84. A probable Means lately occurred to my Thoughts, tho’ not perfectly to cure, yet much to abate the great Degrees of stinking of the Bilge-water in the Well of Ships, _viz._ by laying at the Bottom of the Bilge-water, round the Main-mast, Copper Pipes full of very small Holes, not one twentieth of an Inch in Diameter; and blowing Showers of Air up thro’ them from small Black-smith’s Bellows, fixed out of the way, within the Well. Such Bellows may be worked with great Ease, for one, two, or three quarters of an Hour, in every 24 Hours, more or less, as shall be found requisite by Experience: But with this Precaution, that whenever the Water stinks much, first to pump it out of the Ship, and after letting in sweet Water, then to ventilate it a little now and then, as shall be found needful; but care must be taken not to ventilate very stinking Water, because it may increase the Unwholsomeness of the foul Air in Ships. By this means Ships will probably be made something less unhealthy; for the putrid Vapours which arise from stinking Water, must needs greatly contribute to increase the Putridness, and consequently the Noxiousness of the foul Air in Ships. This Precaution therefore, with Ventilators frequently to convey off the close foul Air, will be effectual Means to make Ships much more healthy; as will the changing the foul Air in Goals, Hospitals, and sick Rooms, with proper Precautions, make them more wholsome: And it is with pleasure that I observe, that these salutary Means are coming more in use in Hospitals, _&c._ either by means of Ventilators, or by admitting fresh Air in small Quantities, and those spread in thin Sheets, so as not to have the entering Air blow directly on, and incommode the Patients. Where it can be had, a thorough Air entering on one side, and passing out on the other side of Wards or Rooms, will be best; because the Change will be almost constant, and may be as gradual and gentle as we please. I shall give a more particular Account of this in my second Volume of Ventilators.