120 The Cholera. [August, 



world. Still the disease exists ; it is perilous, and though we must hope, 

 that a large share of its virulence is owing to the intolerable filth and 

 penurious food of the northerns, and that, so far, its effects must be 

 much lightened, in more cleanly and weU-fed countries, no precaution 

 can be too strict, and no science too intelligent and active, in guarding 

 this country against the contagion. 



A clever Avork by a physician, who has seen a good deal of cholera 

 in the east, gives the following suggestions : — 



" When cholera prevails in a district, it is of great consequence to avoid as 

 much as possible all exposure to fatigue, &c. Cold is also to be avoided, par- 

 ticularly while asleep," p. 98. 



" Moderately warm clothing, even within the tropics, is also of importance 

 with a view to the prevention of the disease ; and the author has been in the 

 habit, even in the hottest weather, both by precept and example, of recommend- 

 ing the use of flannel next the skin. It is the best means of regulating the 

 warmth of the body, and of preventing sudden and injurious chills. It is 

 unnecessary to enlarge on the depressing effects consequent on a debauch. All 

 who have seen the disease, are aware how frequently an attack of it has suc- 

 ceeded intoxication, p. 99. 



" The minds of all exposed to the remote cause of cholera, should be as 

 much supported as possible ; and every attempt should be made to remove any 

 alarm as to the contagious nature of the disease. It is a good rule, to avoid 

 making the disease, when prevalent, a subject of conversation. * * 



" Little need be said of the injurious effects of hunger ; but it may be ob- 

 served, that it is dangerous, during the prevalence of cholera, to take severe 

 exercise before breakfast, with an empty stomach, p. 100. 



" Tlae aliment should be of easy digestion, generous and nutritive ; those 

 accustomed to live well should not be stinted of any of their usual luxuries ; 

 long fasts and subsequent heavy meals should be avoided ; and fruit and all 

 vegetable matter likely to produce acidity, to disagree with the stomach, or to 

 derange the bowels, must be prohibited. 



" It is so much the fashion in these times for individuals to dose themselves 

 with medicine, that many are apt to resort, for the relief of the uncomfortable 

 feelings which arise during the prevalence of cholera, to some favourite purga- 

 tive ; and innumerable instances have occurred, in which the invasion of the 

 disease seemed the result of an over-dose of medicine, p. 101-2. 



" There is reason to believe, that those residing in well-built houses, and 

 sleeping one or two stories above the ground-floor, are less liable to the disease 

 than those who sleep on the ground, or on mud-floors little raised from the 

 surface," p. 102. 



But what is European science to the wisdom of China ; the " Celestial 

 Empire" beats Europe hollow, and the emperor is worth the whole 

 College of Physicians : — 



"The Russian director of the customs at Kiachta, applied to the dzarguschey, 

 the chief civil oflicer on the Chinese frontier, to establish quarantine institutions 

 against the cholera. Thi latter replied, that police precautions would be useless 

 for his country, on account of its very numerous population ; adding, with the 

 most perfect sangfroid, that this disease would give their empire so much the 

 more room, the more people it carried oft". This notion he supported by the 

 remark, that a sickness of this kind knew its victims, and left others untouched ; 

 that it selected such as live in filth and intemperance ; and that, on the con- 

 trary, a person of undaunted mind, with cleanliness and moderation, was safe 

 from its attack." 



The idea of the folly of precaution, when there were so many to take 

 care of, is a fine piece of orientalism ; but we had no notion that Pro- 

 fessor Malthas had lectured in China ; perhaps he stole the doctrine, 



