316 On Malaria^ 



But it is generally, perhaps always, considered as a contagious 

 fever, and perhaps not unnaturally, under the neglect of this 

 cause ; since amidst such a crowd, it is an easy conclusion that 

 the disease is communicated from one to another. Yet, if it 

 were so, the cleanliness to which I have alluded would not be 

 ia prevention ; and in which, were it a contagious fever, it 

 would far more often spread to the people on shore, after reach- 

 ing harbour, than it is found to do. That there are sometimes 

 contagious fevers on shipboard is most certain ; but such cases 

 and their consequences must not be allowed to mislead us on 

 so important point as this, — since this would be to deprive us of 

 the means of prevention which are in our power, and which are 

 as simple as they are efficacious. 



But not to dwell any longer on this case, important as it is, 

 I cannot help thinking, that when naval surgeons shall have 

 duly considered this subject, they will learn to coincide in the 

 same opinion ; and if it should prove so, then may we learn to 

 prevent at sea, that which has been a most grievous evil in 

 more ways than it is necessary to point out. And if ships were 

 to be duly fumigated with sulphurous acid before receiving 

 fresh crews in harbour, with such further precautions as to 

 the people themselves are well understood ; and if, in addi- 

 tion, care was taken, daily, to wash the ship, so as that the 

 pump should bring up water as clear as the sea without, it is 

 almost impossible that diseases of this character should ever 

 make their appearance, or impossible, at least, that they should 

 ever again be a cause of serious suffering. 



But I must terminate a paper which is rapidly exceeding its 

 stipulated bounds ; intending, in a future communication, to 

 complete the subject, by describing what belongs to the pro- 

 pagation of malaria ; what relates to the effects of climate ; and 

 what further may be done as concerns what is the real object 

 of this paper, — the prevention or diminution of disease. 



