AS to the _first_: _Fire_ has been almost universally recommended for this Purpose, both by the Ancients and Moderns; who have advised to make frequent and numerous _Fires_ in the Towns infected. This _Precept_, I think, is almost entirely founded upon a Tradition, that _Hippocrates_ put a stop to a _Plague_ in _Greece_ by this means. But it is to be observed, that there is no mention made of any Thing like it in the Works of _Hippocrates_. The best Authority we have for it, is the Testimony of _Galen_, though it is also mentioned by other Authors. _Galen_, recommending _Theriaca_ against the _Pestilence_, has thought fit, it seems, to compare it to _Fire_; and, upon this Conceit, relates, that _Hippocrates_ cured a _Plague_, which came from _Æthiopia_ into _Greece_, by purifying the Air with _Fires_; into which were thrown sweet-scented Herbs, and Flowers, together with Ointments of the finest Flavour. It is remarkable, that among the _Epistles_ ascribed to _Hippocrates_, which, though not genuine, yet are older than _Galen_, there is a _Decree_ said to be made by the _Athenians_ in Honour of this Father of Physicians, which, making mention of the Service he had done his Country in a _Plague_, says only, that he sent his Scholars into several Parts, with proper Instructions to cure the Disease. By which it should seem, that this Story of the _Fires_ was hardly or not at all known at the Time, when these _Letters_ were compiled. And _Soranus_ may yet more confirm us, that it was framed long after the Death of _Hippocrates_: for _Soranus_ only says in general, that _Hippocrates_ foretold the coming of the _Pestilence_, and took care of the Cities of _Greece_; without any mention of having used this particular Expedient. _Plutarch_ indeed speaks of a Practice like this as commonly approved among Physicians, which he makes use of to illustrate a certain Custom of the _Egyptians_: of whom he says, that they _purify_ the Air by the Fumes of _Resin_ and _Myrrh_, as Physicians correct the Foulness, and attenuate the Thickness thereof in Times of _Pestilence_, by _burning Sweet-Woods_, _Juniper_, _Cypress_[86] &c.