Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/409

Rh, attended with extreme debility.

In the year 1665, nearly 100,000 persons died of this destructive malady, in the metropolis alone; and, as the commercial intercourse between this country and the Levant, renders the British ships and shores every year liable to contract this virulent contagion, which, if neglected on its first appearance, might be productive of dreadful consequences, we shall state the most striking indications of its presence, together with an account of the remedies that have been employed with the greatest success.—The first symptoms are, thirst, stupor, giddiness, and violent head-ach; a stiff and uneasy sensation, accompanied with redness and tumors about the eyes, which shed invokmtary tears; the appearance of white pustules on the tongue; and, sooner or later, the eruption of carbuncles on the body; anxiety; palpitation of the heart, which, as well as the liver, becomes preternaturally enlarged; uncommon fetor of the breath; nausea; vomiting of bile; livid spots appear on the whole body; violent hæmorrhages; and, at length, a total prostration of strength.

Various causes have been assigned for the origin of this mortal scourge. Dr. supposes it to arise from a specific contagion, which produces a general putrescency in the fluids, together with a sudden debility of the moving powers, or of the nervous system. Dr. also ascribes it to a pestilential contagion; but the following may be classed among the most obvious causes contributing to induce that disorder; namely, corrupt or damaged grain, putrid fish, or other animal substances; noxious exhalations arising from stagnant waters; residence in confined situations, where the current of air is obstructed; and, lastly, want of cleanliness.

The plague attacks persons of all ages and sexes indiscriminately, though some instances have occurred, in which certain countries and persons were exempt from its influence. Thus, we are informed by, and other writers, that it is unknown in Persia, as well as in Japan. Nor are the gouty and dropsical subject to its attacks; and it appears from a variety of instances, that curriers are likewise exempt from its contagion.

The plague rages most violently in the summer, especially during the increase of the moon; its effects are somewhat diminished in autumn; and, during the winter, it is greatly reduced, or totally suppressed. No precaution, however, can secure any person from a second attack, as many have survived two, and even three visitations of this malignant disease.

Prevention.—Various means have been devised for this purpose; and, as the plague can be introduced into Britain only from other countries, the utmost circumspection is required in performing quarantine, and in ventilating the suspected merchandize, before it is suffered to be warehoused. But, if the plague should unfortunately break out in any particular family or place, those, who are obliged to have any interccurse with the latter, must carefully avoid to come in contact with the infected, or with any article that has passed through their hands. Such, however, as are induced to attend on the sick, ought to adopt the precautions