr. Fothergill to Dr. Pereival} Anno 1767..

<f Dear Doctor,

« I have repeatedly perufed the cafe I received by the laft poll:, and with,
attention and pleafure : with pleafure, becaufe of its accuracy and precifion
and likewife that it feems capable of being relieved.

« I think the whole train of fymptoms proceed from a natural delicacy
of conftitution, and have been increafed by the patient’s having been a mother
fo early, and perhaps by inattention to her diet and regimen. There are few
chronic difeafes but what are augmented by thefe means, or that fpeedily
yield to medicine, without the ftridteft regard to regimen. If I have fucceeded
in fome cafes, wrhere others have fometimes failed, it has oftener been owing
to enjoining this, than to a happier choice of medicines j and here we have
need of every auxiliary.

“ Thefe painful paroxyfms are doubtlefs owing immediately to fpafmodic
affections of the parts concerned, brought on probably by acrimony arifing.
from indigeftion. Pain, languor, immoderate and irregular evacuations, are
the confequences, and will continue, under one lhape or another, till the
ftomach, digeftion, and its confequences, produce better blood, more ftrength,
and lefs irritability.

£C Her diet muft be of the lighted: animal kind, and the quantity precifely
fuch as to occafion no uneafinefs after eating : whatever does this, be it kind or
quantity, mult be ftudioufly avoided. Tea ought to be abandoned altogether:
a little milk, in any fhape, thin chocolate, or light broth, would be much,
preferable to tea and bread and butter. Her dinners muft be fparing ; and
a little light animal food may be allowed for fuppef, and will agree better than
molt fpoon-meats. Spa water, with one third of white Port, Lifbon, or Madeira
wine ; or common water, with the like proportion of red Port, afterwards.
Vegetables of all kinds, and every thing made from them, muft be ufed
fparingly, even bread itfelf. Sweets and acids muft be profcribed.

“ The medicines, if they feem not improper, nor on experience are found
to difagree, ihould be long and regularly continued. Gutta cavat lapdem
ought fometimes to be our motto.

(t Accept

CORRESPONDENCE. 5S5

« Accept my belt wifhes for thy health and happinefs. Acquaint me with
the refult of thefe hints, which are fubmitted entirely to thy corre&ions ; and
believe me to be, with great refped,

<( Thy allured friend,

“ John Fothercill.”

ff R. Conferv. e Cort. Aurant, |i.

ConfeCt. Damocrat. ifs.

Spec. Aromat.

Cryft. Tartar.

Pulv. Rhej. a 3 k Syr. e Cort. Aurant. q. f. eleCtarium ; de quo capiat
quantitatem nucis avellanse, vel quantum fatis ad alvum femel quotidie folven-
dam, fuperbibendo cochlearia duo julepi fequentis:

<c R. Aq. Menth. piper. Simpl. f vi,

TinCt. Helvet. ^ifs.

Syr. Simplic. 3 ij . mifce.

(C R. Aq. Cinnam. tenuis, %i.

TinCt. Amar. 3i.

Flor. Mart. gut. vij. fiat hauftus fumendus mane et meridie.

€< R. Aquae Purse.

Julep, e Camphora, a §iv.

Elixir Paregor. mifce ; capiat cochlearia duo in languoribus.

<c 28th Nov. 1767. J. F.”

The plan above adopted, I am informed, gradually and happily reftored the
patient to prifline health.

Extra ft of a Letter from Dr. F other gill to Dr. Per civ al , Anno 1780.

“ Dear Doctor,

« I received thy obliging letter this evening ; and fit down immediately to
reply to it, left, as fometimes happens to me, new and prelfing calls unexpectedly
interpofe. The patient’s difeafe is but too evident j and the event, I am
afraid, more than doubtful. If the habit had been ftrong enough, to have
thrown the gout on the extremities, a dropfy would not fo foon have happened.
—Attacked by both difeafes, the former fmothered, the latter increafing,
leaves us but a bad prognoftic.

4 B 2

« To

CORRESPONDENCE.

Si6

tc To fupport his ftrength by a generous diet, and to promote the thinner
fecretions, without weakening the powers of digeftion, feem to be the obvious
indications. How far the medicines, which I propofe to recommend on the
other fide, may be likely to fucceed, I fubmit to thy better judgment better it
muft be, were it only for this reafon, the patient is prefent. His liquor ftiould
be generous — old hock and fpa water, half and half — cyder and fpa water,
and the like, according as, from obfervation, they appear to promote urine :
punch made with fpa water, old hock, and brandy, rum, or Geneva, is not a
difagreeable liquor to many — three parts water, two parts old hock, one of
fpirit, and a little fugar. His diet fhould be of light animal food.

“ I much lament the lofs of mymoft fteady friend Dr. Pemberton. I greatly
regret, that I trufted too much to his own account of himfelf. I lament that
he did not get either thyfelf. Dr. Dobfon, or Dr. Haygarth, or all of you, to fee
him. His family have buffered an irreparable lofs, and fo, I think, has the
country.

“ Farewel, and believe me,

tc Thy affectionate friend,

tc John FothergillP*

** ft. Aq. Menth. Pip. Simp. 3x.

Tind. Amar. 3ifs.

Sal. Abfmth. gr. viij. fi. hauftus fumendus meridie et vefperr.

%. Aq. Ci imam. ten. 3x.
a Pulv. Diaphor. Doveri, 3fs«

Syr. Balf. 3i* fiat hauftus fumendus omni node.

te Si alvus quotidie non defcenderit, mane capiat hauftum fequentem prsr
re nata :

“ R. Aq. Menth. Pip. Simp.

Tind. Senae, a 3 vi.

Eled. e Scammon. 3fs. vel 3i. mi fee,.

“ R. Aq, Puleg. Simp, f v.

Lid. Ammon.

Olei Amygd. Dale, a 3ils.

Oxym. Scillit. f fs.

Gum. Arabic.

Elixir Paregor. a 3 iff. mifee, capiat cochlearia duo urgente dyfpnoea1.
« %th Nov. 1780, J. F.”

2

This

v

CORRESPONDENCE .

557

This cafe, as was reafonable to exped, proved rebellious to every endeavour.
But I cannot difmifs this Paper, without paying a tribute of refped to the
memory of Dr. Pemberton, whom I knew early in my life ; if any tribute can
be more refpedful than faying, he was the friend of Dr. Fothergill. He redded
at Warrington, in Lancafhire, where he acquired extenfivy medical reputation:
he poffeffed a franknefs in his behaviour, and a tendernefs towards the fick,
that gained hirn the love, as his Ikill did the efteem, of his patients. Dr. Fo-
thergill, and his relations, particularly, who redded in the neighbourhood of
Warrington, lived in habits of friendfhip and intimacy with this worthy
phyfician ; and thofe of them who furvived him muft deeply regret the lofs.
of fo valuable a friend and medical companion.

MANY years before I enjoyed Dr. Falconer’s perfonal acquaintance, I had
the pleafure of his correfpondence, which I commenced at the exprefs defire of
Dr. Fothergill, who then informed me of the fatisfadion it had afforded him.
Had the Public not known this, the reputation of a writer, that will furvive
ages to come, Hands in no need of contemporary eulogy.

I am forry that Dr. Falconer had not preferved the cafes, to which the fol-
lowing communications refer s but every monumental fragment of a great artift
will acquire admirers.

The following Extrad of a Letter to Dr. Falconer will afford an inffance of
Dr. Fothergill’s precifion and quick difcernment, to fuch as confider his own
apology : tc I am confcious of great merit,” he familiarly obferves, <c in writing
this long letter, however jejune : I have not flept thefe twenty hours, and
have been in adion mod of the time.”

tc I have perufed, with attention and pleafure, thy attempt to iolve the
difficulties in Dr. Heberden’s and Dr. Percival’s experiments, refpeding the
proportion of rain in different heights from the earth.

<< But, to be more certain of the data, it would be right to fix the meafure to
the top of a high pole, inftead of a building ; or at leaf! to fuipend it at fuch a
diftance from any building, as to render any reverberation ineffedual.

<C Suppofe we add the chemical and eledrical dodrines, fome fentiments
deducible from the afcent of vapours, and the defcent of bodies. Vapours
are perpetually afcending from the furface of the ground : the nearer tney are

5S8 CORRESPONDENCE .

to the furface, the more denfe; the higher, the more rare. Thus, by a che-
mical decompofition of air, it affords the more water, the nearer it approaches
to the furface. The increafing velocity of falling bodies, I think, is the prin-
cipal caufe of this difference j though it receives addition from all the other
caufes. The guttula of rain, that is fcarcely perceptible at 400 yards from
the furface, by attracting the moifture of the atmofphere through which it falls,
and which atmofphere is the wetteft near the ground, grows larger at 300, {till
larger at 200, and much more fo at 100.

<c Thus not only velocity, but magnitude, are increafed. For, as the defcent
of the fmalleft drop of moifture poffible to be conceived, brings in contaCt a
frefh furface of frefh moift air, from whence it borrows fomething ; fo every
the fmalleft addition not only accelerates its motion downwards, but enables it
to lick up frefh moifture in every inch of its defcent.”

Some time after the powder of the male fern was recommended as a fpecific
againft the Taenia, or Tape-worm, I afked the opinion of Dr. Fothergill on
the fubjeCt; who informed me, that he confidered tin filings as a much more
efficacious remedy : and, in a letter to Dr. Falconer, he obferves, <c I have put
down, in the prefcription, Limatura Stanni ; pleafe to direCt that it be the filings,
not the powder. I have two reafons for it : — In the firft place, I think tin
deftroys worms mechanically ; that is, by the points of the filings gradually
diflodging the heads of the Taenia, or other worms, from their nefts. The
powder is robbed of this property entirely.

“ In the next place, it is not improbable, at leaft impoffible, but the zinc
contained in the tin, or annexed to it, may be a powerful anthelmintic; and this
muft inevitably be deitroyed, by the repeated fufions of the metal, in reducing
it to powder. A perfon of my acquaintance, to whom I had prefcribed with
fuccefs the filings of tin, difcharged ,a Taenia fourteen feet in length. He
waffied it clean, and put it into a bottle of fpirits of wine, lowered to proof.
The fpirits acquired prefently a molt beautiful amethyfl colour ; I think not
merely from the fanguineous juices of the animal, but from the effects of zinc.— •
This, however, is matter of conjecture ; the former is a fad.”

THE ingenious Dr. Dobfon, of Bath, is only known to me, as he is known
in the republic of letters; and this is fuch as will gain the following obliging
communications the regard of the Public ; and they command, as theyjuftly
merit, the thanks of the Editor.

Tt

CORRESPONDENCE.

559

To Dr. L E T T S O M.

x< Dear Sir,

<c MANY of the letters which I received from Dodor Fothergill, have
been miflaid, and I fear are loft. I recoiled this with greater regret, as the
correfpondence of our intelligent friend always conveyed fome ufeful infor-
mation. From the few letters which remain, I have feleded the following
pradical obfervations.”

§ i . On the flatulent Affections of the Duodenum.

In a letter which I received from Dr. Fothergill, in the year 1768, he fays',

(C I think Hoffman’s treatife De Morbis Duodeni one of his beft performances :
at leaft I have profited more by it, than by any of his other writings. Pain-
ful affedions about the ftomach, proceed more frequently from a diftention
of this gut, than from either the ftomach or the liver. If one confiders the
curve it takes behind the liver, and the many important ads neceffary to
perfed Chylopoiefls , which muft be performed in this region, we may eafily
conclude it to be the ftage of many excruciating tranfadions. All the parts
conneded with it are extremely irritable, and liable to fpafmodic conftridions ;
every irritating caufe, to which the habit is incident, being here united : acrid
bile, undigefted aliments, and the refult of thefe combinations.

“ In all cafes, a true knowledge of the part affeded is of the utmoft con-
fequence to a cure ; and yet it is not always eafy to diftinguifh between the
affedions of the Duodenum , the affedions of the liver, or the fymptoms which
accompany biliary concretions. In fuch fituations, and where the fymptoms
are rather equivocal, I always think it right to' purfue the general and evident
indications, to promote the proper fecretions, to give firmnefs to the folids,
and by their affiftance produce good blood and good juices.”

§2. On the Ufles of the Vapour ariflng from the Salt -Vans, in Pulmonary Con-

fumptions.

About ten years ago, I communicated to Dr. Fothergill fome experiments
and obfervations on Sea Air 5 and, among other concluftons, mentioned the
benefit that confumptive patients might derive from breathing an air, which
has the peculiar advantage of being of an equal temperature ; and is likewife
impregnated with a mild, refolving, and antifeptic vapour, conftantly exhaling

from

56o correspondence,

from the iurface of the ocean. Such a fituation muft have its ufes, both in the
early flages of Tubercle, and the more advanced ones of Abfcefs, Rupture, and
Ulceration.

The following is an extract from one of the Dodor’s letters, which I received
foon after this.

« I was in hopes, when I got down into the country, to have thrown together
fome more remarks on confumptive cafes, the ufe of the bark, elixir of vitriol,
Briftol water, and fome other ufual medicines in this difeafe ; but I am fairly
diflanced. Whilft we are on this fubjed, however, permit me to mention an
application that I think may be made extremely ferviceable in this dire diflem-
per ; efpecially when it attacks people near the middle of life, or later, from ill-
cured pleurifies, catarrhs, and the like caufes.

« Let the patients go every morning to the Wich-houfes, where they are
boiling brine into fait ; let them advance gradually to the pan-fide, not in the
hotteft place ; and let them flay there about a quarter of an hour, more or
lefs, as they can bear it : let them gradually approach the door, to grow cooler ;
then have an additional garment to put on ; clap a handkerchief to their mouths,
to keep the atmolphere from feeling too cold ; and after they are got home, if
their cloaths are damp, either from too free perforation in the falt-fteam, which
I could wifh might be avoided, or from the fleam itfelf, let them change their
cloaths prudently.

“ By this means, a penetrating antifeptic vapour is moil probably conveyed,
with eafe and certainty, to the parts affeded ; capable of refolving recent
obftrudions, and reftraining a tendency to putrefadion.

“ Young perfons may try it with fafety; and I perfuade myfelf that a few
experiments will enable one to dired the ufe of this not inefficacious medicine
with propriety. I have ordered it to fome perfons here, fmce I came down :
we have good conveniences about us ; and I have met with no inflances that
difcourage me from perfevering.

The above pradice may have its ufes ; but will be found to be different,
in its effeds, from the conflant, equable, and temperate adion of a fea
atmofphere.

§ 3. On the Diabetes.

Br. Fothergill defired that the experiments and obfervations I had made
on the urine of diabetic patients, might be inferted in the Medical Inquiries *
and, in his letter, makes fome fhort pradicai remarks on the difeafe.

* Vol. v. p. 298*

«

I have

CORRESPONDENCE. s6i

<c I have always fufpe&ed the Diabetes to arife from impaired digeftion,
either from mere debility, or from a defedl of bile. The obftinate coftivenefs
frequently attending this complaint, feemed to argue this defedt in part, no
doubt, the quantity of moifture running off perpetually by the kidnies, would
leave the inteftinal canal much drier. To ftrengthen the organs of digeftion,
the fecretory organs likewife, to forward the difcharge of bile into the inteftines,
and to promote perfpiration, were generally my objedls. Some gentle effe&ual
laxative, fome tonic but not heating medicines, were what I chiefly depended
on j together with the ufe of either Briftol or Buxton waters, or lime-water,
with a little milk, and lowered with common water, fo as to drink it freely for
common drink. There is fome kind of flight and almoft unheeded calcareous
ftypticity both in the Briftol and Buxton waters, which is carried into the
remoteft recefles. Bark and elixir of vitriol are valuable medicines, if they
prove not too aftringent. It is neceffary to regard the condition of the hepatic
fecretion. I fufped the Diabetes often originates from this vifcus. Perhaps
an infpiflated bile, neither flowing into the inteftines, nor yet abforbed, as in the
jaundice, may be at leaft one caufe of the molt quick and pernicious kinds of this
difeafe.”

§ 4. On Bleeding , in Paralytic and Apopletiic Cafes.

In one of my letters to Dr. Fothergill, I put the following query : What
are the circumftances which fhould determine us to bleed, or not to bleed,
when called immediately or foon after a paralytic or apopledlic attack ?

In this cafe, the D06I01* very judicioufly fays, ff Weigh well, whether the
ftrong, flow, bounding pulfe, is the effect of vital vigour, renewing efforts for
recovery ; or it is the remains of that plenitude, which brought on the ftroke.—
This mull determine us. — I believe it happens much more frequently, both in
apoplexies and palfies, that the former is the cafe : and then, fo fure as we bleed,
we increafe the difeafe : we rob nature of that vigour, which was employed
in reftoring the circulation, and all the offices depending upon it. Many,
many fatal miftakes have I feen in this very point. If bleeding ffiould not
be proper, it is mifehievous. If it Ihould be warranted, yet neglected, provided
other evacuations, which are almoft always indicated, are clearly followed, no
great harm can enlue.”

The laft letter which I received from our very excellent and much lamented
friend, appears to have been almoft prophetic of his approaching diflolution.—
<c I am juft advancing to a period, when my attachment to this life ought to
grow lefs ftrong. I am folicitous, therefore, to get my debts, of various k.nds,

4 C difeharged,

CORRESPONDENCE.

j6a

difcharged, that I may Hand ready, as I may be affifted, to attend a call which
mud be obeyed.” — A few months after this, the fatal relapfe put a period
to his mod amiable and valuable life.

I cannot conclude my letter without obferving, that Dr. Fothergill was, in
the line of his profeflion, very judicious, very aftive, and very humane. He
had a quick difcernment, both in diftinguilhing difeafes, and in adapting the
means of cure; fo much fo, indeed, that he has fometimes been thought to
have trifled with the patient, till the event has made it evident, that his pra&ical
eonclufions were as found as they were expeditious ; and that the patient has
recovered, by the ufe of fome eafy and Ample means, after more complex and
apparently more powerful remedies had been adminiftered without effedt.

I remain

Dr. Lettfom’s mod obedient fervant,

Bath , Mat.th. Dobson^

Augufi 1 6, 178‘iv

MY amiable and valuable friend, Dr. Anthony Fothergill, has kindly ad-
drefled to me the following letter; which contains fufficient information to*
interefl: the attention, and acquire the approbation, of the Public.

To Dr. L E T T S O M.

Dear Sir,

PURSUANT to your requeflr, concerning the correfpondence with my
late excellent friend Dr. John Fothergill, I have revifed his letters, from the
year 1764 to the time of his late fatal illnefs, including a period of about
fixteen years. Though there were few fentiments, which dropt from his pen,
that would not do credit to their author in print, yet I muft beg leave to pafs
over in filence the major part of his letters, which, being of the confidential,
kind, were written in hafte, on particular occafions, and defigned’ for the eye of
friendfhip only. During the above fpace that I was favoured with his in-
itrudtive communications, I generally obferved, that he expreflfed himfelf with
a degree of terfenefs peculiar ta himfelf ; fo that I have frequently been at a
lofs which to admire mod, the concifenefs and perfpicuity of his ftyle, or
the juftnefs and energy of his fentiments,

Tha

CORRESPONDENCE. 563

The converfation and correfpondence of a perfon poffeffed of fuch talents,
joined to an infinite fund of knowledge, acquired by experience and a
thorough acquaintance with mankind, could not but be highly interefting to
one whofe curiofity was awake, and whofe avidity for treafuring up ufeful
fadts was boundlefs. It is not to be wondered at, then, if I availed myfelf of
the opportunities which he fo kindly afforded me, of imbibing indrudtion from
fo copious a fource, and of learning the refult of his obfervation and experience
in a variety of the mod obfcure and difficult cafes.

As the prefent volume, I prefume, is not intended to be confined to medical,
communications alone, but alfo to convey fuch information as may beft tend to
the illuftration of his life and writings, and to feledt fuch traits from his familiar
correfpondence as may throw mod light on his general charadter, I fhall fubmit
the following mifcellaneous extradts to your confideration. Though medical
obfervations, fimilar to fome of thofe which follow, may have already appeared
in other parts of his writings, yet it may not be unpleafing to the reader, to fee
them here farther illudrated, or confirmed by collateral circumdances. But,
before I enter on thefe, I mud beg leave briefly to mention one indance, out of
many that might be produced, of

His unaffected Piety and Benevolence.

He was evidently of a ferious and religious turn of mind ; and, though
free from any tindture of bigotry or fuperdition, he was not afhamed, like the
minute philofophers of the prefent age, to acknowledge his firm belief in a
Supreme Being : and, as he felt himfclf under the condant influence of that
important truth, he endeavoured drongly to imprefs a jud fenfe of it upon
others. In the year 1764, on my fird entrance into pradtice at Northampton,
under the fandtion of his patronage and recommendation, I met with more
difficulties, and had greater oppofition to encounter, than wre had been taught
to expedt. In his anfwer to my reprefentation of the date of affairs, he concludes
with the following truly pious and paternal admonitions :

“ Depend more on propriety of condudt than any recommendations, though
thefe ought not to be negledted. Have patience, be firm ; and I hope every
thing will in time fucceed. There is a fecret fuperintending Providence that
diredh every thing for the bed. All that we have to do, is to adt uprightly,
and to the bed of our fkill, in every thing that offers. It is no fmall fatis-
fadtion to me to hear, that thofe, who are bed able to judge, fpeak of thee very
favourably: and this is to me a mark of thy future fuccefs. I am thy allured
friend,” &c.*

* Dcccmbar 4, 1764.

4 ,C 2 I fi

S6 4 CORRESPON D £ N C E.

In a fubfequent letter, he purfues the fame kind and affectionate exhortation :
“ I perfuade myfelf that by this time thy profpedts begin to brighten up..
Forget not, however, that it is on Providence we muff depend for a blefling
on our diligent, upright endeavours. Difficulties are of ufe to the prudent t
I cannot, however, but wiffi thee as much fuccefs as may be moft conducive
to thy happinefs j and am ever thy affured friend,” &c.*

Permit me here to add, that the event proved conformable to his good wiffies ;
and I think we may venture to conclude, that, in all important undertakings,
it will ever be our duty, as well as our intereft, duly to obferve fuch excellent
admonitions, though they fhould not always be immediately crowned with the-
defired fuccefs.

I ffiall now proceed to feledt fome medical obfervations from his letters ;
and particularly from a few of the cafes in which we were jointly concerned: to.
the refult of which I paid no lmall degree of attention.

His Opinion of the Hemlock.

In two cafes of carcinomatous affedtions of the Uterus, attended with very
diftrefsful circumftances, he fays, “ I know not that any thing better can be
done for our patients, than to perfevere in the ufe of Hemlock, till it either
feems to produce no effect, or difagreeable ones. Perhaps this drug is indebted
to Dr. Rutty and myfelf, for its continuing a little longer in ufe than it would
have done without us. It will not do half of what Dr. Storck fays ; but I
am fure it is an ufeful medicine in many diforders fimilar to thofe before us f
Accordingly I had the fatisfadtion to find, that the pain and inquietude were
confiderably alleviated ; and, though the relief was only temporary in the
above cancerous cafes, it produced a permanent cure in an obftinate painful
affedtion of the face and gums, accompanied with a high degree of irritability,,
in three female patients,, who tried a variety of other medicines in vain. There-
fore this remedy, though unequal to the cure of cancers, for which it was per-
haps too haftily extolled by Dr. Storck ; yet thefe, and a variety of other authentic
fadts, clearly prove that it is poffeffed of anodyne and fedative powers, which-
juftly entitle it to our further candid inveftigation.

Of the Emetic. Tartar in the Tuffis ConvuJfiva.

« I have,” fays he, ‘‘ long made ufe of tlftis remedy for the Hooping Cough,
with much benefit to my patients ; and think, if it is judicioufly managed, it will'

9 I>ecember 24th, 1764.' f June 14th, 1767.

generally-

CORRESPONDENCE. 5%

generally prove as fuccefsful in the cure of this difeafe, as the bark in intermit-
cents, if the fubjed is not too far gone before it is adminiftered * * * §.

I would rather wifh to be able to cure a trivial difeafe with certainty, than
to be the author of the molt fpecious fyftem in the world. The cit'd, tuto , et
jucunde, fhould always be the phyfician’s motto and his aimf.”

Ilis Zeal for the Public Good , and the Improvement of the Healing Art.

Having been difappointed by the Bark, in fome inftances of the Angina-
Scarlatina, which prevailed in the year 1770, he fays, “ I (hall be p’eafed
with feeing thy obfervations on the putrid fore throat, which frill continues,
to fpread in many places. By the. obfervations of numbers, the difeafe will be
better known, and treated with better fuccefs. We are preparing another
volume of Medical. Obfervations and Inquiries for the prefs. As I was the firft.
who planned this work, and fupported the firft fecretary at my own expence,
till our publications would anfwer it, I may now claim more merit than I
ever expeded, not only in having been the occafion of prefenting the world:
with a number of very ufeful obfervations in our collection, but in having-

proved the inftr.ument of exciting the college to an honourable emulation I

ftiould be glad to fee another volume published, before I lay afide the caftus..
I did nothing laft fummer ; if I am well the next, I hope to contribute fome
little towards it. One man cannot do a great deal, be his pradice ever fo
extenfive- Of the difeafes that daily occur, how few are there which furnifli
matter of real folid inftrudion ? I am fure I wifh to let nothing efcape me,
that can contribute to the ufefulnefs, fimplicity, and certainty of medicine §.”

During his fhort ftay at Buxton, 1779, he propofed many important im-
provements at that place, which now prove highly advantageous to thofe who
frequent that falutary fpring. “ Among the neceflary improvements/’ fays he,
« from which I hope the Public will be great gainers, we have recommended
fome private baths, as well as the public ones ; and alfo to have a few capable
of being warmed to any degree required. In this manner they cannot fail of
being extremely ufeful in many difeafes. At prefent, thofe who go thither-
follow no certain plan of operations, and return often with difguft||.” — I
ought before to have mentioned, that about the year 1770 he was extremely

* June 14th, 17 67.

+ For further particulars concerning its ufe, fee London Medical Inquiries, vol. iii. and the
prefent colle&ion of Dr. Fothergill’s Works.

J September 30, 1770.

§ March 9th, 1779.

Jj,; November 11, 1 779,

defirous-

CORRESPONDENCE.

566

defirous of having the Bills of Mortality revifed, and put upon a much better
footing throughout the kingdom. <c Would it not be practicable,” fays he,
“ to prevail upon the principal inhabitants of Northampton to attempt it ?”
To fecond his defign, and to ftimulate the people to fo defirable an improve-
ment, an addrefs foon appeared in the Northampton Mercury, of which he was
pleafed to teftify his approbation ; concluding, c< that by thus ftrenuoufly pur-
fuing the objeCt, we may in time be enabled to accomplifh that, which a proper
a6t of parliament would have eftablifhed in an inftant*.” But I am forry to
add, that although the generality of the people feemed inclinable to adopt the
pian, and two capital towns had already begun to carry it into execution, and
have fince fully evinced its utility f, yet the reft have not deigned to follow fo
laudable an example.

Mis JucceJsful 'Treatment of certain Epileptic Cafes.

In confultation on an obftinate epileptic cafe, in a young man who had
indulged in free living, whofe difeafe had baffled a variety of medicines, he
fuggefted frequent evacuations, and an entire vegetable diet. This method was
foon followed by the defired fuccefs ; and, after a very fatisfaftory trial had
been made, I informed him of the refult. To which he replied, <f I have re-
lieved many by a plan of this kind ■, viz. by interdicting animal food, by en-
joining a fpare vegetable diet, and interpofing frequent gentle purgatives : and
I wifh that this plan may be tried in epileptic cafes, which come under thy
care at the Northampton hofpital, as the refult would, I think, afford ufeful
information in our Medical Obfervations Here I think it neceffary to
remark, that notwithftanding all poffible attention was paid to my worthy
friend’s requeft, the relief which refulted from this plan, though confiderable,
was chiefly confined to plethoric young men, from whofe afpeCt and courfe of
living there was reafon to fufpeft a degree of turgefcency, or congeftion, in
the veffels of the brain. Neither muft it be concealed, that the flattering
fuccefs in the above, as well as other fimilar cafes in which it was tried, was
generally defeated, whenever the patients committed any confiderable excefs in
diet, or in the ufe of fpirituous or fermented liquors : upon which I found it
afterwards neceffary to enjoin abftinence from thefe, as well as from animal
food, and to interpofe arteriotomy as well as purgatives, before the cure could
be completed : and it muft be further acknowledged, that, notwithftanding
every precaution of this nature, the difeafe would fometimes recur, after very
long intervals, even when no irregularity, nor any obvious exciting caufe, could

f December 10th, 1770. f Manchefter and Chefier. \ Noyember 4, 1774.

be

CORRESPONDENCE.

&

fee reafonably fufpeded. But every method of prolonging the interval, though
we fhould not be always able totally to prevent the return of the paroxyfm,
certainly merits our attention. With this view, he alfo generally recommended
an eleduary, the bafis of which confided of tin filings, wafhed down with a
ftrong decoction of mifletoe. The filings appeared to anfwer much better than
when tin was given in the granulated ftate ; though it might be difficult to give
a fatisfadory explanation of their mode of operation. Tin is allowed to contain
a flight arfenical impregnation ; and as arfenic has been lately difcovered to
have confiderable efficacy in obviating the paroxyfm of intermittents, when given
in very minute dofes ; and as filings of tin feemed to prove equally fuccefsful
in the epilepfy, whether they were accompanied by the mifletoe or not ; may
not the virtue of this femi-metal be, in fome meafure, attributed to a fmall
portion of arfenic which adheres to it in this ftate, but is diffipated in the
procefs of granulation ?:

On a Cafe of hereditary Gout , complicated with peripneumonic Symptoms : — and,
whether Bath Water he advifeable under fuch Circumjlances.

A gentleman of family and diftindion, aged about forty, of a highly florid
complexion, being of a very lively and convivial difpofition, and too remifs
in taking proper exercife, was often afflided with fevere paroxyfms of the gout ;
a difeafe which he originally derived from his anceftors. During an interval of
the gout, which had long been anomalous, he was fuddenly attacked by a fevere
cough, and other peripneumonic fymptoms ; which, however, feemed to me to*
proceed from a latent arthritic caufe. In this point of view, the Bath water
appeared to be a neceflfary auxiliary ; efpecially as the pulfe and vital motions
were not fo much accelerated, as in the genuine peripneumony. But a doubt
arofe, how far he could, under fuch a feeming contra-indication, with propriety
avail himfelf of its ufe. During this dilemma, having prevailed on him to allow
me to- ftate his cafe to my learned friend, I, was foon favoured with the following;
very fatisfadory anfwer :

<c Dear Doctor,

« I have confidered our patient’s cafe with much attention : and if my
©pinion correfponds with thy own, be fo kind as to impart my free fentiments
on this occafion. I think the water may be of very confiderable ufe 5 and
therefore wifh him to repair to Bath. There are two fituations of gouty people,.

in. which, l think, the Bath waters are very ufeful : the one is, when the gout.

either

563 CORRESPONDENCE.

cither does not attack the parts it ought to da, the extremities ; the other, whejfi
the ftrength has been fo much wafted by the difeafe, as to leave all the fundtions
debilitated. The firft, I apprehend, is our friend’s cafe ; and yet, as the lungs
have differed fo much, and the Bath water, unlefs it is drank with great pru-
dence, may tend to injure them more, we cannot enjoin too ftrid a regard to
its ufe, and his general regimen ; the negled of which will inevitably increafc
•the peripneumonic tendency, and bring on mifchiefs that no art can remedy.

“ To a man of quick fenfations, to acquire an abfolute command over ap-
petite, requires more philofophy., more ftrength of mind, than moft people
are aware of. Yet it is the want of this command, and too eafily yielding to
the prefent moment of appetite, that not only difpofes conftitutions that are even
averfe to gout, to feel all its miferies ; but precipitates thofe who are entitled
to it by birth, and, I may fay, education, to the full feverity of its torture. —
If our friend can refolve to reftrain himfelf, he may add to his days many years ;
if not, the whole that art can do, is to extricate him from the effects of inat-
tention, as long as nature affifts us. It is much to be wilhed, that gouty perfons
could be prevailed on to fall on fome plan to corredt this propenfity, and
that they would never dine upon more than one difh at a time ; and, if there is
much variety on the table, to chufe that which they like the leaft. Therefore
fay to our friend, If he regards his own life, the happinefs of his family, his
friends, and his country, he muft either now determine to conform to the
ftridteft regimen, agreeable to the rules here fuggefted, or prepare himfelf for
the miferable life of an invalid — either extreme pain, or unutterable dejection of
fpirits; according to what I have obferved in a thoufand fimilar inftances.

“ In my opinion, it will be right for him to begin with one third part of a
pint of the crofs Bath water, with a few fpoonfuls of milk added, in bed ; a
fecond draught after rifing, at the pump, before breakfaft ; and a third before
dinner. If the water does not increafe the cough, affedt the breathing, or
produce fome obvious inconvenience, he may gradually proceed to increafe
the quantity, and at length change the water; and, if it agrees, drink the
ftrongeft in the fame quantity, taking care to prevent coftivenefs by any gentle
means.

I am, with much refpedt,

London , “ Thy affured friend,” See.

October 21, 1778.

It may not be amifs to obferve, that about the time the above letter arrived,
the medicines he had taken feemed to produce a happy effedt in diflodging
the gout from the internal parts : for no fooner did the pain feize the lower
extremities, than the dangerous peripneumonic fymptoms abated, and at length
1 wholly

CORRESPONDENCE . 569

wholly difappeared ; which of courfe fuperfeded the neceffity of a journey
to Bath.

His painful and dangerous Difeafe defcrihed by himfelf about the 'Time of its

Commencement.

The firft attack of this formidable complaint happened in November 1778,
which he defcribes as follows :

“ Dear Doctor,

cc I have juft received thy very obliging letter; and though I am not very fit
for writing, it claims my grateful acknowledgments.

“ This day week, in the night, I was feized with a fudden obftinate retention
of urine, which nothing would relieve but the catheter, and this with the utmoft
difficulty. Several trials having been made, under inexprejfible fufferings , before
any could be drawn off, we fucceeded at laft : but as no urine is yet difcharged
fpontaneoufly, I am ftill under the necefiity of fubmitting 'to the operation.—
This is my prefent ftate : — what may be the event is very uncertain. — I thank
thee for this kind proof of thy attention ; and am thy affured friend,” &c.*

His Patience and Refignation.

In the next letter f he proceeds to defcribe the progrefs of his fufferings, with
exemplary calmnefs and refignation :

tc I moft kindly accept thy benevolent wifhes, and am forry I cannot yet
inform thee I am in a vifible way to be well. The fame obftinate retention ftill
continues to require the frequent ufe of the catheter, and to be guided by the
moil experienced hand in Britain, to gain admifllon into the bladder; fuch is
the obftinate ftri&ure at its entrance. But this poffibly may relax in time; and
I have the more reafon to hope fo, as the operation becomes lefs and lefs
difficult to the operator himfelf. At prefent, I take no other medicine than a
foft lakative potion occafionally ; obierving to regulate my diet, in as exact a
manner as I can, fo as neither to .deprive myfelf too much of natural ftrength,
nor to add to the difeafe. The complaint being now wholly local, our views
will be directed to this point. We thought it better to wait for time to
difeover what ought to be done with effeft, than too officioufly to be com-
bating a malady fo very obfeure.

* November 24th, 177S. + Id, 28th.

4 D When

lyp CORRESPONDENCE.

u When I can give any better account of myfelf, I will do it with the
utmoft pleafure j as I know it will afford thee ample fatisfaCtion. Till then,
reft in hope that I am not lofing any ground ; and that, under all this affliction,

I am often chearful , eafy, and at no time , I hope, difeontented with my lot. I
am,” &-c.

His Opinion concerning the Nature and Cauje of the Hifeaje.

Having for the fpace of three weeks undergone much anxiety on account
of my dear friend’s calamity, I was at length favoured with the following
letter*, which afforded me the joyful profpeCt of his recovery. It contained
moreover a folution of the chief difficulties of this very intricate and diftrefsfub
cafe.

\

" Dear Doctor,

I am happy to inform thee, that I have trot ftood in need oft undergoing
the operation for thefe fix days paft, during which I have been daily gaining
Ibme little ground. I am almoft afraid of facing the world yet; but if I
continue recovering, I hope the week after next to get a little abroad. I have
much reafon to be very thankful for my hair’s-bfeadth efcape, and ffiall not
willingly run any rifque of a relapfe. At prefent my fituation appears to be
the following. I know not that the circumftances have ever been, deferibedi.
and therefore hope to be excufed for fuggefting my opinion.

“ The predifponent caufe of this complaint, I think, was the unavoidable
neceffity (either for want of time, or convenience, or both) of retaining my
urine longer than I ought, and to a degree of great uneafmefs. This rendered
the reftraining mufcles of the fphinCter more forcible, and more irritable : a
violent cold brought on an inflammatory difpofltion ; and the parts moft liable
to inflammation became the feat of the difeafe. The inflammation was re-
moved by the ufual means ; but the bladder had loft its power, while the con-
tractors of the fphinCters had increafed theirs ; by which means, every effort
was moft painful and fruitlefs. It requires the united aCtion of the contractile
force of the bladder, the dilatation of the fphinCter,.. and the acceleratores
urinse, to be exerted equally, and at the fame inftant, to perform this operation
fuccefsfully : any irregularity in refpeCt to time, or proportionate force, renders
jt impracticable. From this ftate, which I feel very Jenfibly , and which none
but a medical perfon can have any idea of, I am now recovering.- — I have no.
fixed obftruCtion, no perceptible enlargement of the proftate gland, no inflam-

* December 19, 1778.

matory

CORRESPONDENCE. 5yi

matory diathefis ; the fecretion is perfect, blit the conjenjus part turn is imperfeCt.
~I find, as I recover flxength, this confent is' improving ; and I now have
reafon to hope for its full reftoration. I know not that this fituation is any
where mentioned ; yet I am Jure , both from attentive obfervation of my own
prefent feelings, as well as from the condition of the parts, that this fuppofition
cannot be far from the truth.

“ I am, with much gratitude and efteem,

“ Thy obliged friend,” &c.

From this time he gradually recovered ; and at length, to the unfpeakable joy
of his friends, was enabled again to purfue the duties of his profeflion with his
wonted diligence and afliduity.

Here it may not be amifs to remark, that in this firft attack of the difeafe,
which he fo pathetically defcribes from his own feelings, as there was no en-
largement of the proftate gland, nor any fungous fubftance near the fphin&er yet
perceptible, there is reafon to conclude that thefe morbid affections exifted but
then in embryo : and it is eafy to conceive how the irritation, which neceffarily
accompanied fo long and painful a fupprefiion, contributed to the fubfequent
growth of that fatal tumour, which, about two years afterwards, put a final
period to the life of my much efteemed — ever to be lamented friend !

I remain. Dear Sir,

Your very obedient fervant,

Bath , A. Fothergill.

Dec. 20, 1782.

THE Bills of Mortality, wherever they have been kept in this kingdom,
afford the moft melancholy proofs of the fatality of Confumptions. Whilft a
fubjeCt of fuch ferious magnitude acquired the attention of Dr. Fothergill, it
excited him to fuggeft fome means of preventing, or at leaft diminifhing, the
ravages of a difeafe fo fatal to the rifing generation, and to that part of it,
whofe tendernefs of conftitution is often united with a delicacy and refinement
of mind, that mull peculiarly intereft a feeling heart in the reftoration and
happinefs of fuch fubjeCts *.

Dr. Johnftone, of Kidderminfter j-, for whom Dr. Fothergill entertained a
diftinguifhed regard, has obligingly communicated to me the following copies

* See his Eflays on Pulmonary Difeafes, colle&ed in his Works,
f Since the death of his fon, removed to Worceller.

4 D 2

of

CORRESPONDENCE,

57 2

of letters, which refpedt the treatment of two confumptive patients ; and as
everything Dr. Fothergill fuggefted in the Phthifis Pulmonalis merits attention,

I agree with Dr. Johnftone in opinion, that their infertion here would be
acceptable to the Public. Pie concludes his letter to me with the following,
animated eulogy :

“ I fend you copies of two letters, feledted from a correfpondence with
which I was honoured by Dr. Fothergill. They fhew the application of thofe
juft ideas this divine man held concerning confumptive dileafes. They will
add fome value to your colledtion of his Works; and I ftiall be gratified in
having thefe remembrances of the friendfhip of this excellent phyfician, and of
the great privilege and honour I enjoyed, preferved.”

WorceJler>

J)ec ember 20, 1783.

( N° I. )

<■ Dear Doctor, London> APrit' 3S> '759-

€t Yefterday I received thy obliging letter, and the cafe it inclofed. I have
confidered this with attention ; and fit down to give my opinion, though with
m.uch doubt of any thing availing, as well as my prefent fituation will allow.

“ I am afraid a Phthifis^ is fo far confirmed, that nothing can retard a gradual:
but certain difiolution of the whole. I know of nothing, at leaft under fuch
circumftances, that promifes fo much as the Briftol water, drank at the Wells.
If the gentleman can bear the journey, let him fet out immediately, and take
lodgings as near the Hot Well as pofiible. About feven in the. morning, or
earlier, he may drink his afles milk ; and, about half paft eight or nine, go to the
well, and drink half a pint from the pump. He may drink a fecond glafs at
noon, and a third at five in the evening. In three or four days he may proceed
to two half pints in a morning, and in three or four days more to three ; con-
tinuing to drink one only at the other parts of the day.

« His diet fhould be much of the milky kind, and of the lighted animal food,
a little at once, and the oftener repeated ; his exercife very moderate ; and the
flighted cold ftudioufly avoided. In regard to medicine, after the trial of fo
many efficacious ones, it is difficult to propofe any with a profpedt of much
fuccefs. The remedies propofed on the paper within, may, with fuch variations
as Dr. Johnftone fees neceflary, be worth a trial. The intention at prefent
feems, to mitigate the cough, without totally flopping expedloration ; and to
lefien the inflammatory tendency, without weakening the vis vitae. Every thing
in medicine, as well as diet, of an adtive, heating, ftimulating nature, fhould be
ftudioufly avoided : the mildeft balfamics, with a gentle aftringency intermixed,
with antifeptics and anodynes, are all that feem at prefent indicated.

<f Vernal

CORRESPONDENCE.

57 3

.« Vernal intermittents have been more frequent here than I have feen them
for many years. It is often difficult to know them, they appear in fo many
ffiapes ; but the bark never fails to remove them effectually. Even low, con-
tinual, chronic complaints, of many kinds, become now intermittent, and give
way to the bark, after baffling every other medicine. I believe I muft be
forced to enter a proteft againlt fome part of the great Sydenham’s doCtrine,
refpeCting the ufe of riding in confumptive cafes : in fummer, it is right, with
proper limitations in winter, I fear, it is not fo. In this place we have too
many opportunities of obferving its delufive progrefs.

“ I can only add, that I am Dr. Johnftone’s affured friend,

N tf J. Fothergill.”

The patient for whom thefe judicious directions were given, died, according
to Dr. Fothergill’s expectations. The following medicines were prelcrrbed :

<< r/# Pul v. e Tragacanth. comp. 9i.

e Succin. comp.

Trochifc de Nitro aa gr. xv. fiat pul vis iumendus mane et ferd e
Cochlear, iv. Emulf. fequentis:

<c R. Emulfion. communis, jfviij.

Aq. Nuc. Mofchat. §ifs.

Syr. e Meconio. §fs. m. cap. Coch. iv, urgente Tuffi.

“ R. TinCtur. Cort. Peruvian. Spir.

Elix. Paregoric, aa 3iij-

Vitriol, acid. 3ifs. m. cap. gutt. xl, meridie et vefperi, ex

hauftu aq. Briftol. tepefaCt.

« R. Pulv. e Tragacanth. comp. 3ifs,

Ol. Amygd. dulc, f ifs,

Syr. e Meconio.

e Succ. Limon. a f i. fiat LinCtus, cujus cap. Cochleare unum

plenum cubit, itur : & Cochlear, parvum, fi Tuffis noCte. infefta fuerit.

* J. F.”

“ Dear Doctor,

( N° II. )

London , March 24, 1762.

« jf my leifure was equal to my inclination, Dr. Johnftone would not have

been fo long without fome intimations of the regard and efteem I have for him.

But

CORRES POND EN C E.

Sfi

But I live an exile in the midft of aimoft populous city, and fecluded from all
correfpondence in the centre of it. It is only at night that I can have a mo-
ment’s refpite, and even leldom then : and judge with what reluctance one fits
down to write even to a friend, when every faculty of body and mind has been
kept upon full ftretch for twelve or fourteen hours together : and this is my
cafe daily, with a body not ftrong, and a mind not a little actuated with feelings
for thofe I ferve.

“ Qur patient’s cafe is diftrefling. 1 think nothing fo likely to relieve her
as Briftol : to this place I could wifh fhe was fent as foon as pofiible; and if
the method propofed on the other fide feems not improper, that, or fome-
what like it, may at the fame time be recommended.

tc It will give the Society pleafure, to find their endeavours are not unac-
ceptable.; and that they may {till hope for the countenance of the learned, the
attentive, and ingenious.— Of late I have been prevented, by conftant hurry,
from attending the Society; but I am not the lefs folicitous for its credit, as I
think the improvement of medicine greatly depends upon it; and I know not
a place in the world where medicine is pradtih d with a more mafculine freedom
and fimplicity, and where we are at more liberty to follow nature, without the
fetters of fafhion or ancient prejudice.

t( Should I live to enjoy a few years of refpite from exceflive labour, before
my faculties, fuch as they are, are quite worn out, 1 fhould be glad to leave be-
hind me a few way marks to pofterity; not that I have made any difcoveries,
except it be of a few bogs and precipices, where an inattentive traveller may
perhaps, from any thing yet left us that I know of, be liable to mifs his way,
and fuffer for it. — Has any body ever thought of writing Le Medicin de bon
Sens ? yet what is more wanting in the practice of phyfic ? — the means of ac-
quiring that fuperiority with their patients, that commands their punctual
obedience.— It is a fcience worth ftudying, hard to be learned, as hard to
be taught, yet of fome confequence. I am not the perfon who can do it, but
I could wifh to attempt it. Excufe this prolixity, and believe me to be thy
allured friend,

tf J. Fothergill,”

This worthy lady followed her prefcription with the defired fuccefs; and is
now the refpedted amiable mother of a large family.

fc Pergat cum Ladt. Afin. mane quotidie.

*< R. Rafur. C. C. Radic. Sarfaparill. aa f i. coque in Aq. Font, tbiijt' ad lfcij.

Colaturas adde

Aq. Cinn. Spir. ^i. Syr. Balf. 3ij. m. Sit pro potu ordinario.

7 “ R. Tindh

S7S

CORRESPONDENCE .

t( R, Tindt. Cort. Peruvian. Simp. ^iij.

— — Myrrhs Simp. 3i. m. cap. gut. xl. hora ante prandium, et fexta
vefpertina e Coch. aliquot Decodt. fupra prefcript. pauld tepefadt.

<c R. Aq. purse, 3X..

— Sem. Carui.

Spir. Minder, aa 3i.

Sperm. Cet. v. ovi. folut.

Pulv. e Chel. Cane. aa 3i.

Syr. e Meconio, 3i. fiat Hauft. fumend. hora fomni.

IC R. Conferv. Rofar. ^fs-
Syr. Pedtoral. ^fs.

e Meconio, Jfs. m. cap. CochL. mane urgente tufli.

March 24, 1762. “ J, F.”

T H E following Letter from the ingenious Smeathman, author of an Hiftory
of the Termites, is fo much connected with the fubjedt of my narrative, tha,t
its appearance here will undoubtedly prove acceptable to the Reader.

Sir,

I AM forry to have been fo long in complying with your requeft, of being:
made acquainted with the circumftances which induced me to undertake my
voyage to the coaft of Africa ; as well as an outline of the advantages likely to
accrue from it to the Public.

The defire of giving ample information is frequently, as in this cafe, the caufe.
of involuntary delay. My attention indeed has been fome time neceffarily fixed
upon objedts, which demanded immediate confideration and prefent difpatch;
and my engagements have not left me that leifure, or thofe opportunities, of
which I could have wilhed to avail myfelf for your fatisfadtion. It is however
with great pleafure that I now attempt this relation to meet your defire ; and as
it will give me an occafion of paying in part the debt of gratitude I owe to that
great and good man Dottor FothergilL

Every one who had the happinefs of his acquaintance mull have obferved,
that he was a fountain of benevolence, difpenfing protedlion and afiiftance to

the

CORRESPONDENCE.

S76

the diftreffed ; that he breathed the pureft good-will to all men ; and inftantly
endeavoured to promote their happinefs, generally or individually, as far as
lay within his power.

It was this difpofition which led the DoCfor to patronize this, as well as other
expenfive adventures to various parts of the earth, for the encouragement of arts
and fciences, the advancement of medicine, manufactures, and commerce.

In the fummer of the year 1771, my friend, Mr. Lee, of Hammerfmith,
informed me that the DoCtor was defirous of promoting fome enquiry into
the natural products of the kingdom of Spain, and the coaft of Africa 3 and of
encouraging fome 'lover of natural hiftory to vifit either of thofe countries.
Defirous of travelling, and not particularly engaged at that time in any
other purfuit, I eagerly feized the opportunity ; and requefted my friend to
acquaint the DoCtor, that a voyage to the coaft of Africa would be exceedingly
pleafing to me, as a country the leaft known to Europeans, and the moft
likely to -afford a variety of new, curious, and valuable fpecimens in the three
kingdoms of Nature.

This meffage was followed by an introduction to Dr. Fothergillj who ex-
preffed much fatisfaCtion at my enterprize, and promifed to exert his intereft
with other learned and philofophical gentlemen to encourage and carry it into
execution. I then waited on Sir Jofeph Banks, Bart, who had been impelled,
by the ardour of fcience, to deny himfelf the enjoyment of an ample fortune
and the moft honourable connections, and encounter the hazards of a dan-
gerous navigation round the world 3 from which extraordinary voyage he was
juft returned. Of this fcheme that gentleman alio expreffed his warm appro-
bation 3 and patronized it in the benevolent manner which ever characterizes
men zealous for the promotion of ufeful knowledge. Marmaduke Tunftall,
Efquire, F. R. S. to whom I was introduced by Mr. Lee, and my friend Mr.
Drury, author of the Illuftrations of Natural Hiftory- — gentlemen eminent
among the lovers of that fcience — having alfo promifed their afliftance, I
engaged in the preparations for the voyage with fuch ardour and difpatch, that
in about fix-weeks the eabinets, inftruments, furniture, clothes, and various ap-
paratus neceffary for my plan, and adapted to the climate which I was to vifit
and refide in three years, were provided 3 and I had actually embarked. My
diligence, joined to the anxiety natural to a fanguine adventurer, was attended
with fome unpleafant circumftances. I became languid and weak before I
quitted England 3 and, in confequence, the fea ficknefs kept its cruel dominion
over me during the whole voyage*.

“When

* Experience 2nd cbfervstion have led me to be of opinion, that embarkation, in an exhaufted
and relaxed -ft ate of body, will frequently be attended with long continuance of the fea-ficknefs ;

and

CORRESPONDENCE.

577

When I got on ftiore, this malady had fo debilitated me, that I was unable
to walk more than two or three hundred yards without reft. The firft place
at which I landed was the promontory of Sierra Leona, in the latitude of about
8*. 20. North; where a few days exercife, and land refrelhments, in fomc
degree reftored my ftrength. A voyage of one day carried me in tolerable
health to the Bananas, which are three little iflands about eleven leagues more
to the fouthward ; which, from good information, it had been determined fhould
be the center of my adventures in that country, and the principal fcenes of my
ftudy and obfervation.

Pleafant fcenes of vernal beauty, a tropical luxuriance, where fruits and
flowers lavifli their fragrance together on the fame bough ! There Nature
animates every embryo of life; and reigning in vegetable or animal perfection,
perpetually glows in wild fplendour and uncultivated maturity !

I contemplate the years which I pafied in that terreftrial Elyflum, as the
happieft of my life. The Ample food, which my lblitude ufually afforded, was
fweetened with rural labour; and my reft was not broken by thofe corroding
cares and perplexing fears, which pride and folly are ever creating in the
ambitious emulations of populous communities. Perhaps the reduction of
bodily ftrength which I underwent, was of ufe ; and proved a falutary, though
fevere preparative for the fudden change to a fultry, humid climate; which,
from want of proper information, has been fatal to many enterpriflng and
valuable adventurers.

DoCtor Fothergill, in the warmth of his benevolence, and in providence for
my fafety, had given me fome general irftruCtions to guard againft the difeafes
endemical to hot climates, and prefcriptions fuited to particular cafes. I had
alfo with me a medicine cheft, and feveral medical and chirurgical books :
among which were Lind on Difeafes in hot Climates, Sharp’s Surgery, Brooke’s
PraCtice of Phyfic ; and particularly the London Practice *, written by an
eminent merchant of this city, formerly of the Faculty ; which the DoCtor
made me a prefent of, and recommended as the flrft book of the kind.

In about five days after my arrival at the Bananas, and by the time my
little cargo was landed and fecured, I was compelled to avail myfelf of the
Doctor’s goodnefs, being attacked by a miliary fever ; of which, by following his

and that, on the contrary, the undertaking a voyage when in full health, or a ftate of convalefcence,
will be productive of falutary and agreeable confequences : and in this I have been confirmed by
the concurrent obfeiVations of other travellers.

* The author of this publication , is fames Bogle Trench , Efq', who was long an intimate friend of
Dr. Fothergill ; and it was with the Dollar's unreferved approbation that this ufeful work was publijhed .

Editor.

4 E prefcription

578 CORRESPONDENCE,

prefcription pretty clofely, with fome reference to my other medical information,
I got very well in a few days *.

By the fame help having quickly cured my draughtfman, and feveral other
Europeans, of very bad fevers, and healed the head of a negro, which appeared
to be in a dangerous fituation from the wound of a cutlafs, which had pene-
trated the flcull, I was complimented with the title of Dottor by both Blacks
and Whites.

You, Sir, will perhaps fmile at my medical enterprizes : but you will re-
coiled that I was in a rude and uncivilized country, where a traveller has few
refources but in his own knowledge or experience ; and that his eafe or fafety,
and the welfare of others, occafionally compel him to officiate in various
capacities.

If fuccefs, however, can juftify honours, my practice warranted and confirmed
my title ; and Ba DoEler il Bana , or Father DoEior of the Bananas, left the coaft
of Africa with the confcious fatisfadion of having fometimes mitigated human
mifery, and fometimes lengthened human life.

In a few weeks after my arrival at the Bananas, I had the mortification to
hear that Mr. Graham, a worthy fellow-paffenger, who had been driven by
misfortunes to take a refuge in this dangerous climate, and who had not expe-
rienced a moment’s pain or illnefs on the paffage, but had partaken of the
comforts of the table and all its indulgencies with his ufual feflivity, had fallen
a vidim to the bilious fever, within a month after our feparation : within a ffiort

* In one of the Doflor’s affe&ionate letters he obferves,— The difeafes moll to be dreaded on
the coaft of Africa, are fevers and fluxes. To prevent thefe as much as poflible, in cafe of perceiving
any feverilh fymptoms, take care, in the firft place, to cleanfe the ftomach and bowels by a proper
dofe of fome antimonial, joined with ipecacuanha: a drachm of antimonial wine to an ounce of
ipecacuanha wine will probably be fufticient ; and the antimonial may be continued, to the quantity
of twenty drops every fix hours, till the heat abates. It will then be neceflary, in moft of the
fevers on the coaft cf Africa, to have recourfe to the bark, in large quantities, during the
interval of the fits: an ounce may be taken, either in a little brandy and water, or red port and
water, between the fits ; half an ounce between the next two fits ; and fo on till the fever goes off.
If the bark occafions coftivenefs, add a quarter of an ounce of Epfom fait to an ounce of bark,
and take it as above directed. Eat any kind of ripe and wholefome fruit, but eat it fparingly.
Never load the ftomach, if poflible, even with the lighteft nourifhment. — In cafe of any attack of
the flux, with vomiting, pain, and much inquietude, griping and purging, order a common fowl to
be killed, plucked, and fplit open, the entrails taken out, and the fowl to be put into fix quarts
of water, and boiled about eight minutes. Drink the whole of this liquor as quick as poflible^
If it does not make its way downwards fufticiently, let a pint of it be given as a clyfter. — The great
caufes of all diftempers in hot climates, at leaft the generality, either proceed from, or are aggravated
by, bile ; and to difcharge this, either upwards or downwards, is the beft method of cure. If, after
proper evacuation, the pain (hould continue, anodynes will then be ferviceable, and not till then.’5
j month

CORRESPONDENCE .

579

month of the time, when we had promifed ourfelves foon to meet again, and
fettle future plans of mutual operations and convenience. He was a chearful
man, of athletic form, and healthy appearance ; on which however little de-
pendence is to be placed in that climate. Medical affiftance, feafonably and
judicioufly adminiftered, would, in all probability, have prolonged his life.

But where was fuch help to be found ? Not among people living on the
fimpleft food, and little acquainted with the virulent difeafes to which our
luxuries and refinements make us liable.

Even I was too far diftant to communicate relief to this unfortunate adven-
turer. Such is the rapidity with which difeafe brings diffolution in thofe
climates, that, as in this inftance, the news of ficknefs and death generally
arrive by the fame meffenger. However, the inconveniencies I felt from the
fatigue I had undergone, previous to my embarkation, were amply compenfated
by the advantage I afterwards received from the great number of ufeful things
I had amaffed together} which not only fupplied many unavoidable wants, but
enabled me to aftift my neighbours, and barter fome of the conveniences for the
neceffaries of life.

During my ftay abroad, Dodtor Fothergill was exceedingly attentive to me.
He exprelTed all the tendernefs and folicitude of a kind parent, and really
almoft kept me alive by an uncommon fund of kindnefs and philanthropy,
which breathed in every line of a long and pundtual correfpondence. During
my travels I made various obfervations } among others, fome medical ones.
Thefe, he faid in one of his letters, <c gave him great fatisfadtion, and would,
one time or other, with a few corredtions, make a valuable prefent to the
public.” They are now before you *.

A Diary which I kept of the weather, with obfervations on the Harmattans,
may probably throw fome light on meteorological knowledge. I fent home to
Sir Jofeph Banks, from Africa and the Weft Indies, about fix hundred different
fpecies of plants, rnoft of them from Africa new, and among them many new
genera : one of thofe Sir Jofeph Banks has done me the honour to call Smeatb-
mannia. In infedts I was ftill more fuccefsful : my colledtions have enriched
moft of the cabinets in Europe with fingular and beautiful genera and fpecies.
In minerals and fhelis I was not fo fortunate. In this part of Africa are no
mines} and the fteepeft cliffs are foon covered with verdure if any part is torn
away : indeed, the channels of rivulets and the fea fhores fcarce afforded any
variety of foffil bodies: it did not appear to me that I had feen five different

* This ingenious traveller is preparing a large work for the prefs, in which it is hoped the en-
couragement of the Public will induce the author to relate more fully the particulars of a ufeful
and entertaining voyage. Editor.

fpecies

4 E 2

CORRESPONDENCE

5$°

fpecies in all the countries through which I pafied. I loft the greateft part
of the ftiells, birds, and animals, which I had collected and preferved, by-
misfortunes ; and for want of cafks and jars, and ardent fpirits, I was precluded
from making any great collection of fifh and amphibious creatures. In the
account of the Termites, or white Ants, I have perhaps ufefully extended the
knowledge of the ceconomy of Nature, by inveftigating and elucidating a mode
of propagation, new to naturalifts, as Angular and wonderful in itfelf. In this
account fome of the works of creation are illuftrated. By fhewing the gene-
ral and important objects of the agency of infects, hitherto only known by
the partial deftruction which they commit, their ufes are demonftrated; and I
have thereby contributed my mite “ to vindicate the ways of God to man*.”

He travels to a very limited purpofe, who pafies through a country, and
confines his views to the infpection and inveftigation of its natural productions,
without attending to objects that do not degrade the ftudies of the naturalift,
and may juftly be deemed more important; and, as the nobleft and moft inte-
refting ftudy of mankind is man, I am in hopes that my obfervations on the
manners and cuftoms of the inhabitants of thofe climates will be of utility,
and not the leaft entertaining. Opening a new profpect of human nature, and
of our tranfactions in thofe parts, will, I truft, ultimately be conducive to the
happinefs of thofe wretched people, who form the chief object of our mercenary
vifits to that continent. My hiftorical account of the trade to Africa, from the
earlieft voyages to the prefent time, may probably throw fome light on a
fubject of great importance, and tend to the advantage of commerce in general.
After a refidence of about four years in Africa, I embarked with my collections
for Europe, by way of the Weft Indies ; but being very ill on my arrival in
Tobago, I determined to ftay there, rather than meet the winter’s winds,
which the fhips from thence, at that feafon,. muft neceftarily encounter. I had
feen the equinoctial lands in a ftate of nature, and was curious to mark the ap-
pearance of them in high cultivation. Much information too was expected,
nor did the event difappoint my wilhes ; and great as my misfortunes were
in confequence of that ftay, the knowledge I thereby obtained fcarcely leaves
me room to regret them. In the mean time Dr. Fothergill finding, that
notwithftanding all our care and precaution, my fuccefs had been much
abridged for want of fufficient information before I fet out, projected another
voyage on a larger fcale; which however my ftay in the Weft Indies, together
with the American war, fruftrated. This plan was to have enabled me. to

f This curious account of the Termites was firft publifhed in the Philofophical Tranfaflions.

Editor*

purchafc

purchafe a finall Ihip, in which I was to have traded for ivory, dying wood,
cotton, indigo, wax, oil, gum, &c. and to have colleded fubjeds of natural
hiftory at the fame time. By this method I might have amafted a great col-
lection with little or no expence, and have got things home in good condition,
which would be foon ruined on fhore, for want of conveniencies to preferve
them from the corrofive damps, deftrudive infeds, voracious animals, the
ftupid carelefsnefs or curiofity of the ignorant natives, and the irreftftible
viciflltudes of weather in thofe hot climates.

My flay in the Weft Indies furnilhed opportunities of corroborating and im-
proving the obfervations I made in Africa. There I became acquainted with
tropical agriculture and manufactures, and much to my fatisfadion.

Dr. Fothergill’s charader was too well known to require the praife of an
individual, but I take pleafure in acknowledging that I received from him
many great proofs of his generous and liberal fpirit ; and though I ftaid abroad
two or three years longer than I ought to have done in prudence, much againft
his inclination, and indeed againft his opinion and requeft, when I returned he
received me with all the kindnefs of a real friend, and continued it to that
fatal period, which his too great folicitude to ferve mankind brought on fo
prematurely. It is well known the Dodor paid very liberally for what the
vulgar call curiofities ; but it neither arofe from a ridiculous tafte for virtu,
nor for want of knowing the true and intrinfic value of thofe things. He
poflefied that tafte which feems common to well-informed minds and enlarged
underftandings, and could quickly fee, and accurately perceive, the beauties of
creation ; yet he did not purchafe fuch things from the mere delight they
gave, either in obferving or pofleffing them, but from that noble and glorious
motive which was the rule of his condud — the wifh to promote ufeful know-
ledge, and the happinefs not only of his contemporaries, but of pofterity.
Hence he was a conftant patron and friend to ingenious artifts ; and, to my
knowledge, merely to encourage and fupport them, often bought things which
he neither much admired nor wanted. He even employed thofe whofe condud
he difapproved, that they might not by diftrefs be driven to do a fecond
time, that which had loft them their charader, and expofed them to ruin and
mifery.

His name will be venerated, I hope and truft, as long as the knowledge of
letters and goodnefs fhall continue refpedable among mankind. You, Sir, will
have the Angular honour and happinefs of recording to future ages one of the
beft men that ever exifted : a moft illuftrious example ; to be revered, but not
eafily imitated. Whatever thofe who were unacquainted with his virtues may
have thought or aflerted, what I now fay (if my heart does not deceive me) is

ftridly

CORRESPONDENCE.

j8*

ftridly true, though faintly expreffed : for words are inadequate to paint my
feelings, or to do juftice to a character fo tranfcendantly good. I offer thefe
fads as one teftimony of the amiable qualities of this uncommon philanthropic j
fads, with which all his friends are very well acquainted.

I am, very refpedffully.

Sir,

Your moft obedient

Clement's Inn ,
%<)th October 1 7 8a*

and humble fervant,

Henry Smeatbman.

THE

cr*HE following EJfays include Dr. Fothergill’j pofthumous pieces . They
1 contain Jo much ujeful information , that every medical reader will lament the lofs
$f a phyfcian, who was once not only one of the heft qualified, but likewife one of
the moft willing , to impart inftrudtion.

l( The l aft EJfay contains a particular account of the epidemic cold, as it appeared
in various parts of the nation towards the end of the year 1775, collebted from a
general correfpondence which the Doctor eftahlifhed with the Faculty at large. From
thefe materials, and his own fketch, he intended to have formed a complete hiftory
of this difeafe. What his Judden deceafe prevented him from performing, the
Society ( of which he was Prefident at the time of his deceafe ) have now endeavoured
to accomplifh. Indeed, confidering the not unfrequent returns of this epidemic ; how
troublefome it was to moft ■, how it affected many with lafting debility ; and, though
not dangerous in itfelf, how it accelerated the fatality of dangerous diftempers j it
defervedly becomes an object of ferious enquiry to the Faculty

* See Preface to the fixth volume of Medical Obfervations and Inquiries,

f 584 }

S 0 •various are the caufes of difeafes, that it is difficult to lay down a general rule
of practice, without fome exception 3 andy perhapsy in no difeafes is this more true
than in the Epilepfy and Apoplexy, as in none have the obvious caufes been more
clearly exhibited by diffieClion , and collected in the Sepulchretum Anatomicum , Mor-
gagni de Caufis et Sedibus Morborum , and Lieutaud Hijloria Anatomica 3 and
thefe afford us many injlances of inflammation and fulnefs of the veffiels of the
brain, and other caufes which evidently indicate copious evacuation.

It mufl be admitted, that , in many cafes of Apoplexy , the indifcriminate ufe of
the lancet has done irreparable injury 3 but it is as clearly eftablifhed , by writers
who have drawn their obfervations from diffeCtion and practical knowledge , that ,
in other cafes, no lejs injury has refulted from the omiffion of venafeClion. I have,
therefore, fubmitted this caution, left the Doctor’s judicious objections againft the
improper ufe of bleeding in Apoplexies in general , might be conftrued into a total
excluflon of the lancet, where it cannot be rejected with impunity .

Editor.

REMARKS

t 585 ]

REMARKS

ON THE

CURE OF THE EPILEPSY.

TO WHICH ARE ADDED,

Some Confiderations on the Practice of Bleeding in Apoplexies.

Read, September 21, 1776*.

To the Medical Society in London.

Gentlemen,

I Shall fuppofe the difeafe to be well known to the phyfician who is confultedT
on an epileptic cafe ; and that he is anxioufly confidering which of the va-
rious means, either the authority of the belt medical writers, or his own judg-
ment, may point out, as the belt under the prefent circumftances.

Permit me here to relate what has happened in my own pradlice. Though
the epilepfy is not a difeafe that can be faid to be very frequent, yet in the
courfe of a phyfician’s praftice of moderate employ, many cafes mull occur,
and in perfons of different ages and conditions. Some have the difeafe from
early youth ; in others, it begins about puberty, or later fome are attacked
chiefly in the night ; others, feldom but in the day. Both fexes are expofed
to it. In fome females it returns with a degree of regularity, now and then
preceding a certain period, now and then fucceeding it and a multitude of
caufes feem to influence the vehemence of the attacks.

• Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. vi. p. 68*
4 F

My

5 86 Remarks on the Cun of the Epilepfy .

My firft endeavours to fubdue this difeafe were directed by the bed:
information I could colled from thofe who had treated profeffedly of it, and
from the obfervations of men of long experience and extenfive knowledge in
their profeffion. Particular medicines, as fpecifics for this difeafe, were more or
lefs enjoined by all, as worthy of great attention : and alfo thofe which come
under the name of nervous medicines, as valerian, caftor, the gums, and many
others : thefe I followed with ftrict attention, and fometimes I flattered myfelf
with fuccefs. The difappointments, however, that I met with in many in-
ftances, made me diflfatisfied with this method j it was always tedious, too often
uncertain.

In feveral cafes, I thought much benefit was received from the ufe of tin,,
and in fuch where there was no juft reafon to fufped worms were the caufe.
I gave it liberally, and often without addition, that I might be the better able
to decide on its efficacy. Sometimes I added a decoftion of mifletoe ; fome-
times valerian,* or other reputed medicines. I had the fatisfaftion of finding
full as much advantage from this procels, as the preceding.

The filings of tin, made into an eledtuary with fome conferve and a little
fyrup, was the medicine I made ufe of, and on various confiderations I prefer
the filings to any other mode of preparing this metal for internal ufe. If any
benefit is to be expedted from tin as a medicine, it muft arife either from fome
qualities in the tin itfelf, that are communicable to the habit, or from the
form it is given in.

The form it is ufually given in, is the powder, to which it is reduced by fre-
quent fufions. It is realbnable to fuppofe, that the more frequently it is
expofed to the adlion of the fire, the more it is deprived of any qualities it
poifefles that are communicable to the habit ; fo that it may rather be deemed
an inert calx, than a medicine of any efficacy, in the form in which it is com-
monly exhibited.

If any medical properties refide in the tin, it is moft probable they are the
more entire the feldomer it is expofed to fufion ; the filings, therefore, in
this view, feem to be much preferable to the powder, and ftil'l more fo, if it
flioukl be thought that worms are the caufe of the epilepfy. For it is moft
likely the anthelmintic virtues of this metal proceed much more from the
points of the filings, than from any other peculiarity it po^efles. Large dofes.
of tin filings are undoubtedly a certain remedy for the tania , given to the
quantity of an ounce a day, which may be taken with eafe and fafety for four or
fix days together, fucceeded by a moderate cathartic ; and both repeated once
a fortnight, for two or three fucceffive periods : thefe feldom fail of curing the
difeafe entirely ; and I believe this cannot be faid fo fafely of any other
medicine now in ufe for removing this obftinate diforder.

Finding,

Remarks on the Cure of the Epttepjy, ^87

Finding, however, there were epilepfies that eluded all my endeavours, it
Teemed neceflary to adopt Tome other line of procedure. I had obferved that
the fits were mo ft liable to return in the plenitude of health ; that epileptics
were often extremely incautious in refped to diet that children, highly
indulged, were liable to the difeafe ; that in every other period of juvenefcence,
and in middle-aged adults, if they were attacked by the difeafe, it was when
they had either committed fome exceffes, or, by one means or another, were
plethoric ; and that, in habits fubjed to epilepfy, the difeafe feldom recurred,
without either an habitual indulgence in eating, or a negled of neceflary exer-
cife. This induced me to recommend, in many cafes, a total abftinence from
all animal food, and from all fermented liquors. Care was taken to regulate
the fecretions, and fuch a courfe of medicine prefcribed, as might feem expe-
dient to induce the patients, or their friends, fcrupuloufiy to comply with this
courfe of diet. It was in vain to reftrid the quantity of animal food : there
are few who have, at all times, refolution enough to fubmit to the firft intima-
tions of fatiety. It was, therefore, neceflary to enjoin that kind of diet which
was accompanied with but (lender provocations to excefs, and which, at the
fame time, would afford the leaft quantity of nutriment; whereby that
fulnefs, which, in many epileptic cafes, appears to be a ftimulus fufficient
to produce the fpafms, would be avoided, and the parts which are the imme-
diate feat of irritation might gradually recover a degree of ftrength and firm-
nefs, that would be proof againft every flight impreflion.

In young boys, I apprehend the epilepfy moft generally proceeds from their
own craving appetites, and the negled of thofe who are about them. It may
not be improbable that, in fuch cafes, worms may alfo have a fliare in producing
the fits. Be this as it may, anthelmintics, however powerful, fpldom cure the
difeafe ; they may abate, occafionally, the frequency, or the violence of the
attacks, but they too often, at the fame time, bring on a greater degree of
irritability, and at length, if repeated frequently, and in confiderable dofes,
feldom fail of confirming the difeafe. Mild laxatives, with a light chalybeate
interpofed, and fteadily continued, together with a courfe of diet, confiding of
milk, vegetables, fruit, and things prepared from them, and in moderate quan-
tities, feldom fail of removing the difeafe in fuch habits. Riding, and bathing
in cold water, and the ufual means of eftablifhing good health, muft, at the
fame time, be attended to, and the plan purfued with patience ; for it is not to
be expeded in difeafes that affed the nervous fyftem, the moft remote and
fineft part of the oeconomy, when once they have debilitated, or otherwife dif-
ordered, thefe very feeling parts, and their influence is become habitual, that
-after-medicines, however adive, penetrating, and efficacious, can, in a very
fhor-t time, rtftore the ability to perform their fundions as they ought to do.

4 F 2 It

588 'Remarks on the Cure of the Epilepfy .

It often happens in cafes, that a proper plan of diet is of much more impor-
tance in the cure, than any thing we are acquainted with in the materia medicai
it is, however, of not lefs neceflity to engage the patients and their friends in
a fteady perfeverance in the method we direct. The generality of people have
very little notion that diet can do more than merely fupport their ftrength ;
that it can be made fubfervient to the cure of their difeafes, they cannot eafily
be brought to comprehend. Many will, however, implicitly obey the rules
laid down to them in this refpeft, during a courfe of medicine, and will
follow the phyfician’s injun&ions fteadily, through fear of counteradling his
intentions by their own negleft.

For the difeafe we are treating of, we are amply fupplied with many noted
fpecifics, any of which may be given without prejudice, for a long fpace of
time, if due attention is paid, in the mean while, to the nature of the ingejlay
and the quantity, fuppofing there appears not any obvious indication to point
out remedies to a particular objeft, as there does in the cafe of young females,
when the fits may appear to proceed either from a total obftruftion or de-
ficiency in the menjes , in which cafes it is evident what ought to be principally
aimed at — promoting this difcharge by the means moft likely to effedt it in the
cafe before us. And I believe, in thefe inftances, it will generally be found
that the method of diet I have propofed, will be not lefs neceffary, than in thofe
in whom the difeafe may be afcribed to grofs diet and plethora. We feldom.
find chlorotic habits affecfted with epilepfies. For the moft part, epileptics are
plump, fanguine, rather of a ftrong make, and low ftature. The menjes do
not feem to be deficient in thefe, either through want of ftrength, or fufficient
quantity of blood. The impetus feems wrong directed.

Coftivenefs is often a companion of this complaint, in the generality of cafes,
and fhould always be our firft bufi'nefs to obviate. In fhort, a diftended fto-
mach and loaded bowels appear, in moft cafes, to be ftrong difpofing caufes to
this diforder.

When I have refle£ted on the various fpecifics which have been employed in:
the cure of epileptics, and on the cafes related of their efficacy, I could fcarce
forbear fufpefting that fome of them, at leaft, have effected a cure by a very
different operation than that for which they might have been intended by
the prefcriber. I may poffibly have fallen into the fame predicament, and
rather propofe it as a queftion worthy of feme attention, than as a point
proper for me to decide upon.

Valerian, caftor, the foetid gums, empyreumatic oils, and any thing if poftible
ftill more difguftful, commonly make a part of the medicines propofed for this
difeafe. There are fome others, whofe qualities, indeed, are not quite fo re-
pugnant to our tafte and fmell, fuch as the mifletoe and the fiores cardamines ;

but

Remarks on the Cure of the Epilepfy . ^Sg

but to balance this difference, it is requifite to take thefe fuch a length of time,
and in fuch quantities, as make them not lefs difguftful at length. May not*
therefore, both thefe kinds of medicines, and mod of thofe made ufe of as
fpecifics fiom ancient authority, now and then confirmed with inftances of
benefit, derive the greateft part of their confequence from their quantity, or
their difguding qualities, which, by leffening the appetite, allow nature to’ re-
cover herfelf, and fnake off a difeafe, which indulgence principally pro-
duced ?

It is by no means my intention to enter minutely into the treatment of
particular cafes of this didemper. From the opportunities I have had of ob-
ferving it in various fituations, I think, in general, this method of proceeding
has been the mod fuccefsful. There may be cafes, wherein the difeafe is
fo drongly rivetted in the conditution, as to admit of very little afiidance
from any method hitherto devifed ; but, for the mod part,, fooner or later,

by a deady perfeverance in a courfe like the preceding, the diforder gives
way..

Perhaps a fingle grain of calomel, with three, four, or. five of piL ruf. given
every night, at bed-time, for fifteen or twenty days together, may often prove
an efficacious emmenagogue in the cafes formerly mentioned. The dofe fhould
be fuch as to procure a motion the day following, and, if this is aided with very
fmall dofes of a chalybeate bitter, confiderable benefit may be reaped from
it. Thofe who are about the fick fhould be particularly careful never to call
their attention to the time of the moon, or any other periodical return. Per-
haps this attention, once deeply impreffed, has much more influence on the
return of the fits,, than the changes of the moon, or any other revolution.

The fudden influence of terror, is often faid to produce epilepfies : I have
met with many relations of this kind, and the fad; is not improbable. In
thele cafes, the medicines now diled fedatives, are clearly pointed out,.efpe-
cially if the difeafe returns at any known period, that they may be given
before-hand. Small dofes of anodynes are fometimes beneficial,, and large
ones may become neceffary, if the fits proceed from any violent pain, as is
fometimes the cafe from that which attends mendruation. In thefe circum-
dances, the dofe of opium mud be fuch as gradually may overcome the pain,
giving one or two grains every hour till the pain abates.

I mud intreat your patience a little longer, while I mention fome circura-
dances relative to another difeafe, altogether- different from that which I have
been mentioning. I do not think what I may have to fay upon it requires' a
formal chapter on this fubject; yet fome doubts have arifen reVpedfing the cure
of it, which makes me defirous they fhould either be cleared up by your own

and

/

590 On 'Bleeding in Apoplexies .

and the experience of others, or that a practice fomewhat different from the
one generally adopted, fhould be recommended.

Bleeding in apoplexies is one of thofe operations which, on feveral accounts,
requires the moft difpaffionate confideration.

In no difeafe, perhaps, is the judgment of the prefcriber of more confequence
to the patient. — If it is fuccefsful, — if the patient recovers upon it— -it is a for-
tunate event for both. If bleeding is performed when it ought not, either death
enfues, or an incurable hemiplegia.

This being the cafe, it is worth while to confider the affair as carefully as
poffible. — Who are the perfons moft fubjedl to this diftemper ? — thofe wrho
live freely, or rather eat plentifully ; and whofe make, or manner of life, dif-
pofes them to fuch attacks ; fat, fhort-necked, inaftive perfons, and who negledl:
due care in refpecl to evacuations, efpecially when the weather changes to an
extreme, either as to heat or to cold. Such people are moft commonly dif-
pofed to apoplexies; and it is evident that fuch are moftly plethoric, both in
reality and appearance. Where, then, can a doubt lie in refpedt to bleeding,
when a perfon is feized with an apoplexy ? and, efpecially, if the pulfe be
extremely full and tenfe, with a general appearance of fuff'ocation ? — It is
often, nay moft commonly performed under thefe circumftances, I confefs, and
yet, from the confequences attending it in general, there feems reafon to fuf-
pe6t, that bleeding, in this cafe, is performed much oftener than is proper or
conducive to the patient’s recovery.

If a perfon fall down in a fit of any kind, the furgeon is immediately fent
for; he, perhaps, upon feeling the patient’s pulfe, finds it as above dcfcribed,
and general practice not only authorifes, but cuftom, become a law, generally
directs the operation. The pulfe, in fuch a fituation, is often an infuflicient
guide ; it may be that ftruggle which arifes from an exertion of the vires vita,
to reftore health. I believe it happens in moft cafes, where there has been a
temporary, or even momentary ceffation of their animal powers ; and it is,
perhaps, in this fituation that bleeding is performed, and often very liberally.
— It is poffible that, by leffening the quantity of blood, the refiftance to the
heart is leffened, and what nature was attempting in vain, is acquired by this
means, and the patient’s recovery much facilitated. — It is poffible, likewife,
that by a copious bleeding, the animal ftrength may be fo much reduced,
and the effort begun fo powerfully checked by the operation and the effedls of
the difeafe itfelf, that the patient expires foon afterwards, or furvives a few days,
and fuffers a hemiplegia ; none of which might probably have happened had
bleeding been omitted. It becomes the operator, therefore, moft carefully to
attend to every circumftance of his patient’s fituation, before he opens a vein,
which may, perhaps, be decifive of his patient’s fate.— The following circum-
ftances

On Bleeding in Apoplexies . i

ftances may enable the praditioner to form a judgment of what is neceftary
to be done, with fome degree of precifion.

Among the feveral caufes from whence apoplexies appear to proceed, perhaps
a plentiful meal is the moft common. I need only refer to the numerous
inftances of fudden deaths that are mentioned in the daily papers. Scarce any
thing is more common than articles relating, that fuch a one dropped out
of his chair, after eating a full meal.

If one confiders the time it may require to perform digeftion — to tranfmit
a large quantity of chyle into the blood, and fuddenly to increafe the mafs, fo
as to form a fatal plethora almoft inftantly, feems fcarcely credible ; and yet
this is the principal ground, I believe, on which phlebotomy, in thel'e cafes,,
is generally deemed to be of abfolute neceflity.

To me it feems much more probable, that a large undigefted meal, defend-
ing the ftomach, prefling upon the aorta dejcendens , obftruding the free expan-
fion of the lungs, is the means of crowding the arterial fyftem in the head
with more blood than ought to be there, and hence producing the difeafe.

It is true, if we could fuddenly remove this furcharge of blood in the upper
parts of the body by bleeding, and without reducing the patient’s ftrength, it
would be at all times requifite ; but this is hardly to be expelled : we are,
therefore, to remove the obvious caufe as fpeedily as poftible, that is, to en-
deavour, by all the means we can, to remove the load by emetics and purga-
tives, and to excite as plentiful a flow of blood and vital energy to the lower
extremities as we can by ftimulants, finapifms efpecially.

Liberal dofes of white vitriol, 9 i 3 fs for a dofe ; emetic tartar diffolved
in water, and got down by fpoonfuls, furnifh us with the means of promoting
the alvine difcharges with effed. We need not be under much reftraint in
the ufe of thefe medicines, till thorough evacuations are procured. The ftimu-
lus exerted on, the ftomach, and the room provided for a freer circulation, are
almoft alike beneficial,, and without diminifhing the patient’s ftrength, make- '
way for his recovery.. The faintnefs or weaknefs which thefe evacuations pro-
duce are temporary ; a little broth given frequently, a glafs of wine, or any
cordial, foon, for the moft part, recruit the lofs fuftained by thefe evacuations.

If the patient cannot fwallow, adive irritating clyfters may be given, fre-
quently repeated, and every endeavour ufed to empty the bowels fpeedily and
effe (dually..

Flour of muftard-feed, and foft bread made into poultices, with a ftrong
infufton of horfe-radifh root, to be applied to the foies of the feet, generally
ad both fpeedily and efftcacioufly.

Sudden gufts of paftion, in particular conftitutions ; expofure to fudden heat,
by the refledion of the fun againft hot walk 3 or by fudden alterations of the
m weather

592 On Bleeding in Apoplexies .

weather from cold to great heat, or from moderate to extreme cold ; the fup-
preffion of fome ufual evacuation, frequently produce apoplexies ; and, perhaps,
at fuch times of the day as will not allow us to charge them to the account of
plenitude ; and even in thefe cafes, it will be neceffary to confider the habit
and other circumftances, before we bleed. Could we have forefeen the accident,
bleeding might probably have prevented it ; but when it has happened, if
copious evacuations from the bowels afford no relief, I fear that bleeding would
not only be ineffectual to recovery, but would fap that ftrength, which, in thefe
cafes, is of great importance to it.

It feldom happens that a phyfician arrives at the patient before this operation
is performed, let the difeafe have originated from what caufe it may; and
though very few would probably recover if this operation had been omitted ;
yet, comparing what has happened to thofe who have been blooded, and the
few I have feen who have not, I am of opinion that bleeding in apoplexies is,
for the moft part, injurious, and that we fhould probably render the molt
effectual aid, by endeavouring, in all cafes, to procure a plentiful difeharge
from the ftomach and bowels ; as, by thefe revulfions, the head is, perhaps,
much more effectually relieved from plenitude, and that without weakening
or interrupting any other effort of nature to relieve herfelf, than by venae-
feCtion.

There is a circumftance of fome moment to perfons who, from their make,
may feem more difpofed to apoplexies than others, which I have frequently
taken notice of, and it appears not improper to mention it in this place.
The following relation will probably explain pretty clearly what I wifh to
inculcate.

A gentleman not quite thirty years of age, of a fize rather tall than fhort,
remarkably plump, frefh complexion, and his neck very fhort; his manner of
living full, never to great excefs, in refpeCt to liquors efpecially. — He was
feized with an apoplectic fit one day, as he was croffing the Thames in an open
boat; the waterman landed him, as quick as poffible, at the place he was going
to, where all poffible afiiftance was procured expeditioufly, and he foon re-
covered. Being at a diftance, I was not called in as a phyfician, but I faw him
at his own houfe foon after his recovery. In our converfation I enquired, if
he could recolleCt the pofture he was in when he loft himfelf : he replied, he
was looking at a fhip which had formerly belonged to his brother and himfelf,
and kept his eye upon her after he had gone by her, till he loft himfelf, and
funk down in the boat.

This, and fome other occurrences, have induced me to think it is very
unfafe for perfons of fuch a make to look backwards any length of time, with-
out turning the w.hole body; and if we inquire of fuch perfons, they generally

acknowledge,

On Bleeding in Apoplexies.- ^g^

acknowledge, that they find themfelves become extremely giddy, and in hazard
of falling down, when they keep in that pofture only for a moment or two.
And I believe that! many perfons have dropped down in apopledic fits merely
from this unheeded caufe.

If we take a hollow flexible tube of leather, or. any other yielding fubftance,
fix inches or more in length, holding one end in each hand, and endeavour,
by turning each hand a contrary way,, to twill the tube, we lhall make but
very little imprefiion on its cavity, whilft our hands are at that diftance, with
one twill of our hands j but if we fiiorten the diftance, and leave only one or
two inches between each hand, the fame turn of the hands, oppofite ways, will
lefien the diameter of the tube extremely, nay almoft wholly to bring the
fides of the tube into contad, and prevent the pafiage of any fluid. — In fome
refpeds, the fame tiling happens to the jugular veins in very fhort-necked
people. The carotid arteries lying nearer the centre of motion, are very little
aflfeded by the turn of the head, even in very fhort-necked people ; they
continue to convey full ftreams of blood to the head. But this is not the
cafe with the jugular veins they lie near the furface, and, if the neck is lhort,
and full at the fame time, the twift fo far contrads their diameters, that it is
impoffible for them to return a proportionable quantity. Hence, therefore,
firft a giddinefs, at length a total, though temporary ceflfation of every faculty,
or, in other words, a perfed apoplexy.

The fhorter the neck, the longer and more fixed the pofition, . the fpeedier
and more lading the effed will be, every thing elfe being alike. If the fhirt-
collar, flock, or neckcloth are tight, they will increafe the accident not a little.
All fuch people fhould, therefore, be advifed never to put themfelves into
this pofture, but to turn the in whole bodies towards the objed they wifh to
view, whether they are on foot, on horfeback, or in a carriage. For although
apoplexies proceeding from fuch a caufe may be attended with no very bad
effeds, yet the. fall. of itfelf, and the fear it infpirss, maybe produdive of
much injury.

4 G

$H-E

[ 595 3

GJT'HE following paper was fir fi read before the Select Society of Licentiates, of
which Dr. Fothergill was Prefident at the time of his deceafe. At that time,
or fince, the Doctor informed me that it was very imperfect, and that one jheet of
the manufcript was mi/laid ; though fince , I believe , it has been recovered. After his
death, his medical papers were laid before the Society who have favoured the public
with fix volumes of Medical Inquiries and Obfervations , of which Society he was
likewife the Prefident. I thought it a decent refpeCt to the memory of Dr. Fother-
gill, to mention this circumftance, to prevent any unfavourable impreffon which the
reader might entertain from obferving the imperfect language which, in many in-
fiances, this and the preceding effay, on the Cure of the Epilepfy, &c. exhibit.

Soon after I concluded to publijh Dr. Fothergill'j Works , I applied to the
Society for the Doctors manufcript papers, with the approbation of his executors ;
but this requefi being refufed, it obliged me to protrad my edition, till the Society had
publijhed their fixth volume. I was the more reconciled to wait, under an expectation
that the communications of my deceafed friend would have been accurately corrected ,
but fo greatly am I difappointed, that, in jufiice to a writer of his perfpicuity ,
I have ventured to correct fome erroneous and ambiguous fentences and hope that the
Society, upon reviewing their publication, will be induced, from a jufi refpeCt to the
memory of their deceafed Prefident, to cancel and reprint the jheets to which his
name has been prefixed , as an aCt of jufiice due to his literary character.

* Editor.,..

4 G 2

REMARKS

[ 597 ]

V

REMARKS

O N

That Complaint commonly known under the Name of the
SICK HEAD-ACH*

Read, December 14, 1778*.

There is a difeafe, which, though it occurs very frequently, lias not
yet obtained a place in the fyftematic catalogues. It is commonly to be
met with in practice, and is defcribed by thofe who are affedted with it, and
who are not few in number, under the compound title of a Tick head-ach.

Under this title they, at leaft, defcribe their feelings, and, on a little in-
quiry, one finds that they are affedted by both ficknefs and head-ach. — This
is not the complaint of any particular age, or lex, or conftitution, or feafon — •
ft is incident to all. The fedentary, inadtive, relaxed, and incautious re-
fpedting diet, are the moft expofed to it ; and they are, fometimes, not much
lefs fufferers by the means frequently made ufe of to remove it, than by the
difeafe itfelf.

To colledt into a fhort compafs all the fymptoms which accompany this
difeafe, would be difficult, and not fo very interefting ; to defcribe fo many,
as to make the complaint eafily to be diftinguifhed in the firft place, and in
what manner it may be treated with fuccefs, will be of more importance.

Thofe who are affedted with the fick head-ach, moft commonly defcribe it
in this manner] — that they awake early in the morning with a head-ach,
which feldom affedts the whole head, but one particular part of it, moft
commonly the forehead, over one frequently, fometimes above both eyes.

* Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol, vi. p. 103.

a Sometimes

Remarks on, the Sick Uead-Ach .

Sometimes it is fixed about the upper part of the parietal bone, of one fide-
only ; fometimes, and not unfrequently, the occiput is the part affected :
fometimes it darts from one to another of thefe places. From the time:
it commences, till it wholly ceafes, it is fometimes more, fometimes lefs
tolerable.

With this, is joined more or lefs of ficknefs,. which imfome is .juft barely,,
in many people is not fufficient, without affiftance, to provoke vomiting. If
this pain does happen, as it moft commonly comes on early in the morning,,
and before any meal is taken, feldom any thing is thrown up but thin
phlegm, unlefs the draining is fevere, when fome bitter or acid bile is brought
up; In this cafe- the- difeafe foon begins to abate, leaving a forenefs about
the head, a fqueamilhnefs at the ftomach, and a general uneafinefs, whicli
induces the ficlc to wifh for repofe., Perhaps, after, a fliort deep, they recover:
perfeftly well, only a little debilitated by their fufferings.

The duration of this conflid is very different in different perfons 3 in fome,,
it goes off in two or three hours 3 in others, it will1 laft twenty-four hours, or:
longer, and with a violence fcarcely to be endured, when the leaff light or
noife feem to throw them on the rack. In young perfons,, it moft commonly^
goes off foon 3 if it continue to harrafs them many years, as it fometimes does,-,
the fit is of longer duration, and leaves the whole frame in fo weak a condition,,
as to require fome length of time to recover.

Its returns are very irregular, as mull be the cafe, fince the difeafe, for the
moft part, proceeds from accidental caufes. Some have it every two or three
days, fome once in two or three weeks, others in as many months, and fome
yet feldomer.

I have met with it in moft habits and: complexions, moftly in the early and
middle parts of life, and amongft the middle and upper ranks of life. Thofe
who ufe but little exercife, and are inattentive to their diet, are the greateff
fufferers. Coftive habits are more expofed to it, than others of a contrary dif-
pofition. I have known many inftances, where a difpofition to purging-, be-
come habitual, has entirely removed this complaint.

The difeafe is very frequently treated as a nervous diftemper — as an ague in
the head, as a fpafm (which indeed it appears to be), and perhaps confidered
as pertaining to other difeafes. — The manner and time of its attack, is after
digeftion is performed, the chyle admitted into the blood, and the bile has
acquired its full activity, undiluted by frefh fupplies of liquid; the ftomach
and duodenum empty, and the nerves expofed to irritation : and indeed, from
numerous circumftances, it is moft clear, that the head-ach proceeds from the
ftomach 3 not the reverfe, as is the opinion of many who have been fufferers
by it,

JHaving

"Remarks on the Sick Head- Ac h.

Having had Tome little experience of this complaint m.yfelf, and having met
with numerous occafions of feeing it in others, in a variety of degrees of force
and continuance ; and having likewife attended to the different ideas and modes
of treatment, in regard to this didemper, I thought it might be ufeful to
fugged what had occurred to me on this fubjed ; and the more fo, as it may
lead to fome explanations refpeding diet, which it is of fome confequence, to
the fick efpecially, to be made to comprehend.

My opinion of this difeaie is, that, for the mod part, it proceeds from
inattention to diet, either in refped to kind or quantity, or both j and that
whatever medicinal means are propofed for its removal, will prove ineffedual,
without enjoining an exad conformity to rule.

There are fome things which, in very fmall quantities, feldom fail to produce
the fick head-ach in fome conditutions. Such are a larger proportion than
ufual of melted butter, fat meats, and fpices, efpecially common black pepper.
Meat pies often contain all thefe things united, and are as fertile a caufe
of this complaint as any thing I know ; fo are rich baked puddings, and
every thing of a fimilar nature. A little error in thefe things will feldom
fail to be attended with much differing, in many conditutions. Indeed, as
the diforder comes on modly towards morning, the generality of patients
are led to confider it as a thing impoffible, that they fhould differ fo long after
a meal it is neverthelefs true, and ought to be dridly inquired into, and
the condud of the fick regulated in this refped:, or medicine is exhibited in
vain.

That drong liquors will produce fimilar didreffes to thofe who are not
accudomed to them, is but too well known, and has been too generally expe-
rienced. Mod kinds of malt liquor, taken too liberally, feldom fail to have
■this -effed in particular conditutions, perhaps from the quantity of hops j for
mod bitters feem rather to increafe than leffen the complaint.

It is not, however, the kind of diet alone that will produce this diforder ;
repeated errors in quantity will produce the like effeds. Bile, if very acid,
will prove a Jiimulus diffidently drong, in many cafes, to excite this fick head-
ach in a violent degree. There are habits in which the bile, if exceeding in
point of adivity, either, from its bitter or its acid quality, will ad as a pur-
gative, fometimes with pain, fometimes without, according to the nature of
different habits. Such conditutions rarely are affeded with the difeafe I am
defcribing ; even thofe who have differed its mod violent attacks are free
from it altogether, when a difpofition to purging takes place of habitual
codivenefs ; and on the contrary.

From thefe condderations it is therefore evident, that as the quality of the
File, in a great meafure, depends on the quality of the food, regard being

had.

6oo

Remarks on the Sick Head-AcB.

had, at the fame time, to quantity: and that the difeafe we are treating of
appears to arife from this caufe, it is neceffary to- point out, as experience may
direCt, what kinds of aliment are moft likely to add to the difeafe, in order
that the patients who- confult us, may be inftruCted to avoid the caufes of fo
diftreffing a complaint,, as well as directed to fuch a courfe of medicine, as may
contribute to affift them in the recovery of their ufual healths, provided they
relblutely fubmit to the regulations propofed to them.

To obtain pretty fpeedy relief will not be difficult.. An emetic, or mild'
cathartic — an anodyne, foon, for the moft part, reftore them to their ufuaf
health ; to undergo the fame conflict in a few days, perhaps, or a1, month or
two, juft as the caufe of the difeafe is accumulated ; and in this manner I have-
known many perfons fpend a great part of their lives. Wearied, perhaps,, withi
ineffectual endeavours, they,, at length, give up all hopes of getting rid of their
malady, and think patience muft be their only cure.

Many fuch I have met with, and fo, I doubt not, have moft other practi-
tioners ; and have not often been difappointed in relieving them by the follow-
ing procefs

If they are difpofed to coftivenefs,. which is generally the cafe, fbme eafy
laxative is directed to keep the belly gently open, varying the form and fub-
ftance,, as the particular circumftances may require — where acid bile abounds,
the bitter and abforbent laxatives where the bitter,, faline generally are
lifeful.

In the former cafe, it will be requifite to give fmall dofes of ftomach bitters,,
joined with a little alcaline fait,, or a chalybeate,, as the cafe requires, once or
twice a day : in the latter, mineral or vegetable acids, and a diet of the fame
nature. Soap and pH. ruf. or magnefia and rhubarb, in fmall dofes, daily
continued, will often prove, in cafes of acid bile, very ufeful remedies and fo
will a folution of aloes in lime-water in the following manner *.

But whatever procefs the phyfician’s judgment leads him to purfue, there is
one objeCt, that will deferve his attention, and will require the patient’s..
This difeafe is not the effeCt of any fudden accidental caufe ; it is the effeCb
of reiterated errors in diet, or in conduCt, which, by -weakening the organs of
digeftion, and otherwile difordering the animal functions, have affeCted, the

• R Aloes Soccotrin. 31*

Rad. Rhabarb.

— Glycyrrhiz. incif. aa 3

Infunde in Aq. Calc. §viij.

Colaturse, adde

Sp. Lavend. C. § fs.

M. Capiat Cochl. j. ij. aut iij. pro re nata.

fecretions

Remarks on the Sick Head-Ach.

601

fecretions of their juices, and perhaps the organs themfelves, in fuch a
manner, as to require a fteady perfeverance in the ufe of fuch medicines, as
experience has fuggefted are moft likely to reftore them to full health.

This change cannot be effe&ed fpeedily ; it requires a patient obfervance
of proper regimen, in refpeft both to medicine and diet. The former ought,
therefore, to be fo contrived, as to be taken without difguft for feveral
weeks together, and to be repeated at proper diftances, till the end is obtained,
digeftion rightly performed, and the bile fecreted and difcharged as health
requires ; by which means, all that train of evils, which are the confequences
of its detention and diftempered ftate, will be gradually removed.

The benefits refulting, in many cafes, from the ufe of the mineral waters,
when drunk in proper quantity, and for a proper length of time, are undoubted
proofs of the utility of perfeverance in the ufe of fuch medicines as may appear,
at firft fight, of no great efficacy, yet, if well direfted, and fteadily purfued,
will, at length, obtain the moft fubftantial advantages.

There is another part of our affiftance, which is not lefs neceffary, in this
cafe, than medicine, to a perfeft recovery, which, perhaps, is too often dif-
regarded both by the patient and phyfician ; and if I have fometimes fuc-
ceeded in removing many complaints of this nature, wffiere very judicious
prefcriptions had been ufed in vain, it has been by entering more minutely
into that part of prefcription, which depended on the patient’s own conduct,
than by the ufe of medicines of greater efficacy than thofe which had been
prefcribed by others.

We are, perhaps, too ready, in chronic cafes, where digeftion is concerned,
to confide in the materia medica , and judge it fufficient to feleft and enjoin
fuch articles in our prefcriptions, as are of known ufe in fuch cafes. But
unlefs the whole plan of diet, both in kind and quantity, are made to confpire
with medical prefcription, the benefits arifing from this are hourly annihi^
lated by negleft or indulgence.

It is not folely with a view to the cure of this fick head-ach, of which I
have been treating, that I wiffi to offer fome general reflections on the dietetic
part of medicine, and to point out the neceffary reftriCtions, in order to its
cure ; but likewife, as they may be of fome importance in the management of
many other chronic and anomalous difeafes, as well as for the prefervation
of health in general.

Nothing is of fo much confequence to invalids, and the more delicate of
both fexes, as attention to quantity. — There are many people, who feem to
be poflefted of fuch powers of digeftion, as to be under no reftraints on that
account, and who never feel themfelves incommoded, either with quantity,
or the moft heterogeneous qualities of their food. They rife from the moft

4 H plentiful

6o2

'Remarks on the Sick Head- Ac h.

plentiful mixed and rich repafts, without any kind of apparent uneafinefs.
But this is not the cafe with the generality — they are affe&ed with uneafi-
nefs, fome in one way, fome another, by the unnatural load. And how
often do we hear fuch complaining of the ill effedts of this or that particular
kind of diet, when perhaps their fufferings arife from the quantity of all, rather
than the difagreement of any.

It demands attention to obferve that juft medium, and no lefs refolution to
keep to it, which the ftomach invariably points out in refpedt to quantity.
The how much muft be determined by every individual ; and thofe who are
happy enough to abftain at the firft fenfation of fatiety, have made great pro-
grefs in the art of maintaining fuch a command of appetite, as, under moft
chronic indifpofttions, is one of the greateft aids of recovery ; and in health,
is one of the fureft prefervatives againft them.

It is a dodtrine, however trite and familiar, which cannot be too ftrongly
inculcated ; as a negledt of this attention to the quantity of food proportioned
to the neceftity of each individual, is fooner or later followed with the moft
ferious confequences. To the ftrong and robuft inflammatory difeafes happen,
and all fuch as proceed from plenitude and acrimony combined, as the gout,
and many other chronic indifpofttions. To the more tender and delicate, it is
the parent of a numerous progeny of diftempers, affedting both body and
mind ; there is fcarcely a malady that can be named, which either does not
originate from this negledt of diet, or is not increafed by it, till the difeafe at
length bids defiance, even to temperance itfelf, and all prefcription.

What renders this attention, to invalids of this order, ftill the more neceffary
is, that they are often fubjedt to a falfe appetite, to a craving that does not arife
from the demands of health, but from the morbid picquancy of the juices in
the ftomach, which prompts them to eat more, and more frequently than nature
requires. Whence it happens that fuch people are often difpofed to take in
much more than can be digefted, to devour their food, rather than eat it; by
which means their fufferings are increafed ; the difeafe gains ground, defeats
every purpofe of the phyfician, and leads them into fome permanent and in-
curable malady.

And fhould the patients have admitted an opinion (and fuch an opinion
occurs but too often) that their recovery will be aided by taking in a greater
ftiare of food, their misfortune is complete. T'nefe are not ideal traits in the
hiftory of the ftck ; they are known to be but too true by every phyfician of
obfervation ; and they cannot be mentioned too often, or with too much fer-
vency, for the fake of thofe who are liable to become the victims of appetite
or inattention.

Early habits of felf-command are of the utmoft benefit to all ; and even

thofe

Remarks on the Sick Head- Ac h. 603

thofe who do not feel any immediate diftrefs from the utmoft repletion at
prefent, would find it their intereft to be moderate and difcreet.

The cuftoms of countries, in refpedl to meals, are different. Breakfaff,
dinner, and fupper have been, in this country, habitual. Suppers, at prefent,
are difcouraged among the affluent; and excefflve ones, fuch as have been
in ufe among our anceftors, very probably with good reafon ; yet there are
fome conftitutions to which this practice may not be beneficial : two very
moderate meals, at a fuitable diftance, may perhaps be digefted with much
more eafe than one full meal, and be made more confident with the duties of
life in various fituations. From obfervation, I am led to fufpedt, that when
people affure us they eat no fuppers, that it would be better for them if they
did, than to opprefs nature with a cumbrous load, that may be much more
detrimental.

The general breakfaff of people, from the higheft to the loweft, is tea,
coffee, or chocolate. I fay general, becaufe there are many exceptions; fome
for one reafon, fome for others, making choice of other fubftitutes, as their
inclinations or opinions guide them.

To the articles I have mentioned, bread of fome kind, with more or lefs
butter and fugar, are commonly joined to make up the meal. It would take
up more of your and my time than we have to fpare, and make a volume of
no {mall fize, to enter into a minute confideration of thefe affairs. We are
often afked, and not improperly, what our opinion is of thefe articles reflec-
tively, in refpedt to their being more or lefs wholefome ? Perhaps the mod
pertinent anfwer in common would be, that which is reported of the late
Dr. Mandeville, of famous memory, who being often the convivial gueft, I
think it was of one of the firft Earls of Macclesfield, was frequently interro-
gated on the lubjedt of diet : Dotffor, is this wholefome ? Does your Lordfhip
like it ? Yes. Does it agree with your Lordfhip ? Yes. Why then it is
wholefome.

Perhaps this is the beft diredtion that can be given, provided we can caution
the enquirer againft the too much.

From many inconteftable proofs, that butter in confiderable quantities is
injurious, it is lefs ufed in many families. It is found, by many, to be very
difficult of digeftion, efpecially when toafted before the fire, or fried, as well
as in fauces. Many people, apparently robuff, and whofe organs of digeftion
are ftrong, often find themfelves much difordered by large quantities of butter.
Nothing more fpeedily and effedtually gives the fick head-ach, and fometimes
within a very few hours. After breakfaff, if much toaft and butter has been
ufed, it begins with a Angular kind of glimmering in the fight ; objects fwiftly
changing tneir apparent pofition, furrounded with luminous angles, Pke thofe

4 H 2 of

6 04 Remarks on the Sick Head-Ach.

of a fortification. Giddinefs comes on, head-ach, and ficknefs. An emetic,
and warm water, foon wafli off the offending matter, and remove thefe diforders.
Thefe are circumftances that often happen to people who are inattentive to
the quantity of butter they eat at breakfaft ■, and which are very often at-
tempted to be cured by very different remedies, and improper ones. A fud-
den giddinefs, let it arife from what caufe it may (and it arifes oftener, I
believe, from fome diforder in the ftomach, than from all other caufes put to-
gether) is a fufiicient motive to call the furgeon ; who muft have a large fhare
of difintereflednefs and fkill, not to be compelled to bleed the patient, fome-
times under circumftances that do not admit of it with impunity.

A moderate quantity of frefh butter, with bread expofed as little to the
fire as poflible, or not at all, but ufed cold, appears to me to be wholefome j
it is capable of becoming, with the other aliments, as foft and inoffenfive
chyle, perhaps, as any part of diet.

The fame thing may, perhaps, be faid of coffee as of tea ; the heat, the
ftrength, and the quantity, make it unwholefome or otherwife. There are
nations who almoft live upon it, as others do on tea amongft neither do we
pneet with difeafes, that can juftly be afcribed to thefe ingredients in the com-
mon courfe of living.

Chocolate may feem to require more confideration. It is, as we all know,
the fruit of a tree growing in the Weft Indies, ground into a pafte, with other
ingredients, and ferves as repaft to multitudes of people of all conditions.
It has not been obferved, I believe, that thofe who, in this manner, make
chocolate a part of their food, are fubjeCt to any particular diftempers. It may
be confidered therefore as a wholefome kind of breakfaft to thofe who like it,
and with whom it agrees. It is of an unCtuous nature, therefore little or no
butter fhould be ufed with it. Were it commonly made thinner than is the
general practice, and a large proportion of milk added, it would feem to be
much more proper for common ufe, than as it is generally ferved up at
prefen t.

To all thefe fugar is for the moft part a neceffary addition : and, perhaps,
much depends on the quantity of this addition, whether they are to be ftyled
wholefome or otherwife. Nothing is more common than to hearperfons com-
plaining of the heart-burn after breakfaft, afcribing it to the tea, or the other
articles they have been drinking. The liquors themfelves have no fhare, or
very little, in producing this complaint. It arifes from the bread, the butter,
the fugar, in conjunction 3 and is a proof that more of fome of thefe, or all
of them together, have been taken than the ftomach could digeft : and this
circumftance ought to be a Handing monitor againft excefs in quantity, even
of things deemed the moft inoffenfive.

Coffee,

Remarks on the Sick Head- Ac h.

60$

Coffee, perhaps, is an exception to what was faid above, that the liquors
themfelves have little or no lhare in producing the heart-burn. Coffee made
fweet feldom fails to produce it ; and it would be right to ufe as little fugar
with it as poffible.

The effefts of improper conduit in refpeit to thofe things which now confti-
tute our breakfafts, are of little confequence, compared with thofe which arife
from the well-covered table at noon. The indulgences of breakfaft fupply but
very few materials for deftrudion. The repeated exceffes at dinner are ferious
affairs. It has been thought that more people fuffered by hard drinking, than
immoderate eating. My obfervation leads me to take the oppofite fide. At
prefent, indeed, the former pradice is generally banilhed to the vulgar ; but
whilft it prevailed to the utmoft, it feems to me that more were injured by
excefs of diet, than of drinking. But leaving this to other enquirers, I hafte
to a few obfervations on a fubjed very interefting to the generality of man-
kind.

Though I think the quantity of food is a matter principally to be regarded,
yet the quality is not a matter of indifference. I am not to be ranked among
the robuft and athletic ; perhaps I am a good deal below the middle point of
general ftrength.

It was neceffary for me to obferve fome management in refped to my own
health, and to attend to the juvantia and l cedent ia, yet without adopting it as
a rule, that others ought to live as I found was moft confiftent with my ftrength
and ability. A great part of my life has been fpent amongft the infirm and
invalid : it was eafy, it was neceffar) to obferve what kind of diet, what kind
of condud was proper to be attended to by the generality. From this fource I
have endeavoured to draw inftrudion ; and for the benefit of fuch, thefe re-
fledions are offered.

If we look into the hiftory of mankind inhabiting the different parts of the
globe, fo far as we are acquainted with it, we fhall find that different nations
fubfift on kinds of diet very different from each other ; yet all enjoy a degree
of health that is competent to their duties in life in the countries they inhabit.
A great part of the Eaftern world is principally fubfifted by rice and vegeta-
bles. Many countries live upon fifh ; others on a mixed diet, partly animal,
partly vegetable. Some have no fermented liquors, others ufe none elfe ; yet
all, compared with each other in the fame community, are healthy. The
Author of Nature has fo formed us, and conftruded the organs of digeftion,
that we can gradually accommodate ourfelves to every fpecies of aliment ; —
live on rice, on vegetables, on animal food folely, or mixed with vegetables,
without differing injury. No kind of food hurts us ; we are capable of being
accuftomed to every thing ; but this is not the cafe in regard to quantity.

Nature,

6o6

Remarks on the Sick Head-Ach.

Nature, by degrees, may be accuftomed to fubdue and change into nutri-
ment almoft every part of the creation that is produced ; but to quantity
fhe yields : if there is not fufficient, decay enfues ■, if too much is ufed, fatal
oppreffion.

One of the firft articles of diet I fhall mention, is bread ; and that only to
fay, that to digeft it properly, if taken in confiderable quantities, very ftrong
organs are requifite. The hufbandman and labourer find no difficulties in
this refpe£t j but to many others, this is not the cafe. In weak ftomachs,
a large proportion of bread is indigeftible ; it turns four, produces the heart-
burn, flatulencies, and interrupts the perfeft concoftion of every thing elfe.
This is not owing to any fuppo'fed adulteration in common (nor do I believe
bread is adulterated to fuch a degree as many apprehend) but to its own na-
ture, which requires organs of a certain ftrength, to affimilate it properly ; and
if not fo affimilated, it happens, as in many other cafes, the corruption of
what is good makes it the worft of all others.

On this principle, I have endeavoured to inculcate the neceffity of paying
much attention to this capital article of diet, to valetudinaries in general ;
never to abftain from it wholly, but to ufe it with moderation ; to conflder it
as one of thofe things which, fparingly ufed, was extremely neceffary and bene-
ficial ; if otherwife, the fruitful fource of many complaints, which were little
fufpedted to arife from this caufe.

In this country animal food, of one kind or another, conftitutes the chief
part of our nourifhment. That there are fome kinds of more eafy, fome of
harder digeftion than others, is well known to every body. Yet I am inclined
to think, there is fcarcely any part of animal diet in ufe,- that would not occa-
fionally be made to agree, that is, to be digefted without much difficulty, if
we were full as anxious in refpeft to excefs of quantity, as to the unfuitablenefs
of the kind ; at leaft this opinion correfponds with my own obfervation and
experience. If a perfon eats as much of ham, falted beef, or bacon, as he
ought to do of fiffi or of chicken, he may fuffer by it.

The article of puddings, on an Engliffi table, is an affair of confequence.
After a plentiful dinner of animal food, rich fweet puddings, deferts, or even
fruit, feem a very unnatural and improper addition j more efpecially if the
puddings are baked : for a little butter, long expofed to the heat of an oven,
becomes, oftentimes, a caufe of much fuffering.

Of vegetables it will be neceffary to fay fomething. The rule in general is,
to appeal to what beft agrees, in this refpedt, with each particular conftitution.

I have only one fhort caution to give on this head. — Thofe who think it
neceffary to pay any attention to their health at table, fhould take care that
the quantity of bread, and of meat, and of puddings, and of greens, fhould

not

Remarks on the Sick Head-Ach. 607

not compofe each of them a meal, as if fome were only thrown in to make
weight ; but carefully to obferve, that the fum of all together do not exceed
due bounds, or incroach upon the firfd feelings of fatiety.

In refpedt to fruit, I apprehend it is a mod injurious practice to eat it, as
is generally done, after a plentiful meal. There are fome people who may be
happy enough not to feel themfelves incommoded by any quantity they can take ;
but this is not the cafe with the generality, to whom I appeal for the proof of
this alfertion.

Fruit was given us for ufe, as well as pleafure ; to contribute to our health,
not to hurt it. The forenoon feems, of all others, the mod fuitable feafon,
unlefs it is taken inldead of a meal. This I believe is the cudom in many parts
of the world, and feems mod confident with health and right reafon. This,
and another cudom which I believe prevails in France, I fhould be glad to fee
introduced into England more generally, for fome families have long been in
the practice of it ; which is, to drink what may be neceffary, what health or
inclination requires, during the repaid, and then to difmifs the bottle entirely.

It might feem not improper, in this place, to mention my opinion of the
different kinds of liquors, refpedting their comparative advantages ; but this
might likewife demand a volume. It muid be left at laid to the experience of
the individual.

The leffer quantity of fermented liquors we accuidom ourfelves to, the
better.

To abidain from fpirits of every kind, however diluted, as much as may be.

Where mild, well-brewed beer agrees, to keep to it, as beverage.

Where water does not difagree, to value the privilege, and continue it.

In refpeCd to wine, cuidom, for the mold part, will decide. The lefs tire
excefs in quantity, the more confident with health and long life.

Punch is a favourite with many j — if weak, in hot bilious coniditutions, when
naturally fo, or which become fuch by a long refidence in warm climates, it
feems not to be an unwholefome compofition. Like what has been faid of
diet in general, fo likewife it may be added in refpecd to liquors : it is the
quantity, in common, that does more harm than the kind ; and people, efpe-
cially in the fore-part of life, cannot be too folicitous to fhun the firfl: temp-
tations to the love of fpirituous liquors.

There is another repaid which, f nee the introduction of tea, is become a kind
of neceffary of life, and as much expected in every family as the other ufual
meals themfelves. It may not, perhaps, be wholly improper to fuggeld fome
confiderations refpeCting the ufe of tea and coffee after dinner. If we may
judge from various circumldances, from the time of dinner, digeldion is per-
forming during the courfe of feveral hours. This operation requires labour
10 and

6o8

Remarks on the Sick Head-Ach .

and time in performing it, more or lefs, in proportion to the quantity of
food taken in, and the powers of digeftion. Much food taken into a weak fto-
mach, requires a greater length of time, if it is digefted at all, than where lefs
has been received.

Whilft that power, which we call nature, is performing this talk, a fecond
meal is added, which, though of a lighter quality, adds to the quantity, and as
it muft be affimilated to the chyle now forming, is an additional burthen.
To the robuft this may appear trifling, it is not felt •, but to thofe who may
be faid to be barely not valetudinary, it is a matter of fome confequence.

It is thought by many, that tea afilfts digeftion, by the additional ftimulus
of its quantity 3 it may excite the ftomach and duodenum to pafs the digefting
food fooner than they otherwife would have done, and fooner than the chyle is
properly elaborated ; — it may perhaps aflift in carrying off flatulency, and the
food together. This, at leaft, is my opinion of it ; and I therefore think the
fubje<fls of whom I have been fpeaking, ought to drink either tea or coffee
with great moderation ; never to make it fweet, coffee efpecially j. and to eat
with it as feldom as poftible. For either fweet cakes, cakes of any kind, or
butter in any proportion, rather retard digeftion than promote it. The only
proper time to drink either tea or coffee, or any fuch beverage, with fafety
or advantage, is to take it as foon after dinner as poflible, and inftead of
fitting down to the bottle. This is one of thofe cuftoms, which perhaps might
be adopted by us, with fewer difadvantages than many of the fafhions we
receive from our neighbours. As on the due performance of digeftion depends
much of our health, eafe, and profpe£t of longevity ; fo we ought moft ftudioufly
to avoid every thing that has a probable chance of interrupting it.

I have proviflonally recommended fuppers to the obje£ts of thefe remarks $
as thinking that nature can effe£t that eafily at twice, which at once would
caufe fome degree of diftrefs. I have had occaflon to remark to you, that the
robuft are not perfectly fecure from the dangerous effects of a full meal.
Apoplexies, perhaps, proceed more frequently from this caufe, than all the
reft put together. If perfons feel no injury from eating twice a day, neither
from a meal fufficient to ferve the purpofes of health taken at once, let them
perfevere in the praflice. Experience, cautioufly attended to, is moft certainly
the belt guide. From one caufe or another, the pra£tice appears to increafe,
of abftaining from fuppers entirely, and is rather to be encouraged in the
general. For thofe who have but little command over themfelves at dinner,
ought not to have the farther temptation to exceed what is right at a fecond
meal. Where difcretion prevails, and efpecially in perfons of bufinefs where
attention is required, the plan I have propofed would feem more proper, to
divide the meals efpecially fuch whofe occupations require the full and im-
mediate exercife of every faculty.

To

Remarks on the Sick Head- Ac h. 609

To defcribe in detail what would be proper for the purpofe, belongs not
to this place. I will only mention, that the lefs it is in quantity, and the
lighter in kind, the better. Many of the perfons I have defcribed, will not
bear liquid dippers fo well as folids. Indeed the volume hurts them as much
as any thing. Broth, gruel, panada, and the like, feldorn are eafy to them,
and feem to difagree, by becoming flatulent and opprefiive.

I will detain you no longer than to mention a circumftance in which I am
concerned, and which one day or other may poflibly be your fate ; and I truft
you will therefore allow me to expofe a Bookfeller’s impofition.

I would obferve, that feveral years ago, a pamphlet was publifhed under the
title of Rules for the Prefervation of Health, &c. ; it conflfts of parts taken from
Dr. Mackenzie’s Rules of Health, and extracts from feveral other Authors : it
was the produce of an eminent Bookfeller’s fon, who being in want of a little
ready calk, threw thefe together, and publifhed them under a name as near
like mine as he dared to do *, and which has been tortured fince into as many
likenefles as the change of a few letters would allow him. Many people have
purchafed it, under an opinion that it was mine; and againft this impofition
I wifh to enter a caveat, where I believe it will remain, as long as any books
in our profeflion are read. Having informed the Public oftener than once
of its fpurious origin-— the title has been reprinted, and the name varied
every time. As you. Gentlemen, are all of you liable to a fimilar treatment,
you mull make my cafe your own ; and permit me to declare, that the trafb
in queftion is a barefaced impofition.

* The Title-page now before me is — “ Rules for the Prefervation of Health; being the Refult
“ of many Years Practice. By J. Forthergell. The Sixth Edition, with the following Ad-
** ditions :

« I. Above Two Hundred of the molt approved Receipts for all Diforders incident to Mankind.

“ II. Dr. Jurin’s Account of the Effedt of Sonp Lye, taken inwardly, for the Stone.

« HI. The Hiftory of Mrs. Stephens’s Medicines, and her Original Receipt for the Cure of the

Stone.

«* IV. The prefent new Method of Inoculation, the Small Pox,” [of] omitted, — “ and alfo in
** the Natural Way.”

The Title-page is here given at full length, as it may afEft the Public in guarding againfl: the
impofture. I have feen the fourteenth edition of the Title-page. Sometimes my name is printed
as above, fometimes S. Fothergili. ; fometimes M. D. is added; with many other variations,
none of them exadtly correfponding to the name and defignation, yet all of them retaining fuck
& Emilitude, as to impofe upon the inattentive part of the Public.

4 1

O B S E R~

,

. ; V'

• ' i

'

\

E 611 ]

OBSERVATIONS

ON T H«

Cure of FLUXES, by fmail Dofes of Ipecacuanha,

Read, Auguft 21, 1780*.

To the Medical Society in London.

I F the following remarks on the ufe of ipecacuanha, in the cure of diar«
rhceas, appear to you not improper to make a part of your next volume,
they are wholly at your difpofal. It may feem to be an unneceffary bufinefs
to fay more on this fubject, than has already been offered by others but as I
think I have obferved this medicine, as well as rhubarb, to be ufed in thefe
cafes fometimes improperly, I thought it might be doing fome fervice to the
young praftitioner, to point out the means by which he might bell avail
himfelf of thefe ufeful auxiliaries. I am.

With much deference and refpedl.

Your friend and colleague.

Lea Hall , 1780,

J. Fothergih,

I T is not intended to defcribe the different kinds of fluxes that occur in
pradlice, in which the ipecacuanha may be ufed with advantage. An habitual
diarrhoea, depending on fome irritating acrimony of the juices, accompanied
with great weaknefs and irritability of the bowels (whatever may have given rife

* Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol, vi. p. 186.

4 I 2

to

6l2

Obfervations on the Cure of Fluxes .

to fuch a ftate of both) feems to be the proper objedt of fuch a treatment as
I mean to propofe, and which has fucceeded in a variety of cafes, which have
Dbftinately withftood the efficacy of very oppofite remedies. We meet with
perfons of both fexes, and different ages, who, from a variety of caufes, have
long been fubjedt to habitual diarrhoeas j fometimes accompanied with fick-
nefs, bitter tafte>, furred tongue, and fome degree of fever ; and fometimes
without thefe fymptoms, yet both fubjedt to frequent difcharges, often in the
morning, fometimes in the night, and generally after taking any quantity of
aliment, whether liquid or folid. It is not always that the ftools are accom-
panied with pain ; but their frequency and continuance exhauft the ftrength,
and emaciate the habit.

If the vifcera are not injured in their ftrudure, and become unable to perform
their functions, much benefit may often be found from the following procefs :

Let a grain, one and an half, or two, of Ipecac, be given in Aq. Alexit. fimp.
or any other vehicle, in bed, in a morning. — This will fometimes ad as an
emetic, and bring up bile ;. fometimes it proves cathartic, and gives a few
motions downwards extraordinary. In either cafe, a fmall bafon of thin gruel
may be taken, gently to promote its operation.

At night an anodyne ffiould be given, if there be nothing to forbid it; rather
a warm and cordial' one, than a ffnrple anodyne. Confed. Damocrat. Theriac..
Androm. or Philonium, as the cafe may feem to require.

By this means an undifturbed night is generally obtained;, at leaft the dofe
of the anodyne ought to be fuch as to enfure it. The ipecacuanha may be
repeated or omitted the next morning, according to its operation the preceding
day. If vehement, either upwards or downwards, omit it, till, the morning-
following; but repeat the anodyne at bed-time.

It moft commonly happens, that a very few dofes of thefe medicines,, with
proper attention to regimen, gradually reftrain thefe difcharges. And the
fame procefs, at longer intervals between the dofes of ipecacuanha, generally
put a fcop to. them, both fafely and effectually.

I have feen the like dofes of ipecacuanha given every fix hours, in fome fuch
cafes; five, fix, or feven grains in others; the vitrum antimonii cerat. in,
others ; — and what has been the confequence ? An increafe of that very diforder
which they were intended to cure ; as might juftly have been expected, had the
prefcribers allowed' themfelves time to reflect. There was not fufficient time
allowed for the medicines to have their due effedt, and no. more. They excited
a conftant difpofition, to purging, which; made it difficult to determine how
much proceeded from the medicine, how much from the difeafe. Ipecacuanha
given thus, in fmall dofes, evacuates gently, and without weakening. — If the
fiomacli is loaded with impurities, they are brought up-.; if the inteftines, it-

adh..

Obfervations on the Cure of Fluxes . 6 1 3

3<fts as a gentle purgative. — But thefe feem not to be the whole of its efficacy ;
it adts as a diaphoretic ; it promotes the difcharge of the perfpirable matter,
by thofe emundtories, through which it ought to pafs 3 and leflens, by this
means, the quantity of acrimonious fluid tending unnaturally to the inteftines j
a conftant aggravation, if not the moft frequent caufe, of fuch maladies •, as
we feldom find that either the milder or more malignant fluxes are effedtually
cured, till the fkin becomes foft, and a free perfpiration is reftored.

In refpedt to regimen, one injunction will be found eflential : — That is, to
have ftridt regard to quantity :■ for let the diet be never fo wifely appropriated,
if the quantity is confiderable, it will be in hazard, by its bulk, or its weight,
of adting as a ftimulant; in another word, as a purgative: if animal food
be allowed, enjoin the patient, as much as poffible, to confine himfelf, for a
certain time, to one kind only. I have known inftances where this attention
alone has effedted a perfect cure. Mutton, perhaps, is as fuitable a diet as
any other and fome perfons have dined on mutton only for a month toge-
ther, much to their benefit..

It is fcarcely neceflary to fuggeft, that fome gentle tonics may be neceflary
to eftablifih general health ; the bark, or chalybeates, as the circumftances
may require. One caution may, however, be of ufe : let the dofes be fmall,
and continued the longer. The inteftines being left, by the purging, in a
very tender and irritable ftate, will feldom bear, what might, in other refpedts,
be deemed only a. competent dofe. Befides, the patients will often be induced
to comply with rules of diet and condudt with tolerable exadtnefs, whilft they
are taking medicine, in hopes of giving it greater effedl ; but are too prone
to forget regimen, however neceflary, the moment they are releafed from
medicine,

J. F„

[ 6-5 1

[Dr. Fothergill having drawn up a Sketch of the epidemic difeafe which
appeared at London, and in various parts of the nation, towards the end of
the year 1775, and having fent printed copies thereof to feveral phyficians,
both in town and the country, in order to obtain a more complete hiftory
of the difeafe ; this Sketch, and alfo the Communications of feveral of his
ingenious Correfpondents on the fame fubjeft, are here inferted, being thought
well worthy a place in this Colle&ion *.]

A

sketch

OF THE

EPIDEM IC DISEASE,

Which appeared in London towards the End of the Year 1 775.

s. A BOUT the beginning of the lad: month, it was mentioned to me in many
/ \ families, that mod: of the fervants were lick; that they had colds,
coughs, fore-throats, and various other complaints.

1. In the fpace of a week thefe complaints became more general ; few fervants
efcaped them, efpecially the men, who were mod: abroad ; many of the other
fex, likewife, and people of higher conditions, were attacked : nor were chil-
dren exempted.

3. The difeafe, which had hitherto been either left entirely to ltfelf, or had
been treated with the ufual domeftic medicines appropriated to colds, now
claimed the attention of the Faculty, and, for the fpace of near three weeks,
kept them for the molt part univerfally employed.

9 Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol. vi. p. 34.0..

4. Mod:

6 1 6 Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775.

4. Mod of thofe whom I faw, were feized (and often fo fuddenly as to be
fenfible of the attack) with a fwimming or flight pain in the head, a forenefs of
the throat, and all over the body, with a fenfe of coldnefs, particularly in the
extremities. A cough foon followed, a running of the nofe, watery eyes, flight
naufea, frequent calls to make water, and fome were feized with a diarrhoea.

5. More or lefs of feverifh heat, inquietude, pain about the bread, prtecordia,
and in the limbs, foon fucceeded, but in various degrees. Many were capable
of continuing in their ufual occupations under thefe fymptoms ; others were
obliged to fubmit to confinement ; and not a few to their beds.

6. The tongue was always moid ; the fkin feldom remarkably hot or dry ;
the pulfe often full, quick, and harder than one would have expeded from fuch
a temperature of the fkin.

7. Several were feized with a diarrhoea : the flools were always black, or of
a deep yellow colour ; and fo were thofe, for the mod part, which were
procured by purgative medicines.

8. In a few days every complaint abated, except the cough ; this continued
the longed of all the fymptoms, and, in the fore part of the night, was ex-
ceedingly troublefome and vexatious ; towards morning generally came on a
iweat and eafy expectoration.

9. Thofe who were feized at fird with very copious defluxions from the
nole and the fauces ; or had a plentiful and fpontaneous difcharge of black
bilious dools ; or made large quantities of a high-coloured urine ; or fweated
profufely of their own accord, a night or two after the feizure, fooned grew
well.

10. In many cafes it was necefiary to take away fome blood, the condition of
the pulfe and vehemence of the cough requiring it. The blood was almod
uniformly fizy, reprefenting a flat cake of yellowifh tallow, floating in a deep
yellow ferum. Very few indances occurred where the fize formed that cup-like
appearance which occurs in mod of the genuine inflammatory diforders.

11. By warmth, diluting, cooling liquids, mild diaphoretics, gentle and re-
peated purgatives, the difeafe for the mod part foon gave way, in fubjeds
otherwife healthy. Sometimes it was necefiary to repeat the bleeding j fome-
times bliders became necefiary, and were ferviceable in abating the cough,
which was the lad of all the fymptoms that gave way : after the proper eva-
cuations, anodynes for the mod part had very falutary effeds.

1.2. In many indances the difeafe afifumed the type of an intermittent towards
its decline,: jthe hark however did not generally fucceed in curing it. The
fymptoms, as often happens in bilious diforders, were fometimes aggravated
by this medicine. A few dofes of fome mild cathartic mod commonly removed
it effedually.

13. Many

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775. 6 ij

13. Many who negleded themfelves, and went abroad with the diftemper
upon them, frequently got additional colds, and brought on a fever of the moft
dangerous kind ; a few died phrenetic.

14. Ancient, afthmatic perfons, were likewife great fufferers for the moft
part : a peripneumonic fever came gradually on, which often terminated fa-
tally. And of thofe who did recover, their amendment was flow, and treatment
difficult.

15. And indeed it appeared that very few perfons wholly efcaped the influence
of this morbid conftitution : for it feemed to aggravate every prefent malady.

16. It proved fatal likewife to feveral very young children, difpofing them
to violent coughs or diarrhoeas.

17. Perhaps, however, there is fcarcely an inftance to be met with, of
any epidemic difeafe in this city, where fo many perfons were feized, and in fo
ihort a time ; and with fo little comparative mortality.

18. Though attempts to afcertain the caufes of epidemics are, for the moft
part, more fpecious than fubftantial, it may not be improper to mention a few
fads that gained my attention ; to others many more may have occurred,
.and worthy to be recorded. During the greateft part of the fummer, in that
part of the country where I then was (Cheffiire) the air was of the moft equal
temperature I ever knew. In the fpace of two months the quickfilver in the
thermometer once rofe to 68, once fell to 5 6; but for fix weeks together it
kept between 60 and 66 continually, day and night.

19. The barometer did not vary much more. The weather was, during this
time, very changeable, much inclining to wet ; and, though it rained more
or lefs almoft every other day for fix weeks, yet upon the whole no unufual
quantity of rain fell : it funk into the ground as it fell, and made the earth
very foft and miry; but feldom fwelled the brooks, or occafioned floods.

ao. During this time, horfes and dogs were much affeded ; thofe efpecially
that were well kept. The horfes had fevere coughs, were hot, forbore eating,
and were long in recovering. Not many of them died, that I heard of ; but
feveral dogs.

21. To the confideration of the Faculty in this city, is this Sketch of the late
Epidemic fubmitted, with all due deference ; and with a requeft, that if the
obfervations they have made do not correfpond with this recital, they will be
pleafed to communicate their remarks while the remembrance of the fads are
recent ; in order that as exad an account of this difeafe as poftible may be
{ranfmitted to our fucceflfors.

11. If thofe PhyficianS in the country, into whofe hands this Eflay may
come, will be fo obliging as to mention the time when this Epidemic made

4 K its

6 1 3 Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1 775.

its appearance in their neighbourhood, and wherein it differed from the
preceding Sketch, either in the fymptoms or the method of cure,, they will
likewife contribute to the fame good purpofe. The united obfervations of the
Faculty at large muft greatly exceed the utmoft efforts, of any individual,,
however warmly he may be difpofed to promote the utility of his pro-
feiTion.

John Fotrergill,.

London ,

6th Dee, 177^

O B S E R>

Of the Epidemic Difeafe nuhich appeared in London in 1775. 619

O B SERVATIONS

FROM

various correspondents.

Sir JOHN PRINGLE, Bart.

4*. THE fpecies that I had of the influenza was a fore throat, with fever
and (hooting pains through the back part of my head ; but thefe fymptoms
were never followed by a cough. I heard of feveral others who, like me, had
never been troubled with a cough, and only with this inflammatory angina.

18. I think you do well to record the date of the weather but I think the
conclufion ought to be, that the fenfible qualities of the air had mod probably
no lhare in producing this Epidemic, I fliould be tempted to fay, that they had
evidently no part ; for we hear of the fame didemper having been in Italy,
France, and in the Low Countries ; and, I doubt not, in other parts of Europe,
had we inquired. But it cannot be fuppofed that the date of the atmofphere,
either as to weight, heat, or moidure, was the fame every where. And in the
fame country have we not feen it rage in one diftrid, or city, whild others,
.at no great didance, were totally free ? Yet between the found and the fickly
there could be no canfiderable meteorological difference. My conclufion,
therefore, fliould be, that fuch Epidemics (of which there have been four
in my remembrance) do not depend on any principles we are yet acquainted
with, but upon fome others, to be invedigated, and by fuch means as Dr.
Fothergill very properly and mod commendably propofes to be done by the
united inquiries of his brethren.

-* The numbers refer to thofe in the preceding Sketch.

4K a

Dr.

.620

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1 77$.

Dr. H E B E R D E N,

Dec . 16, 177$-..

THE 28th. of October was the- firft day on which the late epidemic cold
feized upon any one whom I had an opportunity of obferving ; and, at the
end of three weeks the caufe, whatever it was, of this diftemper was fo far
weakened, as to be incapable of infefting thofe who had efcaped it until that
time; though many, who had fuffered by it before, continued to complain of
the cough and hoarfenefs much longer. The violence of this diftemper ufually
began to abate in five or fix days.

In fome it began with a ficknefs and perpetual vomiting, which were the
forerunners of a fevere degree of this illnefs ; in others the firft fymptoms
were fneezing, and a copious defluxion from the nofe and eyes, and thefe fuf-
fered much lefs, and were fooner recovered. Many complained of a hoarfenefs
and fore throat, and of a tightnefs, opprefiion, and heat of their breafts* and of
feeling pains in various parts, particularly in their heads,, fides, and backs.
Almoft every one of thefe patients was afflicted with a racking cough ; with a
fenfe of coldnefs frequently returning upon them ; with a failure of appetite
and of deep ; and with a languor and weaknefs much greater than might have
been expe&ed from the effects of any of the other fymptoms. The degree
of fever was feldom great. I faw two perfons in this diftemper who had
eruptions upon their fkins refembling that of a fcarlet fever. In two or three
young men this diforder was increafed to a dangerous height, and became a
true peripneumony, attended with bloody phlegm, and manifeftly requiring
frequent bleedings, by which they were much relieved. Towards the middle
or end of this illnefs a few were attacked with intolerable ftitches in their fides
or loins, fo that for two or three days they were confined almoft to the fame
pofture, and if they were neceflitated to change it, they fhewed all the marks
of exquifite pain.. Lighter cramps in the legs and arms were not uncommon
at the going off of this malady.

1 knew none who could properly be faid to die of it ; but it feemed to
haften the death of two or three perfons, whom it found dying of age, and of
other difeafes.

The keeping quiet within doors, together with an abftinence from the grofler
foods, and from heating liquors, was all. which the generality of patients re-
quired. Small quantities of an opiate were very ferviceable in allaying the
inceflant teazing of the cough, and in quieting the reftleffnefs. Where the

fever.

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775. 621

fever, or any of the fymptoms, were confiderable, it appeared to me that
bleeding was unqueftionably ufeful, and leflened rather than increafed the
languor. In a few it was neceflary, befides bleeding, to employ blifters, with
the other ufual remedies for inflammations of the lungs.

Sir GEORGE BAKER, Bert.

IT is certain that many people, both in this town and its neighbourhood,
were attacked by the epidemic difeafe fome days preceding the 20th of
October. As to the precife day when I firft heard of it, I cannot fpeak of it
with accuracy.

Men, confined by their bufinefs at home, fufFered much lefs than thofe who
were expofed to the air ; and women, in general, lefs than men. Very young
children were not much affedted by this difeafe. Boys at fchool were almoft
univerfally difordered. Girls at fchool (I fuppofe on account of their greater
confinement) were remarkably free from the influence of this conftitution ; at
leaft, were not fo generally attacked.

Many were fuddenly feized with great giddinefs, and intenje pain in the
head ; fome with a confiderable naufea, which fometimes continued feveral days.
Some few had, in the beginning, fuccelfive rigours. An uncommon languor,
reftlefinefs, and anxiety, feemed to be the general charadteriftics of this
difeafe.

I faw none whofe firft indifpofition was a diarrhoea. Thofe who had a
diarrhoea, had firft complained of the common fymptoms of a cold; which
ceafing, a diarrhoea followed. This, in fome, arofe even to a dyfentery.
They had almoft conftant pains a little above the navel, and a very frequent
evacuation of thin excrement, mixed with mucus. This was my cafe in par-
ticular, and that of feveral whom I vifited, and many others, a relation of
whofe cafes has been communicated to me.

Dr. Fothergill fays, the tongue was always white. This feems too general
an affertion : at leaft the contrary happened in feveral inftances which fell
under my notice.

The blood, in the beginning, was not always fizy ; nor did I, in general,
obferve the deep yellow Jerum mentioned by Dr. Fothergill. Likewife the cup-
like appearance of the craffamentum was remarkable in feveral cafes.

In

622 Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775.

In many cafes it was neceffary to take away blood, even three or four
times, on account of the violence of the pleuritic and peripneumonic fymp-
toms.

Clyfters, frequently injeted, were of Angular fervice.

The fever having fenfibly remitted, according to my experience, the Peruvian
bark was ufed with advantage. And likewife, when a languor and debility (as
frequently happened) continued after the vehemence of the difeafe was fubdued,
this proved an ufeful remedy.

Many perfons, even now, feel the effects of this difeafe ; and 1 know feveral
who are likely to die tabid.

Accounts received from France, Holland, and Germany, give -us reafon to
conclude, that this Epidemic was much more fatal in other countries than in
this ifland. And I believe it will appear that it was more fatal in feveral
diftant countries than in this metropolis and its neighbourhood.

January , 1776.

Br. HENRY REVELL REYNOLDS.

1. MY wife had this complaint on the 23d of October, and on the 2d of
November I vifited feveral patients who had laboured under it for feme days.

2. All my children had it. The order in which the fymptoms appeared
is as follows : watery eyes, fwelling of the eye-lids, running from the nofe,
cough, diarrhoea ; fo that every part of the mucous membrane feemed to be
progrefiavely attacked. I faw two others affected in the fame way.

6. In two inflances I faw the tongue very dry, parched, and chopped. The
patients were both corpulent women, aged between 30 and 4a. At the time I
was called in to them they laboured under a true peripneumony ; but I
learned that they were firft attacked with the catarrhal fymptoms. Blood
drawn from both thefe patients, even at the third bleeding, had a very thick
buff coat, and exhibited the cup-like appearance.

9. Several whom I attended had this kind of diarrhoea ; but I did not find
it of fervice to any: on the contrary, I thought it prejudicial to fome, as
it feemed to prevent a free expectoration, which, to my apprehenfion, was the
moft critical and moft falutary evacuation. Neither did warm copious fweats,
though univerfal, (unlefs they happened before the feventh day) give that relief
which one might have expected from them.

il l-. With

Of the Epidemic Bifeafe which appeared in London in iyy;. 623

n. With refpea to the method of cure, mine was nearly the fame as yours,
and in the fame order. Permit me only to mention, that I found the Kermes
mineral to anfwer my purpofe exceedingly well, both as a diaphoretic and an

expeftorant. After feveral trials I preferred it to any other preparation of
antimony.

12. In thofe cafes where the diarrhoea was troublefome I had recourfe to
the ipecacuanha in fmall dofes j a grain of the powder, for inftance, once in
fix hours ; and it fucceeded to my utmoft wilh, checking the diarrhoea, and
promoting a free expe&oration,

Jan. 29, 1776..

Ex train of a Letter from Dr. WILLIAM CUMING to Dr. Fotkergill,

“ Dear Doctor, Dorcbejler, Dec. 25, 1775.

“ I RECEIVED your printed hiftory of the Epidemic Diforder that has
been of late fo generally felt, not only over all this ifland, but in feveral
“ other parts of Europe and, probably, its influence has been far more ex-
“ tenfive. I honour you highly for your exerting yourfelf in this manner, to
“ obtain as accurate an account as poflible of this diforder, and hope that
“ none will be found fo perverfe and malevolent as to attempt to detract from
u your merit with your cotemporaries,, or with pofteritv.

“ The account you have given of the ftate of the atmofphere, in refpedt of
" warmth and gravity during the preceding autumn, is, I believe, very juft,
t( as far as I can recollect. I often, during that time, examined both the
u barometer and thermometer but, finding the variation of the mercury
“ confined within fuch narrow limits, I made no minutes of its height ; in-
<f deed I never now do, unlefs it verges towards one or other of the extremes.
« It was otherwife in refpedt to the moijiure of the air, as to which I can fpeak
« with precifion. The autumn in this place was very wet, as the quantity of
“ rain that fell here during the months of Auguft, September, Odtober, and
(t November, was exactly fourteen inches and twenty-feven hundredth parts.
« This circumftance, joined to the mild temperature of the air, made me to
« expedt difeafes of the putrid clafs; but in this I was happily difappointed.
“ We had here alfo many moift, warm, foggy days, in which no fenfible
“ quantity of rain fell, when the quickfilver in the barometer ftood fo high as
u 30.2..

“ After

624 Of the Epidemic Difedfe which appeared in London in 1775.

“ After the middle of Auguft, I have heard, from good authority, that a
ts diforder amongft the horfes prevailed very generally in Yorkfhire. It has
<c not been fo general here as to become the fubjedt of converfation. About
<c the latter end of Odtober, I remember to have heard that one gentleman had
tc loft fix dogs, in the ufual manner that thefe animals are feized — a giddinefs
“ in the head, an inability to eat,, with a paralytic affedtion of the hinder extre-
<c mities.

“ From the middle of Odtober (to which time Dr. Pulteney fixes the com-
“ mencement of this diforder, when he himfelf was feized, though he was never
“ confined by it) feveral individuals complained of colds, which were confi-
cc dered as accidental, and but little attended to ; but it was not, I think, till
“ after the 10th of November that the malady 'became general. On the 15th I
“ firft vifited a patient labouring under it. The manner of feizure and the
“ fymptoms were fimilar here to your defcription of them ; feveral complained
<f of a heavy, dull pain in the head, and many had fixed pains in the fide.
“ The appearance of the tongue, the feel of the fkin, were as you defcribe ;
“ and, though the pulfe was generally full and quick, yet I was not fenfible
“ of that hardnefs in it that you mention ; fo that the violence of the cough,
“ with the pains in the breaft, and the difficulty of expedtoration, indicated
<JC the neceffity of taking off blood rather than the hardnefs of the pulfe. The
<c blood always had .the appearance which you defcribe. I never once faw it
“ cupped or purfed up.. In general it was neceffary to draw off blood, and
t( many times oftener than once ; but I never once ordered it without the
(C patient’s being fenfibly relieved by it, and the benefit was commonly felt im-
“ mediately. I ufually diredted blifters too, on account of the pain in the
“ head, the inceffant cough, or the fixed pains in the breaft ■, and their falutary
“ effedls were, I think, as conftantly perceived.

“ Befides thefe, I ordered the neutral falts, pedtoral lindtufes, foft lubri-
u eating drinks, which, with a Tunable diet, univerfally fucceeded, for I loft
xt none i and I have not heard of any that could properly be faid to die of this
“ diforder. The medicines and diet diredled kept the bowels properly lax, for
“ which reafon I hardly ever ordered a purgative. None of my patients were
*c feized with a diarrhoea, fo that I never obferved the colour of the ftools ;
“ though I have fince heard that feveral young people were attacked in this
t( way, and had the diforder lightly. Towards the decline of the diforder, forty
“ or fifty drops of the elix. paregor. in a draught with oxym. fcill. a drachm,
fc or a drachm and a half, taken at bed-time, abated the violence of the
<c cough, procured reft, and occafioned a gentle moifture on the Ikin. In two
“ cafes which I faw, the diforder ffiifted to the putrid clafs. A gentleman’s

.Coachman was feized with the common fymptoms, was blooded, &c. got

1 t( better,

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775. 625

ft better, went abroad, got well : the fame complaints returned ; was blooded
cf again, was relieved, but in a few days I was fent for, when I found him
“ labouring under a great deje&ion of fpirits, defpairing of his recovery; a
cc ftupifying pain in the head, oppreflion of the prsecordia, moderate warmth
<c of the fkin, with a quick rather than low pulfe, and a great general debility.
“ I had the curiofity to examine his throat, of which he did not complain,
cc when I found thin white doughs on the uvula and tonfils. Blifters, a warm
<f regimen, and the bark, with gargles, in about ten days reftored him.

<c The other was butler to a gentleman, fix of whofe fervants I had prefcribed
<f for in the reigning diforder, and who had been recovered by bleeding,
<c and the ufual regimen. This man, believing himfelf feized with the com*
(C mon complaint, fent for the apothecary to bleed him ; but four ounces only
“ were taken off, as he was faintifh. I faw him by accident next day; the
“ blood was florid and of a weak texture ; his pulfe quick and feeble : forne
{t ulcers appeared on the tonfils. By the bark and a warm regimen he got
<c well in a few days. In many gentlemen’s families in this county not one
{f fervant free from the diforder, in others but one or two infecfted. I think it
(C raged chiefly in the weftern and northern parts of this county. Many per-
<c fons in Dorchefter complained of coughs and colds ; but a few only were
“ confined to the houfe.

<f You may remember that, in the fpring of the year 1762, a diforder
“ fomewhat fimilar to this, but not fo general, was very frequent in moft parts
« of this kingdom; but what correfponded with it in almoft every particular,
tc was the fever and cold that appeared in the winter of the year 1732, in mofl
“ parts of Europe, America, and the Weft Indies, of which a particular account
1C is given in the fecond volume of the Edinburgh Medical Eflavs.”

Dr. THOMAS GLASS, Exeter.

IN the city of Exeter, and the country about it, colds and coughs were
not more frequent than ufual during the latter part of the paft autumn. But
from the 8th of November the number of people who were continually
coughing increafed fo faft, that it was foon evident the Epidemical Colds,
which began in London, as we were informed by the public papers more than
a week before, had reached us. This difeafe appeared to be at its height

4 L here

62 6 Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775-

here from the 18th to the 24th of the fame month, and attacked very few after
the 4th of December 5 but by this time almoft every ©ne had felt more or lefs
of its effects.

On the nth or 12th of November it made its appearance in the Devon
and Exeter Hofpital, and within a week feized 173 perfons, being all the fer-
vants and patients then in the houfe, except two children; 162 of them were
coughing together. Is it not remarkable that fuch a number of hofpital
patients, affiicfted with fo various and different kinds of diftempers, and under
the operations of the moft efficacious medicines of the moft oppofite qualities,
ffiould have been all affedted, almoft at the fame time, and in the fame manner,
by the caufe of thefe epidemical coughs ?

Two or three days after the hofpital had been attacked, the City Workhoufe
was vifited by them : of near 200 poor people, who are in this houfe, but few
efcaped; all the others were complaining at the fame time.

From Exeter the difeafe travelled towards Cornwall; about the 13th of
November it arrived at Okehampton and Afhburton, and about the 15th at
Plymouth. I have no certain intelligence when or where it palled from De-
vonffiire into Cornwall ; but by the 20th it had reached Truro ; and, before
the end of the firft week in December, had fpread to all parts of that
county.

The conftitution, produdtive of this Epidemic, very feldom, I believe, con-
tinued to exert its influence with much force in any place more than three
weeks or a month ; fo that, after this time, a few only were attacked by it
and it was generally obferved, that in the churches, for two Sundays following,
nothing was to be heard but coughing ; and that on the third Sunday this
difturbance was much lefs. I cannot find that there is any part of thefe two
counties but what was vifited by it.

Its appearance in this city was the fame as in London, except only, that it
was he.re much more favourable, and attended with fome fymptoms befides
thofe you have mentioned in your Sketch : for many of our patients, efpecially
fuch as had a confiderable degree of fever, complained of great lownefs of
fpirits and fudden weaknefs ; feveral of them of a perfect inappetency both to
meat and drink (moft of thefe had fevere coughs without much fever) and
fome of them a forenefs throughout the windpipe and oefophagus, with a great
pain in fwallowing even liquids ; others of a violent pain in their ears. A few
had Houghs of the malignant kind on their tonfils ; fwellings of thefe, and of
the fub-maxillary glands were not unfrequent, but occurred oftener in fome
towns than others. One of my patients had a large parotid, which fuppurated
(lowly, and broke at the end of three weeks. Eruptions on the lips, towards the
crifis, were a common and very falutary fymptom. Many felt no feverifh
heat, but almoft all, if not all, had more or lefs of a cough.

This

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775. 627

This circumftance, probably, induced Sydenham to give the name of TufTis
Epidemica to the difeafe which had been called Febris Catarrhalis Epidemica
by his predeceflfors, who feem to have been of opinion that a cough, without
a fever, was nothing more than a fymptom of a common cold. The impro-
priety of calling a cough, without any feverifli heat, a catarrhous fever, bein'g
obvious.

Moll people in this part of the kingdom, who had coughs and colds during
the late epidemical conftitution, took no more notice of them than they would
have taken of common colds, and got well, when they were without a fever,
fooner than thofe who, in the like circurnftances, fubmitted to confinement.
Nor needed fuch perfons any other treatment than that which Sydenham recom-
mended to his patients, who had epidemical coughs, but no fever, in the
year 1675.

But thofe who appeared to be feverifli, and had pains in their head, bread:,
back, or limbs, were advifed by the Faculty in this city to confine themfelves
to their beds, and to drink frequently barley-water, water-gruel, linfeed-tea,
and other foft diluting liquors (which were fometimes fweetened with honey)
very hot. Saline draughts, with fpermaceti, were often prefcribed ; to which,
if the patient felt himfelf low, and inclined to be faint, was added cordial
confection ; or, if he was not difpofed to fweat freely, emetic tartar, but not
enough to excite a naufea. A plentiful and eafy fweat, continued' for a fufficient
fpace of time, carried off the catarrhous fever and pains on the firft, fecond,
third, or fourth day of the difeafe. This fever, which has been called a Diary
and Decreafing Fever, becaufe it either ends or begins to decline within
twenty-four hours, and never exceeds the fourth day, was accounted an elfen-
tial part of the Catarrhous Epidemic, and feems indeed to be an immediate
effect of its caufe. But the cough generally remained after the fever was
fubdued, until an eafy expectoration of concocted matter put an end to it.
The foft diluting liquors, and the medicines above-mentioned, were defigned
to bring on this critical expectoration, as well as to promote a fweat. And, to
anfwer that end, paregoric elixir was likewife given, if the cough was very
troublefome, and the matter brought up by it crude and thin, after the fever
was gone off or confiderably abated.

In a certain town many perfons, to whom, as foon as they applied for aflift-
ance, wine-whey with fpirits of hartfhorn was freely given to force out a fweat,
and paregoric elixir to quiet their cough, became delirious.

Sometimes a violent cough, with confiderable but not inflammatory pains
about the breaft, feemed to require bleeding on the fecond or third day of
the difeafe , but this evacuation weakened the patient, without removing his
pains, or mitigating his cough in any confiderable degree, and feemed to retard

4 L 2 his

628 Of the Epidemic Difeafe 'which appeai'ed in London hi 1775.

his recovery. In feveral inftances, as I am well informed, the lofs of blood,
at this early period of the difeafe, was followed, not immediately, but within
a few days, by fevere paroxyfms, refembling thofe of an intermittent. And I
apprehend that bleeding is then only neceflary in this diftemper, when it is
accompanied with real inflammatory fymptoms : and that purging is alfo im-
proper, unlefs a fever, which requires this evacuation, is complicated with
the catarrhous complaints ; a fpontaneous fweat being the natural remedy of
the fever, which is molt efiential to them. Mercatus has very judicioufly
remarked, that this Epidemical Catarrhous Difeafe is to be treated according
to the nature and difpofition of the fever with which it happens to be afio-
ciated ; fo that in fome cafes bleeding is neceflary, in others purging ; but in
moll a proper regimen only is required. This judgment of the Spanifh
phyfician is confirmed by the experience of our fagacious Sydenham, who cured
the Stationary Fever of 1675, when it was united with the Epidemical Cough
of that year, in the fame manner, and with the fame fuccefs, as he had done
before thefe coughs made their appearance.

If the feverifh diforder, accompanying the catarrhous complaints, continues
increafing for two or three days, it is certain that another fever, befides
the Diary or Decreafing Fever, is complicated with them. This adventitious
fever has been moil commonly found to produce either fymptoms peculiar to
fevers of the inflammatory kind, or thofe which were rhe diftinguifhing marks
of the fever of the feafon.

Before we were vifited by the late Epidemic, the atrabilious conflitution,
which, according to Dr. Grant’s accurate obfervations, begins fome time in
OCtober, or the beginning of November, had taken place. And on this ac-
count a plentiful difcharge of black bilious ftools, coming on of its own
accord, or procured by gentle and repeated purging medicines, when there
were pains or uneafinefs in the bowels, or a diftenfion of the belly and prtecor-
dia, with inquietude or other figns of turgid matter in the inteftines, foon
freed the patient from the fever of the feafon, and all the complaints arifing
from it.

But when any danger was apprehended from inflammatory complaints, which
did not often happen in this part of the country, more or lefs blood was taken
away. This was always fizy, and the fize for the moft part formed a cup-like
appearance. We had likewife recourfe to anti-phlogiftic medicines, and occa-
fionally to blifters, which more fenfibly abated pleuritic pains, being applied
to the part affeCted, than the previous bleeding.

Peripneumonic complaints, the moft alarming fymptom of all, were gra-
dually carried off by a free and eafy expectoration of digefted matter. Such,
remedies were therefore adminiftered, as have been found, by experience, to

promote

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775.

629

promote the digeftion of thick vifcid humours, collected and retained in the
Jungs, and to facilitate their difcharge.

This difeafe proved fatal to exceeding few in this city or country, and thofe
who died of it were ancient perfons or pulmonics. Such as thefe have been
the principal fufferers in every epidemical catarrhous conftitution, of which I
have read any defcription. Children, both in Devonfhire and Cornwall, were
lefs fubjeft to the Diftemper than adults 3 their complaints, when -they had
taken it, were {lighter, and they fooner got well, Almoft all of them had watery
eyes and a running nofe.

From the accounts and defcriptions given us by phyficians of the Febris
Catarrhalis Epidemica, or Tufies Epidemics, which, fince the year 1557, have
made their appearance in Europe at leaft a dozen times, it is fufficiently evi-
dent that they are the fame difeafe, diverfified only as the fmall-pox are, by
the influence of the climate, the feafons of the year, and the conftitution
of the air.

Whilft it was the general opinion of philofophers, that all things upon earth
were governed by the heavens, phyficians imputed the Epidemical Catarrhous
Semi-peftilential Fever, to the influence of the ftars 3 whence the Italians gave
it the name of Influenza.

Wintringham and others, who attribute this general Epidemic to moift, cold
weather, coming on fuddenly after a lading, warm, dry feafon, feem not enough
to have apprehended that it is a difeafe of all feafons and climates, which I
think it moft certainly is. For we are informed by Willis, in cap. xvii. de Fe-
bribus , that it vifited this kingdom in April 1658 3 and that the whole fpring
and the beginning of the fummer this year were uncommonly cold, and the
preceding winter exceflively hard. And Mercatus relates, in lib. ii. de intern,
morb. curat, that it was raging in fome part or other of Spain during the whole
dimmer of the year 1580, and deftroyed not a few. It is recorded by Fonfeca,
in Fijputat. de Garotillo , that in the year 1557 it infefted Afia, came from thence
to Conftantinople, then fpread itfelf over all Europe, and afterwards attacked
America. And by a Society of Phyficians at Edinburgh, in the feccnd volume of
their Medical EJfays, that about the middle of November 1732 it made its
appearance in the northern parts of Germany, and reached Naples and Spain
before the end of February 1733, having, in the mean time, over-run all
Europe. That about the middle of the following October it arrived in New
England, and travelled fouthward to Barbadoes, Jamaica, Peru, and Mexico,
much at the fame rate as it had done in Europe. Now thefe hiftorical fadts
being inconfiftent with the conjedtures of thefe gentlemen, who would perfuade
us that this uncommon and moft univerfal difeafe is produced by the fame
conftitution of the air as that which produces our common autumnal colds and

coughs —

630 Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775.

coughs — if we believe the hiftorians, we muft neceffarily conclude that this
notion of the theorifts is falfe.

Nor does this diftemper feem to arife (which is, I think, at prefent the more
general opinion) from contagion ; for in this city, in the year 1729, it was
conjectured that two thoufand perfons at lead: were feized with it in one ni»ht.
But what is more extraordinary, before the beginning of autumn, in the year
1557, it attacked all parts of Spain at once, fo that the greateft part of the
people in that kingdom were feized with it almoft on the fame day. This very
fingular circumftance is related by Mercatus, who fays, that it happened in his
own time.

And after all the attempts that have been made to afcertain the caufes of
general Epidemical Difeafes, not arifing from the fenfible qualities of the air,
we feem to have as little real knowledge of them as the ancient Greek phyfi-
cians had ; who referred thefe diftempers to fomething in the air, which is
not the objeCl of fenfe, but which, like the Supreme Caufe of all things, only
manifefts its exiftence and power to us by its efFeCts. This fomething;, there-
fore, though different in different epidemical confcitutions, was not improperly
called by Hippocrates to 0aoi/.

I have only to add, that in this part of the country, in the month of Sep-
tember, many horfes and dogs were feverely afflicted with colds and coughs.
Which circumftance, it fhould feem, was not merely accidental ; fince it has
been obferved, that horfes were infeCted before men in three general epidemical
conftitutions that have happened in our time. And I am inclined to think,
that the peftilence mentioned by Homer, which, within the fpace of nine days,
fpread itfelf over all the Grecian quarters, and a little while after difappeared,
was an Epidemic of the fame kind j becaufe neither the true plague, nor any
other epidemical difeafe, with whofe hiftory I am acquainted, has been known
to make fo rapid a progrefs, or to end fo foon, as that peftilence did.

Dr. A S H.

Birmingham , Dec. 2, 1775.

1, 2, and 3. THE Epidemic, of which we had accounts in the public
-papers from London, made its appearance in this place about the middle of
November ; and no frefh fubjedts were attacked v/ith it after the 7th or 8th
of December. The period of it did not exceed a month ; there was no dif-

tindlion

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775. 631

tinCtion of the fexes among# grown perfons : thofe who were moft in the air
were, in general, leaft affeCted : few children difeafed.

4, 5, 6, and 7. In the town many were fuddenly feized, efpecially in the
morning early, with uni verbal rigours, and pains in the limbs and back part
of the head, a roughnefs rather than forenefs in the throat, great laffitude
and dejeCtion of fpirits, great oppreffion on the prsecordia, and fome few with
pleuritic pains. Many complained of a naufea, and an inclination to vomit.
The tongue was generally moift in the beginning, with a whitenefs and fome-
times a darker cruft toward the back part of it. The flcin was feldom hot
or dry, and the general temperature of the habit moderate. The appetite,
except in the fubjeCts who complained of naufea, was not much affected; but
the patients in general complained of a total lofs of a diftinCtion of tafte of
one kind of food from another. The cough was inceffant, efpecially on lying
down i'n bed. In no patient, whom I attended, was there any hardnefs or
tenfion in the pulfe : and it never appeared neceffary to take any blood away.
In fome few who had been blooded, on account of an haemorrhage from the
nofe, through the violence of the cough, the blood appeared florid, and of a
tender texture ; the urine was fecreted generally in fmall quantities, and, of
courfe, high-coloured: the ftate of the bowels uncertain. Where a tendency
to a diarrhoea came on, it generally removed the difeafe ; and where a want of
ftools indicated an aperient in the beginning of the difeafe, it had in general
the fame happy effeCts.

8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. An early attention to adminifter and repeat fome mild
cathartics, with diluting cooling liquors and mild diaphoretics, foon brought
on an eafy expectoration, and removed all the other fymptoms, except the
cough, which generally continued, in fome degree, ten or twelve days, but
was much relieved by fmall dofes of anodynes. The aged and difeafed pa-
tients, efpecially afthmatics, buffered moft, and to fome few it proved fatal.
In the progrefs of the difeafe, when not immediately relieved by the firft in-
tentions, many difficult and perplexing fymptoms arofe that were not eafily
removed, and often appeared alarming. Gentle and repeated purgatives were
of the moft certain ufe ; and, if not early admrniftered, or negleCted to be
repeated, an obftinate coftivenefs fometimes came on, that was to be relieved
only by clyfters frequently repeated ; and, in one cafe, all efforts of that kind
were ineffectual ; and, although the heat was moderate the whole time, the
difeafe proved fatal, and terminated in a mortification of the bowels.

In thefe aggravated fymptoms of the diforder the nights were in general
difquiet; the cough continued violent, although the expectoration was plenti-
ful ; and the head was affeCted. Blifters were generally of good effeCt, and
fomentations and finapifms to the feet gave great relief. The difeafe was par-

5 ricularlv

632 Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775.

ticularly troublefome to women in the latter part of their pregnancy. A
healthy young woman, very near her time, was feized with this difeafe : the
fymptoms were more violent than common ; but no aftiftance was called to
her, on a fuppofition that medicines were improper in her prefent fituation :
after her delivery all afiiftance was in vain, and fhe died phrenetic on the fifth
day. Her child was born, to all appearance, in a healthful ftate, but was feized
with convulfions the fecond day after its birth, and died the evening preceding
the mother’s death. I was called upon to attend two other women in the fame
fituation, and directed for them the ufual methods of treatment] they had
both a happy delivery, and the cough and all other fymptoms ceafed foon after,
except the dejection of fpirits, with lome flight palpitations of the heart, which
foon gave way to foetid medicines.

The difeafe, in its decline, often aflumed the form of an intermittent; and
the Peruvian bark feemed immediately indicated, but it never had its wifhed-for
or expe&ed fuccefs : it feemed to aggravate the difeafe, and threatened to bring
on a relapfe, and was never of ufe except it a£ted as a brifk purgative on its
being firfb given, which was often its immediate effedt ; if not, it was highly
prejudicial. Befides ; the gentle and mild cathartics, frequently repeated, with
diluting liquors ; mild diaphoretics, with fmall dofes of emetic tartar in every
form of medicine ; emetics were given with the greateft fuccefs, efpecially
when the naufea immediately indicated them ; but if not immediately indicated,
were in general found to abate the progrefs of the difeafe.

The different ftate of the blood in this place, from what you found it in
London, deferves our peculiar attention. In a workhoufe in a neighbouring
town, three died of the Epidemic, who were all blooded : all the reft reco-
vered, who were not bled, but took the repeated purgatives only, and the De-
-co hi um Nitrojum.

Dr. W. WHIT E.

York, Dec. 22, 1775.

THIS Epidemic Difeafe feems to have appeared rather earlier with us than
in London : it was obferved before the end of October, became general in the
beginning of November, at which time many whole families were indifpofed.
Not one dwelling-houfe efcaped : I was myfelf feized with it on the 2d of that
-month; and, in a very fhort time, it became the moft univerfal difeafe that

hath

Of the 'Epidemic Eifeafe 'which appeared in London in 1775. 6 33

hath been remembered with us. It was much abated by the fird week of De-
cember, and feems now to have entirely left us.

The attack was generally fudden, with a fenfe of fevere coldnefs, efpecially
in the back and lower extremities. This, in many, was attended with a giddi-
nefs ; in a few, with naufea and abhorrence of food, generally uneafinefs about
the praecordia, great anxiety, and wearinefs. The pulfe fmali and contracted,
from ten to twenty above the natural rate; urine pale; body generally codive.
Some had more or lefs forenefs in the throat, and what is called a (luffing in
the head, and fneezing violently ; all had a very bad tickling cough, which foon
caufed flitches and forenefs in the bread.

Thofe fymptoms, as they were more or lefs violent, were fooner or later
followed by feveriffi heat, but feldom to any high degree, remarkable forenefs
all over the body, and flight pains in the head, limbs, loins, and bread.
The urine now feldom high-coloured, forming a cloud when cold ; a diarrhoea
uncommon here, the contrary date common. Pulfe in mod one hundred in a
minute, in feveral much quicker, feldom full or drong. Tongue whitiffi, but
moid, little remarkable third ; a complaint of a bad tade in the mouth was
general, and the breath offenfive.

No regular crifis was obfervable ; the fever was of the remittent kind, and
gradually fubfided in general. All became much worfe in the afternoon, and fo
continued till three or four o’clock the following morning, about which time a
moderate fweating relieved the patient, who, after a few hours of quiet deep,
awoke much eafier : the difeafe thus went on feveral days, without any inter-
vening cold fit. For four days together my pulfe was 90 (15 above the natural
rate) in the morning, in the evening 115: the fame I obferved in feveral
others.

In all, the nervous fydem was much difordered, various affedlions of the
fpafmodic kind occurred, and the anxiety, defpondency, and redlednefs, were
much more remarkable than the general mildnefs of the vafcular irritation
gave room to expedl.

Regarding the prognofis : A quick recovery followed fuch urine as quickly
turned milky after making, foon after depofiting a copious fediment ; it was
always attended with moid (kin, an abatement of the cough, the quicknefs of
the pulfe, and anxiety. Some had more confiderable fweats ; I faw no crifis by
a fpontaneous diarrhoea, nor any recovery without the urine above mentioned.

This Epidemic was, with us, in general fo mild, as feldom to engage the
attendance of a phyfician ; yet it brought fome aged afthmatics, and young
people of a confumptive habit, into imminent danger : of fuch a few died
in this city, efpecially the former.

As to the curative part, it was feldom neceflary here to take away blood :

4 M fome

*34

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775.

fome were relieved by it, but, in general, it did hurt, by deprefling the
patients. An ingenious apothecary, who, from his extenfive practice, had a'
very great number of the Tick under his care, informed me that this evacua-
tion feemed to relieve fome immediately, but that he never faw in any other
difeafe fo many bad fymptoms follow bleeding as in this Epidemic. Gentle
cooling purgatives were univerfally beneficial in abating the anxiety and railing
the fpirits. Emetics were feldom indicated ; nor were blifters often required,
but were ufeful in abating the cough and Hitches.

The difeafe was feldom fo violent as to call for antimonials j but when
ufed, as I did in feveral cafes, they never failed in their febrifuge effe&s. I
never gave an anodyne until the pulfe was confiderably reduced, to about 80,
then they had every definable effeCt : when given without this rule they often
difagreed with the patient, acting as a ftimulant.

The appearance of the urine above mentioned, which was always attended
with other figns of an 'apyrexia, was my rule for giving the cortex j and it
never failed in quickly reftoring the patient. Without its affiftance feveral
continued for fome time in a weak and irritable condition, fo as to alarm their
friends with the apprehenfion of a confumption. I was called to one patient
who had been a month in this fituation, weak, languid, difpirited, and worn
out with a violent cough and want of fleepj his urine was as above defcribed :
the cortex, and an anodyne at night, with riding upon horfeback, foon cured
him.

But, in general, a few days confinement, abftinence from flefh meat, and
frequent fippings of fome tepid peCtoral drink, fufficed for the cure. But it
was univerfally found necefiary to allow a nutritious diet ; and fuch as had
been accuftomed to liquors of the more ftimulating kind became worfe if
debarred their ufe •, the anxiety, inquietude, and other nervous affections, being
encreafed by fuch procedure.

Although I keep a journal of weather, I think it unneceffary to relate it ; it
agrees pretty much with Dr. FothergilFs account. I fhall juft obferve, that
the Epidemic was probably checked here by a fudden fevere froft and fnow.
The thermometer, which had been for fome time between 40 and 50, fell in one
night’s time to 22, and continued for fome days below the freezing point. It
is one of Farenheit’s, and hangs in a garden behind my houfe, having an open
expofure to the fouth-weft.

The above account of the Epidemic, as it appeared at York, may be de-
pended upon for its exaClnefs, being the refult of my own and the joint obfer-
vations of the Faculty here, and it will give me pleafure to find it acceptable
to Dr. Fothergill.

W. W.

Dr.

\r

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775.

Dr. HAYGARTH, Chefter.

THE Epidemical Catarrh of 1775 feized, in general, the inhabitants of
Chefter about the middle of November. From the 15th till the 25th of that
month the diftemper fpread mod univerfally ; yet very few were attacked fo
late as December. Indeed I faw one cafe, on the 2d of November, of a lady
who had fuffered manifeft fymptoms of this Epidemic fix days before ; but I
heard of no other inftance of its appearing here fo early, and the diforder did
not become general till near a fortnight later. This Epidemic pervaded all
North Wales within three or five days after its general feizure of the inhabitants
in Chefter; that is, on the 1 8th or 20th of November, as I have had authentic
information from every town and every confiderable village, and their neigh-
bourhood. I was curious to know how thofe were affe&ed who were mod
fecluded from the intercourfe of fociety ; an intelligent practitioner informs
me, that in Llyn, the moft weftern and remote corner of Carnarvonlhire, this
Epidemic began about the 20th of November, was general through every part
of this peninfula, and affeCted all clafles of people : that one in a family now
and then efcaped it, but that he knew no family, however fmall, among whom
it did not make its appearance. My medical correfpondents mention, that
fome cafes occurred in one part of Wales fo early as October the 27th, and
in another the beginning of November. In the weftern part of Chelhire, and
that part of Shroplhire which borders on Chelhire, I obferved that this difeafe
began foon after the middle of November. However, I am certain that in
fome Chelhire villages the Epidemic had not appeared till more than ten days
later, though it afterwards vifited thefe places. Thefe fads, compared with
the general feizure, make the theory of this Epidemic very difficult. On the
whole, I believe people in the country were attacked rather later than in
the towns they furrounded, lefs feverely, and lefs generally ; however, not
only the inhabitants of villages, but of folitary houfes, were feized with this
difeafe. I could not difeover that high or low, dry or moift fituations, the
neighbourhood of mountains, or of the fea, or any other particular expofure,
rendered the Epidemic either later or milder ; though I made very circum-
ftantial inquiries to afeertain thefe faCls.

In this Epidemic at Chefter the catarrhal and feverifh fymptoms were moft
general ; yet I faw a few cafes of fever without cough, and more of cough
without fever. The catarrhal fymptoms were, a frequent cough, which gene-
rally brought up pellucid phlegm, and in old people a plentiful yellow difi-

4M 2 charge;

^36

Of the "Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1 775.

charge ; but in fome cafes was dry, hard, and violent : a copious watery
defluxion from the eyes and nofe, frequent fneezing, hoarfenefs, and fore throat.
The feverijh fymptoms commenced fometimes before and fometimes after the
cough, and began with chilly and hot fits, irregular and alternate, followed by
laffltude, inquietude, uncommon lofs of ftrength and fpirits, want of fleep and
appetite, giddnefs, acute pain in the head, cheft, or a particular point of the
belly, all increafed by coughing ; alfo an aching pain in the head, back, hips,
and limbs. The pulfe was feldom very full or ftrong, except in peripneumonic
cafes ; the fkin had often no unufual heat ; the tongue was generally white and
moift, fometimes yellowifli and furred ; the urine appeared varioufly, but was
commonly high-coloured during the fever. Unlefs an inflammation attacked
the lungs, which was a frequent and dangerous termination of the difeafe, the
fever ufually ceafed in a few days. The cough continued longer, and was of
more uncertain duration. The preceding fymptoms were by far the moft uni-
verfal, and exhibit the regular appearance of the difeafe.

The moft common anomalous complaint was a diarrhoea, with blacldlh ftools :
ficknefs and vomiting occurred lefs frequently. I faw five patients who had
fallen down in a fwoon, preceded by a violent head-ach j three of thefe were
young women, who had the other fymptoms very mildly ; the fourth was a gen-
tleman of an athletic habit, who was never confined by the difeafe ; and the
fifth was a married lady, who, without a preceding cough, had a very violent
loofenefs, fucceeded by a phrenetic delirium, and then by a very urgent cough ;
the loofenefs, delirium, and cough, fucceeded alternately to each other twice
over in a regular manner, but never exifted together : at laft a red rough itching
rafti covered the whole body, after which no fymptom but the cough remained.
In a young girl, a fmooth rednefs of the fkin covered a great part of her body,
exadtly like the appearance in fcarlet fevers. One cafe differed entirely from
the ufual inflammatory type of the difeafe. A young lady at a boarding-fchool
was feized at the fame time, and with like fymptoms, as 26 of her fchool-
fellows. Two days after her firft indifpofition a diarrhoea, with black ftools,
began, and continued above three weeks, attended with a putrid fever, black
dry tongue, fauces, and lips j fordid teeth, total deafnefs, and an idiotic
delirium ; yet Ihe recovered. Her mother and two other attendants were
infe&ed by this fever, in which their heads were principally affe&ed with
violent pain and a wild delirium : the fever was fatal to one of the attendants,
who died phrenetic. The proof of infection, in this putrid fever, was moft
evident ; but I faw no inftance of the epidemical catarrh that appeared to be
communicated by infection. A very large proportion of the inhabitants of
Chefter were feized with this epidemic ; but, as far as may be concluded from
one obfervation, it appears that there were fewer in the higher than the lower

ranks

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775.

637

ranks of fociety. In the Abbey Square, inhabited by perfons who live in eafe
and affluence, only 73 were attacked out of 97 neighbours; that is, fcarcely
more than 3 in 4 ; at the Crofs, inhabited by people in trade, that ccmpofe
the middle rank, 109 had the difeafe out of 114, that is, nearly 18 in 19;
whereas in the Houfe of Induftry not one perfon efcaped the diforder out of
175. Other difeafes did not preclude this: I faw it accompany meafles, con-
fumption, mortification, gout, fcurvy, dropfy, jaundice, &c. It attacked many
who were confined to their houfes, and even to their beds, with other ail-
ments. Young children in general recovered fooneft, and had feweft violent
complaints : however, I was informed by a perfon of fkill, that he faw one
child of two, and another of three months old, with evident fymptoms of
this diftemper. It was mofl fatal to the aged, the afthmatic, and thofe who were
debilitated by other diforders.

A flight degree of the difeafe foon went off without confinement, any par-
ticular diet, or medicines ; but many aggravated both the fever and cough, by
expofing themfelves to cold. With a large number the fymptoms were fo
violent as to confine them to the houfe, and even to bed : in thefe cafes plenty
of cooling and diluting liquids, drank warm, by encouraging fweats which
came on fpontaneoufly, feemed greatly to abate the fever. When the cough
was very violent, during or after the fever, bleeding in general manifeflly alle-
viated it, though the blood had feldom a thick fizy cruft, and often none at all.
In one cafe, even at fo advanced an age as 75, the breathing was fo laborious,
from a fuppreflion of the cough, and the relief from bleeding was fo manifeft,
and fo immediate, that it convinced both my patient and myfelf that this
remedy fnatched her out of the very jaws of death. In fome cafes, antimonials
manifeflly abated both the fever and cough ; in fome, blifters were of fervice ;
in general, cooling purgatives and other antiphlogiftic remedies and regimen,
which it is unneceffary to fpecify, had a falutary effed.

At Chefter, the fpring of 1775 (March, April, May, and beginning of June)
was remarkably dry, and the three laft of thefe months unufually warm : on
April the 28th, at two P. M. the thermometer was 720 in the fhade. July,
Auguft, and September, were wet and warm. On the 19th and 20th of Odober,
for 48 hours, was a ftorm of wind from the weft, attended with rain. The
ftorm was remarkable, both for violence and duration, which wrecked many
fhips on our coaft : the news-papers did not fliew that it extended to any great
diftance ; but different ftorms are mentioned to have happened at different
times: their hiftory, conneded with that of the catarrh, may illuftrate the
queftion whether epidemics have any dependence on ftorms. During Novem-
ber the wind was generally from the eaft: the air was hazy for an unufual

number

638 Of the Epidemic Difeafe •which appeared in London in 1 775.

number of days in this month. About Auguft and September, in North Wales,
almoft all the horfes were feized with coughs.

Though I find that 18 epidemics of this kind have been recorded in medical
books during the laft 400 years, yet perhaps it may not be deemed fuperfluous
to mention another inftance of this catarrh, which feems to be different from
the hiftories I have had an opportunity to confult, in regard to the age of thofe
who were affedted. The diftemper was general in this city and neighbour-
hood : the annexed cafe happened 1 5 miles from hence. As thefe epidemics
are generally mildeft in warm weather, the feafon probably was a caufe of its
being attended with moderate fymptoms. The following account is extradted
from a letter I wrote to my highly-efteemed friend. Dr. Watfon, junior, on
July 5, 1769 :

“ In May fome children were attacked with a cough and fever. Towards
“ the middle of June the difeafe became almoft univerfal among children,
“ between a few months and eight or ten years old, very few efcaping. In
<f general it feized upon all the children in a family, though fome inftances
t( occurred where only one was attacked out of feveral who lived together.
ct Others in the country, who had no communication with the infedted, were
“ feized about the fame time, and with equal violence. Hence this catarrh
“ Teems to have been occafioned by the epidemical conftitution and unknown
“ influence of the air, rather than infedtion. Though the difeafe has been
<c univerfal, I have heard of but two or three cafes in which it was fatal.
“ The fymptoms of this catarrh are, a fhort frequent tickling cough, exadtly
«« like the cough which attends the meafles ; fome are firft feized with fneezing.
“ In a few days the fever begins, with a quick frequent pulfe, a hot and

fometimes a moift fltin, and a white tongue. The cough generally begins
« before the fever, and continues after it. Some children have the cough
“ (which is a very diftinguilhable one) without any fever. During the fever
f( they are generally very fleepy, and fometimes delirious : a difficulty of
<c breathing generally comes on when the cough and fever are violent. The
" urine, in all the cafes I have feen, has a copious white fediment; the blood
tc is very fizy ; worms are frequently difcharged by ftool during the fever.
« This circumftance has increafed a fufpicion I have entertained for fome
« time, that worms are not fo often as fuppofed, or probably not at all,

the caufe of fever. It is natural to expedt that fevers fhould expel worms
“ from the inteftines, but not very likely that worms could produce fevers,
“ for many reafons that might be adduced, were this the proper occafion of
“ difcuffing the point.

« In this epidemic, bleeding gave immediate relief. Emetic tartar abated

u remarkably

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775* 639

« remarkably both the fever and cough: thefe, with blitters and cooling
<c diluting drinks, are the remedies on which I principally depend. I do
" not know of any cafe that ended fatally when treated in this method : one
€t of thofe who died was not blooded. I will tranfcribe you a cafe to illuftrate
(C the difeafe, in a concife method, that I keep the hiftory of almoft all my
<f patients :

<f Junii 17, 1769. ./Etatis 6, Mifs D— — Tufiis, dies viii. nunc brevis,
“ frequens, et pituitam movens. Febris, dies v. nunc cutis calor auAus,
" madorque; lingua albida ; P. 1325 capitis dolor; urinae fedimentum
<{ album, copiofum.

f£ V. S. § v. Hirudo tempori. Tart. emet. gr. f, horis ad furfum vel
(t deorfum purgandum, quotidie. Vefic. dorfo.

“ Jun. 25. Apyrexia. Tufiis tantum matutina.

“ Hauftus Peruvianus ter quotidie.
ft Jul. 1. Ad fanitatem perducitur.

“ In this cafe emetic tartar, in others bleeding, gave moft relief. It may
{( not be improper to mention, that while this epidemic prevailed, I met with
“ a cafe of the croup , diftinguilhed by a peculiar hoarfe wheezing refpiration :
" this patient, who was a boy about five years old, fpat up from his wind-
" pipe four white tough membranes, about four inches long, and half an inch
“ broad, on which the wheezing ceafed. In this cafe both the tonfils and fauces
<( were covered with a'/ white membrane. It feems remarkable, that this difeafe,
“ which is frequent in Scotland, Sweden, Germany, America, and the Weft
“ Indies — places fo diftant, and fo different in climate — fhould never have ap-
«« peared in London, as I was lately affured by a phyfician of long and the moft

general pra&ice in that metropolis*. In Chefter, and North Wales, feveral
u cafes have occurred to my obfervation within a few years.”

Dr. R. P U L T E N E Y, of Blandford, Dorfetfiiire.

In order to acquire the moft accurate information refpefting the Epidemic hftuenca,
Dr. Fothergill fent printed Sketches of the difeafe3 with the preceding Ehieries,

* This difeafe, of the Croup, occurs not unfrequently in the neighbourhood of London. Ediior,

to

6

640 Of the "Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1 775.

to feveral of his correfpondents in the country. Dr. Cuming tranjmitted one of
thefe to his friend Dr. Pulteney, of Blandford ; and the following anfwers from
him were addrejfed to Dr. Cuming , by whofe means I procured them ; and,
from a refpedl to the elegant author of A general View of the Writings of
Linnseus, I have inferted the original , rather than the abridgment in the Medical
Inquiries. Editor.

Blandford , Dec. 17, 1775.

1. I THINK we heard of the diforder in this country rather earlier than
the beginning of November. I had this Epidemic myfelf among the fird.
You recoiled my being ill, when we were together in the middle of October »
and I did not get well in lefs than three weeks after that time.

1. I remarked, that the fervants in many gentlemen’s families were all faid
to be ill of the Diflemper ; and that it was confidered among themfelves as what
they caught of each other.

4, 5. My obfervations, I think, confirm this detail of the fymptoms, as far
as the number of patients, that I was profeffionally concerned for, will allow
me to judge.

7. Two or three that I faw, who fuffered confiderably from it, had very dark-
coloured (tools in the beginning.

8. This obfervation was remarkably true with refped to feveral that fell
under my care ; who were fo teazed with the cough, as to induce them to
get out of bed and fit by the fire in the night-time by which method they
gained a truce, and thought themfelves much relieved.

10. No means feemed to produce a better effect, in fuch as fuffered greatly
from this diforder, than bleeding : and, as far as I could judge, they bore it
uncommonly well. J believe 1 mentioned to you in a letter, that, fo far from
finding any thing really putrid in this difeafe, as was then believed by fome,
on the contrary I had not remarked, for feveral years pad, the fame general
neceffity for bleeding, or the fame good effeds from it. Yet, had I not feen
that good effed, and remarked the fizy appearance of the blood, I own the
black colour of the (tools, in two or three cafes, would have deterred me, at
lead, from the repetition of it.

11. It occurred to me, that blifters, in feveral indances, did not abate the
cough fo much as might have been expeded, and, as often happens, efpecially
for a night or two at lead, while the ferous difcharge continues fomewhat
copious.

Anodynes did very well after fufficient evacuations ; but I did not make
much ufe of them, as 1 thought, in fome cafes, they difpofed to profufe
fweatings in a morning.

Excepting

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in i77j. 641

Excepting bleeding, I trufted more to gentle, repeated, evacuating medi-
cines, than to any other. I thought fmall dofes of James’s powder, with or
without rhubarb, anfwered this purpofe remarkably well. Indeed I was led
fometimes to acquiefce in giving this medicine, from having found my patients
in the ufe of it when I was called in, and in finding that it had done well with
them. Neverthelefs it was judged neceflary to repeat bleeding, in fome cafes,
to the third time, and I did not think that I ever had reafon to be difiatisfied
with it.

12. Although fomething like an intermittent type was remarked in a few
cafes, yet I judged the diforder to be going off at that time, and did not diredt
the bark.

13. I am certain, as to myfelf, that I never rode out, whilft I buffered
from this diforder, without aggravating the cough. And, more than once or
twice, when I thought it going off, a ride brought it on again with confide-
rable violence : yet, at laft the cough left me very abruptly, without my being
able to affign any particular caufe for fo fudden a departure.

15, 17. It feems to me that it was by no means fo univerfally felt with us
as it appears to have been in London ; and I do not know of one perfon who
fell under my particular cognizance, either profeffionally or otherwife, that died
of it.

ao. I heard much of horfes and dogs being affedted, before it was felt
among the human race ; and I remember to have feen blood that was taken
from horfes, at the time, uncommonly fizy : but I apprehend this appearance to
be very common, and that the blood of {tabled and pampered horfes has ufually
this appearance on almoft all occafions.

Dr. WILLIAM THOMSON, of Worcefter.

Dec. 20, 1775.

THIS diftemper became general here about the middle of November, and
fpread gradually in the country around.

In fome, the head was affedted to a degree of ftupor and delirium, which
were relieved as foon as the cheft was affedted.

A diarrhoea frequently happened, and always moderated the other fymptoms.

In molt cafes, where the fymptoms were violent, bleeding was neceffary,
even to the third time : nor did I obferve any inconvenience from it.

4 N

The

642 Of the 'Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1775.

The fatal confequences of the diforder to old afthmatic people were frequent
hereabouts.

People in general recovered flowly, and, for a good while, fuffered great
weaknefs and dejedtion.

G. SKENE, of Aberdeen.

IT began here near the end of November, and continued for four or
five weeks : the fecond and third week it was very general. It went regularly
northward, but was not univerfal to the north of this city. It did not vifit
Fraferburgh, though there was a putrid fever there very fatal at that time.

The difeafe never affumed the type of an intermittent here ; but it is to be
obferved, that the intermittent fever is not known in Aberdeen. We never fee
a regular intermittent, except the patients bring it from other climates im-
mediately, or have been great fufferers by it formerly in other countries and
our fevers very rarely affume that form in their decline.

Dr. D. CAMPBELL, of Lancafler.

Feb. 18, 1776.

WHEN the diforder became fo univerfal here, I think its nature, as
a contagious complaint, might (befides its running fo generally through whole
families) be fairly proved by its progrels from London to the North. Every
account fhewed the prevalence of this epidemic in London , for near three
weeks before it extended to Lancajler. Even when almoft every perfon at
Liverpool was attacked by it, I fcarcely remember to have heard, upon the
molt diligent enquiry, that a greater number of perfons was affedted with
catarrhous fymptoms than ufual. But I think in about three days after we had
been informed of the frequency of the complaint at Liverpool, there was
fcarcely a family in this town but had one or more perfons feized. About

this

Of the Epidemic Difeafe which appeared in London in 1 775.

643

this time I remember to have feen a gentleman from Kirkby Lonfdale, which
lies about fourteen miles hence, in a north-eaft direction, who informed me,
not a perlon he then knew of was, at that time, affedted there 3 but the next
week he informed me, it was then equally univerfal as with us. At the fame
time he told me, that Kirkby Steven (which lies about the fame diftance from
Kirkby Lonfdale, in a fimilar diredtion) had yet efcaped. In a few days, how-
ever, I underftood the complaint was equally general there.

Thefe complaints, which in a manner difappeared on the fetting-in of the
froft, in the beginning of January, have, fince the thaw, which took place the
ift of February, again become rife, though not with the fame frequency and
violence as in December.

4N 2

SOME

I.

—

t «4S ]

SOME ACCOUNT

OF THE

DISEASE OF WHICH DR. FO T H ERG ILL DIED.

HE urinary bladder, though fituated in the lower part of the abdomen.

where it is acceffible, by the paffage of the urethra, to the introduction
of an external inftrument ; and, pofteriorly, by the reCtum, almoft to the
contaCt of the finger ; is neverthelefs liable to difeafes, the ftate and nature of
which, during life, have been fo dubious, as to be afcertained by diffeCtion
only after death. Morgagni * * * §, who has paid attention to the difeafes of this
vifcus, admits this difficulty ; and the Symptomata and Extifpicia of Lieutaud f
afford the moft decifive proofs of this uncertainty, as well as the Nofologia of
Sauvages £, and the writings of many other authors of celebrity §.

Dr. Fothergill’s difeafe was one of thofe attended with fome obfcurity :
we may trace fymptoms of it as early as 1778, which was almoft two years
before its fatal termination. I have before me the Doctor’s own opinion upon

* De Caufis et Sedibus Morborum, lib. iii. lit. 41, art. 12, and particularly 13, 16, 17; and
his numerous authorities, to lit. 43, art. 4.

f Hiftoria Anatomico-Medica, vol. i. p. 293, et feq. ; vol. ii. p. 330; Obf. 1333 ad 1352.

J Nofologia, vol. ii. p. 520, et feq. de Ifchuria.

§ It is not my defign to fpeak particularly of the difeafes of the bladder; and therefore refer
to the writers already quoted, and to their numerous authorities, which may be feen under the
pages to which I have referred.

I may likewife add here, that Hippocrates, and many ancient writers, contain very ufeful fads
upon this fubjed ; and of the moderns, confult Hoffmanni Oper. tom. iii. p. 275 ; Suppl. Secund.
p. 476 ; De Exulceratione Velica; ; Comment, de Rebus, vol. xvii. p. 3. pag.641 ; and particularly
Ada Academ. Regiae Scientiar. an. 1758, vol. xix. j Comment, de Rebus, vol. via. p. 1 6,
vol. xix. p. 469, vol. xxi. p. 500; Adverfaria Medico-Pradica, vol. ii. p. 675, entitled, Com-
mentatio de Ifchuria ex Tumoribus Veficae ; Petit Traite des Maladies, &c. tom. iii. p. 7;
Journal de Medecine, par M, A. Roux, tom, 31, Paris 1769. *

the

646 Some Account of the Difeafe of which Dr. Fothergill died.

the firft attack of his diforder, as communicated to fome of his diftant corre-
fpondents foon after his recovery. To one of them he relates the following
particulars, which I fhall tranfcribe :

November 30, 1778. “ This day fortnight I found, on waking out of a

,c lhort deep, a forcible inclination to make water, but without the power.
<f I had perceived fome heat and unufual difficulty, for a day or two. I im-
tf mediately got up, took a faline laxative which I had in the houfe and found
te myfelf fo much better next morning, as to go my ufual round of bufinefs.
<f In thd night I was feized with a total retention : I was bled, had repeated
“ injections inftantly, but to no effeCt. I took oily and highly anodyne
tc draughts j and, without the lead; mitigation of pain, took upwards of 200
tc drops of TinCtura Thebaica in the fpace of a very few hours, which barely
tc mitigated my diftrefs ; till, after repeated and fruitlefs attempts to draw off
fC the water, with grievous fuffering to myfelf, and no fmall difficulty to the
<c mod: experienced operator in Britain, we at length fucceeded. I ftill
cc continue under the neceffity of having it drawn off twice a day, not a
cc drop paffing without it ; but the operation becomes daily rather lefs painful
“ to myfelf, and lefs difficult to my friend Percival Pott, who attends me.

<c The immediate caufe of this difficulty feems to be a great thickening of
ff the neck of the bladder, which was the effeCt of inflammation. This, being
tc a recent caufe, and all fever now removed, will probably ere long give
tc way.: — To this another caufe is added, which will require attention hereafter,
tc if I am permitted to furvive an enlarged, but not otherwife morbid, proftate
<f gland.”

To another correfpondent, about two weeks afterwards, when the fuppreffion
was removed, he offers a further explanation of this difeafe.

“ Emptying the bladder as often as diftenflon made it neceffary, was the
<c only certain relief I had, till the obftruCting caufe, an inflammation near the
« bulbous part of the urethra,, which clofed the paffage totally, was removed
“ by evacuations and regimen. In proportion as this gave way, the parts
ct began to produce their ufual effeCts, weakly and irregularly at firft, but:
iz by degrees more naturally and uniformly for I found a confiderable defeCt
“ in this operation for a long time, for want of all the parts concerned in it
tc uniting in aCtion in the fame moment. — If the bladder contracted, and the-
“ fphinCter was not opened the fame inftant, pain enfued : if thefe aCted at the
tc fame time, and the mufcles neceffary for its progrefs through the urethra
“ did not inftantly lend their affiftance, all was ineffectual. As ftrength;
<f returns, I find all thefe difficulties abate.”

From this period he continued gradually to recover, and to regain all his
ufual functions, except the ability of retaining his water as long as formerly ;

c and

Some Account of the Dfeafe of ‘which Dr. Fothergill died. 647

and difcharged the duties of his profeffion with his ufuai application and
affiduity.

Soon after he began to recover he felt a pain, though not very acute, in one
heel, which he afcribed to the gout ; and his fubfequent continuance in health
confirmed him in opinion, that the difeafe he had fufpefted in the proftate
gland, was not a morbid enlargement, but a gouty affedtion of that part.

Under this deception he remained till the 12th of December 1780, when
the fecond and final attack commenced. He had, on this day, been inceffantly
engaged in his profeffional duties till late in the evening ; and had experienced
throughout the day more frequent irritations to make water than ufuai ; but it
was not till midnight that he perceived a total fuppreffion, accompanied with
acute pain about the neck of the bladder. To obviate the pain, he had
recourfe to a large dofe of laudanum ; and in the morning the catheter was
attempted to be introduced, but without effedt : a confiderable tenfion of the
abdomen gradually fupervened, on which account purgative medicines and
clyfters were repeatedly adminiftered j which, however, did not produce any
inteftinal difcharge for near three days, either from the torpor of the canal,
increafed by opium, or from the preffure of the bladder, enlarged by obftrudted
urine, and its neck by a tumor, which diffedtion afterwards more fully afcer-
tained.

To remove the inflammation, he was bled in the arm ; and, after a few days
from the attack, he occafionally made ufe of a warm bath in his bedchamber.

In the whole progrefs of this difeafe no material variety of fymptoms oc-
curred. After the means were ufed to obviate inflammation, by bleeding, by
laxatives (to which the inteftines flowly and reludtantly anfwered, without re-
moving the abdominal tenfion) by diluents, and a tepid bath, almoft the
only refource was in the catheter : and this inftrument, which, on a former
occafion, had afforded the moft happy relief, was unavailable in the prefent
inftance, though diredted by the fame able hand *. However, though no
urine was difcharged by the catheter, a fmall quantity was continually oozing
through the urethra, which tended to prolong a painful exiftence to the 26th
of December, when he died.

It would prove of little utility, in the prefent cafe, to defcribe every trifling
variation in the fymptoms of the difeafe itfelf, or the minutiae of medical
treatment. By the catheter no urine could ever be evacuated : after {tools
had been with difficulty procured by, oily and faline purgatives, aided by
clyfters, to lefien the enlargement of the proftate gland calomel was taken

* Dr. Watfon, Dr. Warren, and Dr- Reynolds, were his phyficians.; and Percwal Pott the
furgeon alluded to.

internally,

648 Some Account of the Difeafe of which Dr. Fothergill died.

internally, and fmall quantities of mercurial ointment were rubbed on the peri-
nasum. When the pain was violent, opiates were neceflarily given.

The pulfe, efpecially in the early period of the difeafe, was hard and quick j
-the whole abdomen was tight, and amazingly tumified ; the tenfion juft above
the os pubis was ftill more confiderable. He exprefled his feelings to me,
as if he had been violently inflated with wind to an unufual magnitude ; and
his thirft was almoft infatiable ; but, throughout the courfe of the diforder,
his fenfes were remarkably uniform and colledted.

THE DISSECTION.

UPON infpefting the dead body, the whole belly appeared to be con-
fiderably, but by no means uniformly, fwollen, the tumefcence being much
greater on the left fide than on the right.

Upon opening the abdomen, fcarcely any veftige of an omentum was to be
found ; although there was no deficiency of fat any where elfe, where it might
be expefted.

The bladder , containing a large quantity of urine, was fo diftended as to
reach nearly as high as the navel ■, the coats were very confiderably thickened,
and the greater part of its bulk or volume occupied the left fide of the body,
owing to an unnatural connexion with the parts in its vicinity on that fide.
The coats of this organ were much thickened every where, and in the lower
part of its cavity, clofe to its neck, was found a fungous excrefcence, in fize
fomewhat larger than the largeft of what are commonly called French walnuts,
and longer in proportion to its breadth : it was hard, rough, unequal in its
furface, of a pale red colour ; and was largely and firmly attached to, if not
fpringing from, the internal coat of that part of the bladder which was next
to its neck.

In the fuperior part of the fungus, the body lying fupine, there was a
divifion or flit, forming a kind of gutter or channel, which palled through
about half the thicknefs, and occupied fomething more than half the length, of
this excrefcence. By means of the gutter or channel the catheter had always,
during the Doftor’s laft illnefs, been with facility admitted into the body of
the fungus, but could never proceed further by which, although it was truly
in the bladder, yet, being within the fungus alfo, it could never ferve the pur-
pofe for which it was introduced.

On

r

'

N

■

Some Account of the Difeafe of 'which Dr. Fothergill died. 649

On the other hand, this gutter, feveral days before the Dodor died, had
differed fuch a quantity of urine involuntarily and continually to pafs off,
as, though infufficient to empty the bladder, or remove its diftenfion, had yet
been fully fufficient to prevent either its becoming gangrenous, or burfting;
of neither of which was there the fmalleft appearance.

In the middle of the fungus was a fmall ftone, about the fize of a very fmall
horfe-bean, but thin and flat*.

The proftate gland itfelf was enlarged, hard, and by no means in a natural
ftate.

EXPLANATION of the PLATE.

The bladder, with part of the urethra opened from the anterior part.
a a. The body of the bladder.

h b. The inferior and anterior part of the bladder divided, and thrown back*
c. The neck of the bladder.
d d. The tumor connected with the proftate gland.

e. A fifiure or cavity in this tumor.

f. Part of the urethra divided.

g. Caput gallinaginis, with its orifice.

h h. The orifices of the excretory duds of the proftate.
i i. The corpus cavernofum of the urethra.
k k. The ureters divided.

/ /. The vafa deferentia divided.
m. The veficulae feminales.
n n. The proftate gland.

0 0. The eredor mufcles.

* This was probably collected, after the difeafe had been formed, by depofition of fand from the
urine, as it percolated through the filfure or channel of the excrefcence.

4 O

REMARKS.

650 Some Account of the Difeafe of which Dr. Fot her gill died .

REMARKS.

WHEN the bladder is thus diftended, its neck is thrown up towards the
os pubis, which renders the introduction of the catheter extremely difficult to
the operator. The mufcular fibres running along the fides of the bladder,
are antagonifts to the fibres furrounding the orifice of it. If the bladder be
thus diftended with urine, fo that the mufcular fibres on its fides lofe their
contractile force, and become as it were paralytic, thofe forming the fphinCter
mufcle, having now loft their equilibrium, immediately contract, and form a
fpafm ; and the greater the diftenfion, the ftronger is the fpafm on the orifice
of the bladder, and a natural excretion of the urine becomes more and more
impracticable : hence, in fuch cafes, it happens, that after the urine has been
evacuated by means of the catheter, the bladder does not recover its tone for
many days, or even weeks.

A fuppreffion of urine may thus come on, without any primary morbid
affeCtion of the bladder in general, or the proftate gland in particular; as
from haemorrhoids *, blifters, or other external or internal ftimulants. Perfons
confined in company, and influenced by delicacy, have, by long retention
of urine, fuffered a total fuppreffion ; and the mufcular fibres of the bladder,
being once diftended beyond the tone of contractile power, can only be relieved
by means of the catheter : the diftending fluid being removed, the difeafe,
thus induced, ufually terminates fpeedily.

If, from a repetition of fuch circumftances, or from any other exciting caufes,
inflammation to a confiderable degree fhould enfue, the caufe of the difeafe,
and the fubfequent fymptoms of fuppreffion, are more difficultly removed.
The volume of urine preffing more forcibly upon the proftate gland, generally
excites the moft urgent fymptoms in this part. This ftage of the difeafe may
be termed fimple inflammation.

But if, from the violence of the inflammation, from acrimony of the fluids,
or from other predifpoflng difpofition of the patient, the veffels of the internal
coat of the bladder and proftate gland become thickened and varicous, a
more permanent and dangerous affeCtion refults ; and this ftage may be called
1 varicous inflammation.

The internal membranes of the vifcera are feldom long inflamed, but
aggravated mifchief enfues j thofe lining the bladder and covering the proftate

* Hoffmanni Confult. et Refponf. Med. Cent. ii. & iii. § 3. caf. 84, 93.

7

gland

Some Account of the Difeafe of ’which Dr. Fothexgill died. 651

gland become confiderably thickened, and a kind of herpetic eruption, or
morbid obftruCtion of the glands, have accompanied the varicous ftate of this
vifcus, and fometimes alfo a cyftirrhoea, which I have known inftances of
without the prefence of calculus or ulcer. This ftage may be termed chronic
inflammation .

In any of thefe ftages, where inflammation has been great, and the fluids
perhaps morbid, the membrane covering the proftate gland and internal
furface of the bladder * * * § is liable to form fungous or fchirrous excrefcences,
which fometimes deftroy the patient, by mechanically flopping the paflfage of
the urethra, as happened in the fubjeCt whofe cafe gave rife to the prefent
enquiry. In thefe ftates the proftate gland itfelf is ufually difeafed, and moftly
icirrhous or enlarged, or even ulcerated f being liable, like other glandular
bodies, to various difeafes, from obftruCtion, from a bad ftate of the habit, or
other caufes. For the fake of diftinCtion, this ftage may properly be called
a morbid affeffion of the proflats gland .

1. The inflammatory ftate , after the urine has been evacuated by the catheter,
is further relieved by bleeding from the arm ; by oily laxatives, fuch as caftor
oil, manna with oil of almonds J 5 by emollient anodyne clyfters § ; by the
warm bath; by fmooth mucilaginous drinks, and indulging in an eafy reclined
pofition.

Befides thefe means, which muft occur to every practitioner, topical bleeding
is one of the moft eflential remedies in every fpecies of inflammation in the
bladder, and it is at the fame time one of the eafieft to inftitute : for this
purpofe I have ordered from fix to twelve leeches to be applied to the peri-
nasum. As a partial inflammation, it occurred to me peculiarly to demand a
partial application ; and the benefit that has refulted induces me to urge this

* Sometimes the internal membrane of the bladder forms a duplicature near the neck of the
bladder, and adting like a valve, has prevented the exit of the urine, and thereby deftroyed the
patient, without any morbid affedtion of the bladder itfelf. A difledtion of this kind is in
the pofleflion of furgeon Young.

-j- An ulcer of the uterus, or of the colon or redtum, in fome inftances, is communicated to the
bladder, and has even diffolved the fubftance of this vifcus, in fuch a manner as to allow the
faces, Sec. to pafs into it. A cafe and difledtion of this kind is now before me.

$ Purgatives of neutral falts are often given, from a fuppofition of their adtion being deter-
mined to the bladder; but for this very reafon they fhould be avoided, and every other means
likewife that determines the fluids to this vifcus, or excites irritation.

§ Tn moft difeafes of the bladder and proftate gland, anodyne clyfters are peculiarly interefting ;
after having been ufed with gradual amendment of the patients, I have known inftances where,
from negledt, the injedlion has been omitted, all the painful fymptoms have returned, and been
aggravated.

4 O 2 prafticc

652 Some Account of the Difeafe of which Dr. Fothergill died.

praflice in the ftrongeft manner, as one of the moft eafy and efficacious
remedies.

1. Varicous inflammation not only requires all the former means of removing
fmple inflammation , but alfo a longer perfeverance in their ufe, in order to
obviate that habitual fulnefs, and inflammatory affeCtion of the blood-veflels
and mucous membranes of the parts. This is to be effected by a continued
attention to vegetable, light, mucilaginous, and fpare nourifhment ; by repeated
bleedings, particularly in perinaso ; by avoiding long retention of urine, riding
on horfeback, and other caufes, which bring a determination of the fluids to the
bladder. When there is varicous i?iflammation, the introduction of the catheter,
though carefully performed, often excites an haemorrhage: this, ' however, is
feldom pernicious, as it empties the vefiels preternaturally diftended ; and I
have fometimes feen the fuppreffion ceafe, after a copious fanguineous dif-
charge has followed the removal of the catheter.

3. Chronic inflammation is a term, however paradoxical it may appear, that
occafionally takes place, and is particularly applicable in fome ftates of the
bladder. Like varicous inflammation , the means of obviating preternatural
determination mult be long purfued. To thefe I may add the ufe of iflues in
the thighs, as one of the moft important means of relief in this ftage ; and par-
ticularly, where a cyftirrhcea* endangers the life, or where ulcers of the bladder
may be fufpeCted. Here likewife a decoCtion of uva urfi f, with gummi ftorax
calamitaj, has afforded confiderable benefit: where much debility has enfued,
a decoftion of Peruvian bark may be fubftituted for that of uva urfi.

4. In

, * Pyuria of Sauvages, Nofologia Methodica, tom. ii. p. 394, clafT. 9. xxviii. See Parnham,
Thefis de Cyftirrhcea, Edinb. 1772.

f Jo. Andr. Myrray, Comm, de Uva Urfi, Gott. 1764; De Haen, Rat. Med. tom. ii. p. 160;
Ejufd. Lettre a un de fes Amis, 1763, p. 92 ; Linn. Amcenit. Acad. vol. ii. p. 407 ; Crantz, Mat.
Med. tom. ii. p. 24.

J In the following proportions:

R. Uvse Urfi, femi-unciam, coque ex

Aqua: Fontanas, unc. xvj. ad unc. viij.

Sub finem codtionis addendo
Gummi Storacis Calam. drachmas duas, turn cola.

R. Hujus Colaturae, fefqui-unciam ;

Spir. Lavend. comp, vel

TindL Cortic. Peruviani, femi-drachmam.

M. fiat hauftus ter die fumendus.

R. ExtradL Cicutae, ^j.

Sulph. Aurati Antimonii, 3j*

M. fiat pilul. xiv. cap. i. vel ii. om. node.

R. Argenti

Some Account of the Difeafe of which Dr, Fothergill died.

653

4. In morbid affections of the proftate gland attention muft be directed to the
primary caufe, as well as to the prefent ftate of morbid affe&ion. The reme-
dies before recommended may be applicable here alfo; but after all thefe
means have been affiduoufly attended to, a fchirrous enlargement of this gland
may fubfift.,

In fome inftances of this nature, where inflammation no longer prevails,
cicuta, and a folution of argentum vivum, in fmail dofes, may be prefcribed,
even where no fyphylitic taint is fufpected to have brought on the difeafe :
where this infeflion has preceded a morbid ftate of the proftate gland, mercu-
rials have an effect ftill more certain and efficacious.

If the caufe of fuppreffion originates from a calculus, regard muft be had
thereto. It fometimes happens that a calculus is prefent, but cannot be difco-
vered, efpecially when the proftate gland is much enlarged ; for the catheter,
as it pafies over the gland, may be carried above and beyond the calculus, and
detection of it thus eluded, particularly if it lie immediately under the pro-
tuberance of this gland.

If the morbid affection prove rebellious to every effort of art, and increafes
fo far as totally to obftrutft the urethra, I know of no alternative to prolong
life, except punfturing the bladder ; but of this I have no experience. Human
ingenuity has never yet, that I have heard of, found out a means of removing
fuch tumors in the male fex *, without wounding the bladder; and whether
the operation, if it prolongs life a little, is preferable to death, is not quite
clear -f-.

R. Argenti Vivi, granaiij.

Pulv. G. Arab.

Sacch. Alb. a 3j*

Aq. Purse, §ifs. Tere Argentum Vivum cum Gummi et Saccharo, donee evanefcant
globuli, et gradatim adde Aquam, fiat hauft. bis die fumendus.

* Surgeon Warner has communicated cafes of tumors of the bladder and urethra having been
removed with fuccefs in the female fex. Ph. Tranf. vol. xlvi, p. 1006; vol. xlvii. N° 45, p. 292,
and N° 79, p. 475.

f See Medical Obfervations and Inquiries, vol, vi. p, 101.

MINUTES,

f 655 ]

M I N U T E S, &c.

OF THE

MEDICAL SOCIETY,

RESPECTING THE

FOTHERGILLIAN MEDAL .

To the Medical Society of London.

Gentlemen,

TO preferve the memory of illuftrious chara&ers by fome permanent
memorial, is not only grateful to the friends of the deceafed, but excites
in the living that commendable emulation, which leads to great and virtuous
aftions. Such were thofe which will render dear to diftant pofterity the name
of Dr. John Fothergill; in memorial of whom I have ordered a medal to be
ftruck, under the patronage and at the difpofal of the Medical Society of
London, held in Crane Court, Fleet Street. It will be in gold, of ten guineas
value, to be called the Fothergilltan Medal, and be given annually, on
the 8th day of March, to the author of the beft Eflay upon a prize queftion,
propofed by the Society, on a fubjed of Medicine or Natural Hiftory.

The manner of propofing the annual queftion, and of determining upon the
merits of the memoirs of the candidates, I refer to the determination of the
Society; being perfuaded, from the unanimity of their meetings, and the
learning and judgment of their members, that their decifions will be calculated
to promote medical fcience in particular, and phyfics in general, which are
my motives for requefting their patronage of the Fothergillian Medal.

JOHN COAKLEY LETTSOM.

London ,

May 25, 1784.

London

656

Minutes , &c. of the Medical Society ,

London Medical Society.

gjR Crane Court , 4th June 1784.

AT a fpecial meeting of the Medical Society, convened for the purpofe of
taking into confideration your very liberal propofal of the Fothergillian
Medal, to be difpofed of annually, at the option, and under the patronage of
this Society :

I am ordered to inform you, that the fame has been confidered accordingly,
and met that warm reception and approbation fuch a diilinguifhed favour was
fo well entitled to :

And that this Society, being highly fenfible how much you had thereby
contributed to its advantage and reputation, order me to prefent you with
the Thanks which were unanimoufly voted to you at this meeting.

By order of the Society,

WM WOODVILLE,

(one of the Secretaries.)

To J. C. Lettjom , M. D. & c.

THE following Members of the Medical Society, being appointed a
Committee to confider of the plan and diftribution of the Fothergillian
Medal j viz.

James Sims, M. D.

William Woodville, M. D.

John Meyer, M. D.

William Hamilton, TVT. F).

John Coakley Lettfom, M. D.

Mr. William Norris ■>

Recommend, That the obverfe of the Medal exhibit
The head of Dr. Fothergill, with this legend j

Fothergillius. Medicus. Amicus. Homo.

In the exergue— Nat. Mart . 8, 1712. Ob. Dec. 26, 1780.

The reverfe — Hygeia Handing near the tomb of Dr. Fothergill, holding
in her right hand a wreath to crown the fuccefsful candidate, who is prefented
by Efculapius.

The legend.— Don. Soc. Med. Lond. An. Sal. 1773, institut.

REG U-

1

refpeSHng the Fothergillian MedaL

REGULATIONS refp effing the Medal.

1. THAT the Medal be given annually to the author of the belt Difler-
•iation, on a fubjed propofed by the Society, for which the learned of all
•countries fhall be invited as candidates.

i. Each Diflertation fhall be delivered to the Secretary, written in a legible
hand, in the Latin, Englifh, or French language, at lead two months before the
meeting for adjudging the Medal.

3. With it fhall be delivered a fealed packet, with fome device on the
outfide j and within, the author’s name and defignation.

4. The fame device fhall be put on the Diflertation, that the Society may
know how to add refs the fuccefsful candidate.

5. There fhall be a Committee appointed by the Society, for the purpofe
of adjudging this Medal, confiding of the Council ; to whom fhall be joined
fuch other Members as the Society fhall think proper and their fentence
fhall be final.

6. The Medal fhall be adjudged on the 8th day of March, that being the
birth-day of the late Dr. Fothergill. The fird Medal fhall be adjudged in
the year 1786.

7. No Diflertation with the name of the author affixed can be received, that
the Committee may decide on the merits of each, without any knowledge of,
or partiality for, the author.

8. All the Difiertations, the fuccefsful one excepted, fhall be returned, if
deflred, with the packets unopened which contain the names of the authors.

The following QueAion is propofed as the fubjed for the fird Prize Medal :

« What dijeajes may he mitigated or cured by exciting particular affeftions or

“ pnjftons of the mind?”

FINIS,

4 P

Lately Publijhed , by Dr. LETTSOM;

And Sold by C, D1LLY, in the Poultry.

I* ~Q EFLECTIONS on the general Treatment and Cure of Fevers. O&avo, 1772.

Xv Price 2 s.

II. The Natural Hiftory of the Tea-tree, with Obfervations on the Medical Qualities
of Tea, and Effects of Tea-drinking. V^uano, 177 a. Price 4s. — The Second Edition
is now in the Prefs, Price 5 s.

III. The Naturalift’s and Traveller’s Companion ; containing Inftru&ions for colle&ing
and preferving Obje&s of Natural Hiftory. O&avo, 1774. The Second Edition, Price
2s. 6d. — The Third Edition, enlarged, is now in the Prefs, Price 5s.

IV. Medical Memoirs of the General Difpenfary in London. Oftavo, 1774. Price 5 s.—
The Second Edition is preparing for the Prefs, with an additional Volume, which will com-
plete the Memoirs.

V. Improvement of Medicine in London, on the Bafis of Public Good. O&avo, 1775,
Price is.

VI. Obfervations preparatory to the Ufe of Dr. Mayerfbach’s Medicines. O&avo, 1776.
The Second Edition, Price i s. 6d.

VII. Hiftory of the Origin of Medicine; and of the State of Phyfic prior to the Trajan
War. An Oration delivered before the Medical Society of London. Quarto, 1778.
Price 6 s.

VIII. Obfervations on the Plan propofed for eftablilhing a Difpenfary and Medical Society,
with Formulae Medicamentorum Pauperibus prascipue accommodate. Odlavo, 1779.
Price 1 s.

IX. A Letter to Sir Robert Barker, Knt. F.R.S. and George Stacpoole, Efq; upon
General Inoculation. Quarto, 1779. Price 6d.

X. Obfervations on Baron Dimfdale’s Remarks on Dr. Lettfom’s Letter to Sir Robert
Barker, and George Stacpoole, Efq; refpetfting General Inoculation. Oflavo, 1779.
Price 6d.

XI. An Anfwer to Baron Dimfdale’s Review of Dr. Lettfom’s Obfervations on the
Baton’s Remarks, refpedling a Letter upon General Inoculation. Odtavo, 1779.
Price 6d.

XII. Travels through the interior Parts of North America, in the Years 1766, 1767,
and 1768. By J. Carver, Efq; Captain of a Company of Provincial Troops during the
late War with France. Iliuftrated with Copper-plates, coloured. The Second Edition ; to
which is prefixed fome Account of the Author, by Dr. Lettfom. Oftavo. Price 8 s. in
Boards.

XIII. A Journal of a Voyage to the South Seas, in his Majefty’s Ship the Endeavour,
faithfully tranferibed from the Papers of the late Sydney Parkinfon, Draughtfman to Sir
Jofeph Banks, Bart, in his Expedition with Dr. Solander round the World ; and embellifhed
with Twenty-nine Views and Defigns, engraved by capital Artifts : To which is now added,-
Remarks on the Preface, by the late John Fothergill, M.D. F.R.S. &c. ; and an Appen-
dix, containing an Account of the Voyages of Commodore Byron, Capt. Wallis, Capt*
Carteret, Monf. Bougainville, Capt. Cook, and Capt. Clerke. Royal Quarto, 1 1. 16s.
plain, and 2I. 10 s. coloured, in boards.

XIV. The Works of Dr. Fothergill, complete, in 3 Volumes 0<ftavo. Price 18 s. plains
and 2 1. is. with the Prints coloured.

Printed

BOOKS pubUJbed by Dr. LETT SOM,

I

Printed feparately.

XV. Some*Account of the Life of the late J din Fothergill, M, D. F. R. S. &c. O&avo.

Price 3 s.— A new Edition is in the Prefs, Price 5s. ,f

XVI. Hortus Upionenfis ; or, A Catalogue of the Hot and Green-Houfe Plants in Dr.
Fothergill’s Garden at Upton, at the Time of his Deceafe, Anno 1780. Oftavq. t Price
jc s. 6d.

The following Performance , on the interejling Subject of General Inoculation , has lately been

pubUJbed :

A Letter to J. C. Lettfom, M.D. F.R.S. and S.A.S. occafioned by Baron Dimfdale’s
Remarks on Dr. Lettfom’s Letter to Sir Robert Barker, and George Stacpoole, Efq; upon
General Inoculation. By an uninterefted Spe£lator of the Controverfy between the
Baron Dimfdale and Dr. Watkinfon on the above-mentioned Subject. O&avo, 1779*
Price is. Murray, in Fleet-ftreet, *

«

i

\

/

\

V I

’

* 7 -V

H

-

*1

Ijd

■«

»