We have been the more full upon this subject because the benefits of inoculation cannot be extended to society by any other means than making the practice general. While it is confined to a few, it must prove hurtful to the whole. By means of it the contagion is spread, and is communicated to many who might otherwise never have had the disease. Accordingly it is found that more die of the small-pox now than before inoculation was introduced; and this important discovery, by which alone more lives might be saved than by all the endeavours of the Faculty, is in a great measure lost by its benefits not being extended to the whole community[96]. The spring and autumn have been usually reckoned the most proper seasons for inoculation, on account of the weather being then most temperate; but it ought to be considered that these are generally the most unhealthy seasons of the whole year. Undoubtedly the best preparation for the disease is a previous good state of health. I have always observed that children in particular are more sickly towards the end of spring and autumn than at any other time of the year. On this account, as well as for the advantage of cool air, I would propose winter as the most proper season for inoculation; though, on every other consideration, the spring would seem to be preferable. The most proper age for inoculation is between three and five. Many approve of inoculating on the breast, and where no circumstances forbid this practice, I have no objection to it. Children, however, are more liable to convulsions at this time than afterwards; besides, the anxiety of the mother or nurse, should the child be in danger, would not fail to heighten it by spoiling the milk. Children who have constitutional diseases must nevertheless be inoculated. It will often mend the habit of body; but ought to be performed at a time when they are most healthy. Accidental diseases should always be removed before inoculation. It is generally thought necessary to regulate the diet for some time before the disease be communicated. In children, however, great alteration in diet is seldom necessary, their food being commonly of the most simple and wholesome kind, as milk, water-pap, weak broths, bread, light pudding, mild roots, and white meats. But children who have been accustomed to a hotter diet, who are of a gross habit, or abound with bad humours, ought to be put upon a spare diet before they are inoculated. Their food should be of a light cooling nature, and their drink whey, butter-milk, and such like.