206 
FROM THE CAPITAL OF THE CRIMEA, 
chap, frequent fevers; but strangers rarely escape. 
■ ~ v— ' The tertian fever is the most common. In 
autumn it is very difficult to avoid this disorder, 
particularly at Akmetchet, Aktinr, Koslof, Sndak, 
and Karasubazar. Baktcheserai is the most 
healthy situation, because a constant current 
of air passes through the defile in which it is 
situate; and the water is excellent 1 . 
After returning from our excursion to Inker- 
man, we endeavoured to investigate the antient 
topography of the Heracleotic Peninsula. This 
was a work of some difficulty; yet the materials 
were ample. The ruins, as they still exist, with 
the assistance of Strabo, and an accurate survey 
of the country, might be deemed sufficient for 
the purpose ; but the insurmountable difficulties 
(I) In consequence either of the visit to Inkerman, or the air of 
Aktiar, the author caught a violent tertian fever, which afflicted him 
during the whole of his journey along the south coast : and he afterwards 
observed at Akmetchet, that it was not possible to walk in the town without 
meeting some persons labouring under a similar disorder. The pale 
Peruvian bark has very little effect in removing the complaint ; but the 
red bark soon cures it : the last paroxysm is generally followed by a 
scalding eruption upon the lips. This symptom, as an index of returning 
health, is always hailed by the inhabitants, who, when they perceive it, 
congratulate the invalid upon the speedy prospect of his recovery. But 
as the poor, and even many of the rich, are unable to procure the bark, 
these fevers often generate dropsical habits, and become fatal. There is 
not a single apothecary in the Crimea. Medicine is therefore almost 
unknown, excepting the few remedies to which the Tahtars have recourse : 
and these, with the use of a few herbs, consist chiefly, as in all barbarous 
countries, in charms and superstitious practices. 
