410 DISSERTATION ON THE YAWfi. 



The blood of persons with the jaws seems no way different 

 from that of people in health ; and a person in the yaws is as 

 subject to other diseases as if no such distemper was present. 



Prophylaxis. — To avoid all intercourse or communication 

 with those infected with the yaws, is the only way to prevent its 

 spreading. White people are attentive in this respect, but it 

 is generally out of their power to prevent sound Negroes from 

 visiting and cohabiting with those in the yaws. Such Euro- 

 peans as are owners or overseers of slaves, and who must of- 

 ten be in company with Negroes in the yaws, should be care- 

 ful of having any sores or scratches uncovered, when they ap- 

 proach the infected. He ought frequently to examine the 

 state of their health, and that they keep themselves clean, 

 and properly clothed. He is the best planter who feeds and 

 clothes his Negroes well, and keeps his people in good spirits 

 and cheerful minds. If such people should be infected, the 

 yaws will be of the mildest kind, and of short duration. 



Ratio Medendi. — On every well regulated estate in Ja- 

 maica, a house, for the reception of Negroes in the yaws is 

 built, in some cool and healthy situation, as in plantain 

 walks, and near by a rivulet or pond of good water. The 

 planter provides a careful and discreet matron, who has 

 herself formerly gone safely through the disorder. He 

 provides them with plenty of good food and raiment. He 

 takes care to make them do some easy work, as weeding 

 and cleaning their own provision-grounds, watching a cane- 

 piece, or following sheep or cattle. This prevents them 

 from indulging in sloth and indolence ; it diverts their at- 

 tention from brooding over the affliction they labour under ; 

 and is every way conducive to health. Lastly, He is care- 

 ful that the Negroes keep their persons and apparel neat and 

 clean. 



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