"[ 478 ] 
teen twentieths of the inhabitants of the ifland have 
felt the effe&s of the contagion; and to fome it has 
been repeated feveral times. It has puzzled ail the 
adepts in pharmacy, to find out the caufe and cure 
of it. One favourable circumftance has attended it, 
(viz.) few have died with it. The leeward iflands 
have not efcaped it, having raged there more vio- 
lently, and more fatal. His Majefty’s fhips have fe- 
verely felt the effects of it, fome of them not being 
capable of keeping the feas, for want of men fit for 
fervice. 
This happening at a feafon of the year remarkably 
the healthieft, makes it the more furprizingj 1 had 
faid ftrange, in compliance with the aptnefs of the ex- 
preflion, only, I think, all natural caufes are equally 
fo, though thofe are not alike Grangers to them, whofe 
bufinefs it is to feek the acquaintance. Bleeding has 
been found of great efficacy, and uled, both by way 
of prevention and cure, with great fuccefs. 
S I R, 
Your moft obedient 
humble fervant, 
» 
Abraham Mafon, 
tpniV I. Ob~ 
