Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 1 (Stockdale).djvu/377

] He was in a state of convalescence not more than eight days.

This species of fever, occasioned by stagnant waters, in a tropical climate, was treated with diluting draughts and antispasmodics. Ether given frequently, and in small doses, had a tendency to support the strength of the patient, while it moderated the violence of the symptoms.

M. Hoffman, surgeon of the military hospital, visited our patient several times a day. Our chief surgeon also regularly attended him.

M. Bourguellés, the Company's treasurer, persuaded the Commander of our expedition, that the united skill of all the physicians in Europe, was not equal to that of a Malay doctor, in the treatment of such diseases. One of the most able of them was therefore called in. He did not propose to perform the cure by internal remedies; for he gave the patient nothing to take; but after rubbing slightly the skin of different parts of the body, and properly adjusting the lower extremities, he pronounced, with a mysterious air, some words, which he seemed to address to the Supreme Being. Then he conjured, as we were told, the evil spirits, whom those islanders look upon as the authors of diseases. M. Bourguellés was overjoyed to see the doctor operate in his best manner, in order to obtain the desired success. We