346 ON THE EXTERNAL USE OF COLD WATER. 



strength, without any apparent cause, when duly considered, 

 points out a more successful method of treating our putrid, 

 malignant fevers than that which is at present most commonly 

 used* 



In the West Indies fevers are less contagious than in this 

 country, because the same causes of contagion do, in general, 

 not exist there ; the sick being placed in airy and well-ven- 

 tilated chambers ; but in jails, in crowded hospitals and ships, 

 fevers, in the West Indies, are as infectious as in Europe ; 

 of which I have seen many examples within these last four 

 years. The cure, in those cases, was effected by a removal 

 of the sick to better air, — by cleanliness in apparel and bed- 

 clothes, — frequent bathing in the sea for a short time, — cold 

 water alone for drink, or acidulated with elixir of vitriol, — a 

 moderate use of wine, — and the bark. 



London, ) 

 January 2. 178C. J 



