156 
HINTS TO TRAVELLERS. 
especially in tropical climates, are much more exposed to physical ills 
and diseases than most residents at home, and that they are more 
likely to be placed beyond the reach of skilled medical and surgical aid 
when it is most required. It is chiefly for the use of the non-pro¬ 
fessional traveller that the following pages have been written, and with 
this aim in view the symptoms and general treatment of the diseases and 
injuries with which he is most likely to be brought in contact, are dealt 
with in simple, non-technical language. 
It is hoped that these hints will be found acceptable also to medical 
men, both those in charge of expeditions and those who are asked to 
advise what drugs, etc., should be considered as an essential part of any 
traveller's outfit. 
Every traveller should supply himself with f The Shipmaster’s Medical 
and Surgical Help ’ (Griffin & Co.), which appears to be one of the most 
suitable of all medical guides. 
Persons who intend to travel should undergo a thorough medical 
examination, in order to ascertain if they are likely to be able to stand 
the fatigues, exposures and privations to which they will probably be 
subjected. 
Most people of good constitutions and regular temperate habits can, 
with care, maintain a fair state of health in the tropics, and many of those 
who have been by no means strong at home are able with some extra 
caution to do well even in the hottest climates. 
The intending traveller should attend a course of ambulance lectures 
in order to prepare himself for the responsibilities which he will have to 
undertake. As much time as possible should be devoted to discussing 
with some professional friend the uses, correct doses, and proper methods 
of prescribing and combining the drugs which are to be taken on the 
journey, and in becoming familiar with the position of the principal 
bones, vessels and other important structures of the human body. 
A traveller should understand how to use the clinical thermometer, 
how to twist or tie a bleeding vessel, how to use the hypodermic syringe 
and the syphon stomach tube. He should learn how to cleanse a wound, 
and should know the best way in which to set a broken limb. Such 
things are not easily learnt from books, and experience alone will give 
the necessary skill and confidence. Many valuable lives have been saved 
by travellers who have fairly mastered the rudiments of medical and 
