BOOK III. CHAP. VI. 509 



The general proofs of an unhealthy fituation,in thk climate, are, 



Firft, Sudden alterations in the evening air, from ftifling heat, to 

 a chilling cold ; this is perceived foon after funfet, and is accompanied 

 with a very heavy dew, which indicates a fwampy unwholefome foil. 



Secondly, Thick noifome fogs, arifing after funfet, from mud, 

 flime, and other impurities, having fomething of the fcent of anew- 

 cleanfed ditch. 



Thirdly, Innumerable fwarms of large mulkeetos, files, and other 

 infcdls, which attend putrid air and low unventilated places, where 

 they delight to breed. 



Fourthly, Where butchers meat is foon corrupted, and in a few 

 hours becomes tainted and full of maggots ; and where wounds, nearly 

 brought to heal, fuddenly break out afrefh, attended with great pu- 

 trefiftion of the parts. 



Fifthly, Where a dead corpfe becomes intolerably ofFenfive in lefs 

 than fix hours. 



Sixthly, Where, by the fubfidence of the water in dry weather, 

 the channel of any river is left bare to the fun, and emits a difagree- 

 ble fmell, by night as well as by day, from putrid flime, dead fifli 

 and infeds, and other corrupted fubftances. 



In fummer nights, the body is moft liable to fevers, becaufe of the 

 alterations of the air ; for, in the beginning of the night, it is fultry ; 

 in the middle, more temperate ; and, towards the morning, cool : by 

 which, the accuftomed flow of perfpiration is checked in timeof fleep, 

 by throwing off the cloaths. This is confirmed by all who travel in 

 hot climates; fuddencold, after warmth, makes a change in the habit,^ 

 by repelling the tranfpiring fleams, which were copioully rifing ; in 

 thefe climates, therefore, it may be neccffary to cover the body, when 

 the nodnrnal dews happen, left the pores fhould be too iuddenly 

 clofed, which might produce fevers of the word kind. 



The dew, which is moft unwholefome and dangerous, is that which 

 rifes imperceptibly from the earth after fmifet. This may eafily be 



enjoy ever Co perfect health, and livrly colour, at their fird an ivriJ. In the month of May a mod 

 difagreeable fteiich annoys it from the fvTOmps ; the putrid vapours are \\ afted upon (he inhabitant-, 

 and are inhaled into their bodies together with the air which they breathe. At the end ol every fum- 

 merthey arefureto be afflided with intermittent fevers. A young couple, who came pairengers uitli 

 Kiilm, went, foon after their arrival at Philadelphia, in perfect health to Salem ; but in a few weeks 

 they both fell fick, and died before the winter was half over. A hot atmofphere, fo impregnated 

 with putrid particles and watery vajjours, cannct fail of producing diarrhte.as, dyfeuteiies, and 

 various Ivinds oi putrid and malignant fevers. 



coUeded^ 



